A/V custom audio vu meter

[computron]

i want to build a custom led vu meter. I want it to be very bright. Would the super bright led work that's on ebay? I never built a circuit with chips, resistors and capacitors. I am confident i could do it if i have the parts and a diagram. I bought the lm3915 microchip and holder so far. The leds will not be attach to a small board. Each led will have a 4-6" lead away from the board.