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Baritone Uke with Steel strings for Slide?

Posted by Sollophonic on January 31, 2014 at 6:36am in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

My first real post on here so hello all, and what a great forum

I have the notion to make a resonator baritone uke/tenor guitar, as they are not so common.

My plan is to get a generic baritone uke, make a soundwell and even a neck stick and put a small cone in there.

My question is, I know folk say DONT put steel strings onto a uke as it will lift the bridge off, but I plan on using a tailpiece and dispensing with the bridge. 

My concern is more how the neck holds up as none of the ukes have truss rods. Mind you nor did many of the 1920s or 30s Nationals, or even some early 50s Telecasters

My question is, has anyone on here put steel strings on a low end baritone ukulele, and if so how did the neck behave?

Cheers

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Replies

  • Jantan ux February 2, 2014 at 9:26am

    You should check and look electric guitar ukuleles. This things have steel strings.

    String are light gauge and they have trusrod.

    • Sollophonic > Jantan ux February 2, 2014 at 3:18pm

      There are not many baritone electric ukuleles available though.

      • Jantan ux > Sollophonic February 2, 2014 at 3:27pm

        You can build or let build one for yourself.

        • Sollophonic > Jantan ux February 2, 2014 at 4:37pm

          I suppose that is what I am trying to do.

          Yes, could build a baritone electric but I would have to source/build a neck.

          So I figured I could pick up a cheap-ish acoustic baritone and try some steel strings.

          Even if  I have to use a tailpiece.

          If it doesn't work, I am only down the cost of a cheap bari-uke

          Got one on its way as we speak...;-)

          • Jantan ux > Sollophonic February 3, 2014 at 2:39am

            You can but trussrod on cheap baritone from backside of the neck like some fenders have.

  • the anonymous pick January 31, 2014 at 6:47am

    sure  you  can  put  steel strings  on a  uke  ,

    but ,contrary to popular  belief    ..     you  can slide  on   nylon     very  well  . a rod  piezo  will  amp  it nicely  .


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    • Sollophonic > the anonymous pick February 1, 2014 at 6:27pm

      Well I now have a Bari Uke on its way to me.

      Going to try some light steels strung to a custom tailpiece I have already fabricated.

      If that doesn't affect the neck, well its on with the conversion.

      Thanks for the help folks, I'll post more on here I'm sure

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