Building a Kinnard Concert Ukulele

cigarfan · Apr 6, 2014

Been playing the uke now for just over a year during which time I have been able to sample four sizes (soprano, concert, tenor and baritone) and have acquired at least one of each. There is one that stands out as best to my ears (timbre and tone) and that is my John S. Kinnard Series 3 Tenor built last fall. I have to say the build is exquisite as well and the attention to detail is beyond compare. That sounds like a sales pitch but I have no other affiliation with KinnardUkes.com other than I purchased this uke and I love it.

I have commissioned another build with John. This time a Series 3 Concert. I plan to share the build with you guys. I sure hope you enjoy the journey as much as I will.

Sequoia Redwood top
Cocobolo back and sides
Mahogany neck
Abalone and radial Cocobolo rosette
Flamed Maple binding (body/neck/headstock)
Abalone purfling (top/back/headstock/backstrip)
Striped Rosewood fretboard, bridge and headplate
13 frets to the body
Paddle Headstock with All Black Gotoh UPT tuners

The tonewoods

John routing the channel for the rosette

cigarfan · Apr 6, 2014

The rosette is a ring of radial Cocobolo in the center bounded by a ring of abalone on either side.

Vespa Bob · Apr 6, 2014

Thanks for posting the pictures. Nothing like seeing an expert at work! Look forward to seeing how your ukulele progresses.

Cheers,

Bob

Telperion · Apr 12, 2014

Damn, Dennis, I'm jealous! That's an excellent choice of woods, and I look forward to seeing your build updates.

-Steve

cigarfan · Apr 12, 2014

Appreciate your comments Bob & Steve. Got some new pics I'll post today.

cigarfan · Apr 12, 2014

I'll tell ya, once these things get going John achieves lightning speed. This week he finished the rosette and braced the top and back. He also bent the sides and is prepping to add the sides to the mold and attach the top and back.

Enjoy!

The rosette. Radial cocobolo at the center.

cigarfan · Apr 12, 2014

Positioning the braces

Braces are glued in and ready for final shaping with a chisel

cigarfan · Apr 12, 2014

Sides bent and ready to place in the mold

BlueLatitude · Apr 12, 2014

It's all interesting but wow, that's a lovely rosette.

janthony1 · Apr 12, 2014

Yeah, that rosette is stunning. Going to be a beautiful build Dennis. Can't wait to see the next set of pictures.

cigarfan · Apr 18, 2014

Couldn't agree more guys. John did a phenomenal job on the the rosette.

Kevin emailed me last week with a question. The tailstrip is to be flamed maple to mitre into the binding. He said John wanted to add a strip of abalone down the center of the tailstrip. Said it would tie things in. John knows I am a fan of abalone so I thought the question was rather humorous. Of course I said yes!

The body is sealed up. Next is the binding/purfling.

Enjoy!

The tailstrip with abalone at the center.

Boxed up and ready for binding.

cigarfan · Apr 18, 2014

mkatz · Apr 18, 2014

That is stunning Dennis!

Mitch

cigarfan · Apr 24, 2014

Thanks Mitch. John is working some more magic.

Really not much to see in this weeks pics. As Kevin says, it's a mummy. But in the tiny openings I like what I see. The contrast of the maple with the redwood/coco looks awesome. Can't wait til the doctor removes the bandages.

mm stan · Apr 24, 2014

wow looks amazing Dennis...

cigarfan · Apr 29, 2014

Well thank ya Stan! And it just keeps getting better!

No shortage of fun stuff to look at this week. The flamed Maple binding and abalone purfling on the body are installed. The look is just what I was hoping for!

John then moved to the faceplate installing the purfling first followed up by the binding. Once cut and glued into the slots both will be sanded smooth and prepared for finish.

I told Kevin I have achieved the position on the edge of my seat. The wood looks so nice in it's natural state. Under finish this uke is going to be amazing. And wait till you see the fretboard. Oh my!

cigarfan · Apr 29, 2014

cigarfan · Apr 29, 2014

cigarfan · Apr 29, 2014

Ukejenny · Apr 29, 2014

Dad.burn. These photos are amazing. It is gorgeous. Gorgeous.

Building a Kinnard Concert Ukulele

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