Linda, I could tell from the look on your face when you held my guitar that a narrower neck was what you needed! Glad you found one!

Just play a little bit each day, and those calluses will build up in no time. I never found that having my hands in hot water did any harm -- as long as I didn't try to play for an hour or so afterward. You'd find out soon enough why playing with softened hands doesn't work!

Just curious -- Steel or nylon strings on your new axe?

Nancy