Ok well first thing is to get a box. I didnt know where to begin but then remembered about a cigar store near my parents area in Toronto. I went in one day and inquired about empty cigarboxs and he sold me 3 for $6. Not a bad deal. I picked 3 different sizes and eventually picked one for my 1st build. Since I play the Charango which is tuned GG,CC,Ee,AA,EE I naturally decided to build a Cigar Box Ukulele aka CBU. Once i got my desired box size i began to go assemble the materials from my own collection and then to the home depot to get remaining hardware and tools needed to complete this build. I ended up going back and fourth from the Home Depot cause I was learning as I went and figuring out what tools i would need as it came along in the build.

I wanted to make a Tenor Ukulele as the Soprano is too small for me. The tenor is around the same size as my Charango so again i decided it would be a natural fit and easy transition from two lute instruments.

My desired dimensions are

26" Length

17" Scale Length

18 Frets

1-3/4" Soundhole

I purchased a piece of Pine 1x3x4' and cut to the desired length. I baught that size because I wanted to get a tapered look to my neck...I carved the neck with a blade and chisel. The fretboard is made of poplar and I scarfed the headstock. The nut and saddle are made of bone and the bridge is custom made of poplar. the tuners are from C.B.Gitty and are open gear economy tuners. I stained the neck and finished it with semi-gloss clear with 3 coats. I drew in a Taurus symbol on the headstock. and signed the inside with my signature. I didnt build a through neck because I didnt want a tailpiece so i screwed on the neck with a neck plate on the inside of the box.

It sounds great  and im very impressed with my first build. The neck is oversized but I dont mind that I cant wait to install a piezo into it b/c the extra space on the fretboard will end up hoping too sound really good.

Loco