Hi:
I've got a soprano uke that I built from a kit a couple of years ago. Problems include:
- it's very quiet (yes, I've tried different strings)
- terrible intonation
- it will barely stay in tune while I try to get through a song
on the upside:
- it looks good!
- it's got decent neck/fingerboard/tuners
I think most/all of the problems are from the cheapo laminate mahogany soundbox, which probably has little if any bracing inside of it. I'm considering hacking off the neck and sticking it onto a large (11" x 9.25" x 3.75") cigar box that I've got. If I do it, I'll probably get a cedar top and some bracing from Hana Lima 'Ai. So, my questions are:
- Is this box too big to go with a soprano neck?
- If I try it, should a shave down the thickness of the box so it's more like the conventional 2"? Or, taper it so it's 2" at the neck, but thicker (how much) at the other end?
Thanks for any advice/opinions!
I've got a soprano uke that I built from a kit a couple of years ago. Problems include:
- it's very quiet (yes, I've tried different strings)
- terrible intonation
- it will barely stay in tune while I try to get through a song
on the upside:
- it looks good!
- it's got decent neck/fingerboard/tuners
I think most/all of the problems are from the cheapo laminate mahogany soundbox, which probably has little if any bracing inside of it. I'm considering hacking off the neck and sticking it onto a large (11" x 9.25" x 3.75") cigar box that I've got. If I do it, I'll probably get a cedar top and some bracing from Hana Lima 'Ai. So, my questions are:
- Is this box too big to go with a soprano neck?
- If I try it, should a shave down the thickness of the box so it's more like the conventional 2"? Or, taper it so it's 2" at the neck, but thicker (how much) at the other end?
Thanks for any advice/opinions!