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Ukulele measurements

Posted by CecilG on July 30, 2009 at 10:37am
I'm looking into making a CB ukulele and can't seem to find measurements anywhere. I want to make a through the box neck (simple for first one) and need the length. Also, does the programs to set up frets for guitar that I see work for the uke? I have a couple of small boxes and think about 6x9 should work. As you can tell by the questions I'm a little confused as to where to start. Any input is greatly appreciated and welcome. Again thanks

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Replies

  • Wichita Sam July 31, 2009 at 7:26am
    Cecil,

    I just measured a "vintage" uke's. It is 33mm at the nut and 44mm where it joins the body. The is slightly ove 1 1/4" and 1 1/2". That's a little pinched at the body, but lots of room at the nut. The top 3/4's of the neck built on a 1X2 will be freer than a standard uke.

    hope this helps.

    the best,

    Wichita Sam

    CecilG said:
    Thanks everyone for the help. I was going to use the "stick" (1x2) for the neck but it seems that would be too narrow. I'll look into getting something else for the neck.
    Again thanks for the info and I look forward to getting this done.
    Cecil
  • CecilG July 31, 2009 at 6:49am
    Thanks everyone for the help. I was going to use the "stick" (1x2) for the neck but it seems that would be too narrow. I'll look into getting something else for the neck.
    Again thanks for the info and I look forward to getting this done.
    Cecil
  • Wichita Sam July 30, 2009 at 11:52pm
    use the stewmac fret calculator http://www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator it has ukulele as a choice...
  • Mark Werner July 30, 2009 at 8:40pm
    The one I built is a "tenor" size with the 13 5/8 scale length. If you use nylon strings, there isn't that much tension on the neck; I used a bolt-on neck held in place with a couple of those screws you use to hold plant hangers to the ceiling.
    Worked fine.

    Uke necks tend to be rather wider than your typical piece of 2-by lumber; I sawed the shape out of a 1X4.
  • CecilG July 30, 2009 at 5:32pm
    Thanks Paul,
    That plan looks good. I think I have decided that I want to do a soprano. As i said earlier, I don't know anything about this and need all the info I can get. I've also got to order some fret wire too. I think I have everything else.
    Thanks

    Paul Doug said:
    These are the plans I followed, gives scale length for different size Ukuleles. I wouldn't get hung up on doing through the box building. This method is pretty easy. On my first one I just epoxied the nect to the box and than a couple screws from inside the box to the neck. I did reinforce the box a little at the neck side.

    http://www.carolinafiddle.com/images/pdf%20files/How%20to%20Make%20...
  • Paul Doug July 30, 2009 at 1:19pm
    These are the plans I followed, gives scale length for different size Ukuleles. I wouldn't get hung up on doing through the box building. This method is pretty easy. On my first one I just epoxied the nect to the box and than a couple screws from inside the box to the neck. I did reinforce the box a little at the neck side.

    http://www.carolinafiddle.com/images/pdf%20files/How%20to%20Make%20...
  • CecilG July 30, 2009 at 11:40am
    Thanks for getting back. This is new to me as I don't play one. I thought it would be great to build and see if it is something i could learn. So, I'm not sure how to answer. Is a concert much larger than the soprano?
    Thanks again

    tinyguitars said:
    Cecil, what scale uke are you lookin to build? soprano 14", concert 15", tenor 17" or baritone 20"?
    All these are rough estimates and actual scale length vary a bit.
    As a general rule, figure your scale + about 8 inches for headstock and tail, (if you're goin to carry the stick out through the end of the box), 5-6 inches if you're going to end the neck inside the box. Let me know what scale and I can get you the fret positions. Good luck and God bless! :)
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