Pretty easy to assemble. No instructions come with it, but there are some brief instructions on the product page. Easy enough to figure it out without. I was surprised by the higher pitch it has compared to some other cigar box guitars I own. Mostly due to the thinner-gauge strings. I settled on DAD tuning and simply fell in love with the sound. I love these boxes as they are just one letter off from my name. Great neck and fretboard, and an interesting way of attaching the neck to the box as well. Bone nut and bridge help give it great sustain. Worth every penny!