This build was a double-first. My first ukulele and my first build with a real cigar box. I usually build my boxes from scratch. My deepest respect to those of you who build with them exclusively. They're kinda cranky things :-)
Anyway, nothing too spectacular here - pretty basic instrument. However, there are a few things I'm pretty pleased with.
First, the neck is maple and my first time working with it. I like it and will definitely use it again. Not only is it pretty, it's dense and tight-grained... and a bear to sand smooth.
Second, I built my own "nut" and bridge lamination out of a hard plastic domino. It works great. Machines a lot like bone with a very fine powder during sanding. Lots of control over the finished look and, to my ears, none of that typical cheapie plastic sound.
Third, I used flourocarbon fishing line (leader) for strings. 20, 30 and 40 lb. rated. Works great and sounds like real nylon guitar strings. Might be even stronger. Of course, tuning hasn't stabilized yet, but looking forward to using this again.
Not 100% sure about the floating bridge. I really like the sound and flexibility during setup. Just not certain how it will hold up over time on such a small instrument (manhandling and such) but this is how I make all my CBG bridges. We'll see.
No build pix, but some of the finished project.
Happy Uketober!
Replies
very nicely done. good idea with the domino nut.
What scale length? is this a tenor uke?