greenscoe
Well-known member
As a hobby maker, I like to vary what I make: I’ve no interest in making the same thing until I get it perfect. I’ve been thinking about making a tear drop shaped uke and this is the result, my first concert sized instrument.
The box is made from wood from a Victorian chest of drawers. The back and sides are clearly mahogany. The soundboard came from a drawer side. This may be a different (plainer/cheaper) type of mahogany but I think it’s another unknown species: it’s not very hard and is straight grained with an open structure.
The one piece neck/head (with built-up heel) is from new sapele with a eucalyptus veneer. The neck is joined with a tapered dovetail. The box shape seemed to demand a reverse head. It’s finished in True Oil without pore filling.
There are clearly more elegant alternatives for the heel/cap/ back binding: I was too impatient to modify/improve this.
I’m content with the finished appearance and really pleased with the way it sounds (Living Waters strings). It’s as loud as any tenor uke I’ve ever made. There’s lots of sustain and I like the tone (comparable with my favourite tenor). Perhaps I should make a few similar instruments?
The box is made from wood from a Victorian chest of drawers. The back and sides are clearly mahogany. The soundboard came from a drawer side. This may be a different (plainer/cheaper) type of mahogany but I think it’s another unknown species: it’s not very hard and is straight grained with an open structure.
The one piece neck/head (with built-up heel) is from new sapele with a eucalyptus veneer. The neck is joined with a tapered dovetail. The box shape seemed to demand a reverse head. It’s finished in True Oil without pore filling.
There are clearly more elegant alternatives for the heel/cap/ back binding: I was too impatient to modify/improve this.
I’m content with the finished appearance and really pleased with the way it sounds (Living Waters strings). It’s as loud as any tenor uke I’ve ever made. There’s lots of sustain and I like the tone (comparable with my favourite tenor). Perhaps I should make a few similar instruments?