Throwing out an idea here: Soon now I will be offering a carbon fiber hybrid uke. The body/neck is vacuum formed from textured ABS, the top is hand laid vacuum bagged carbon fiber with -- perhaps -- simplified V bracing (jury still out on the bracing), custom laminated fingerboard/headstock veneer, etc.
So, in the category of ukes should be FUN in addition to well made and offering great sound, I've discovered hydro-dipping graphics. To simplify, a graphic is printed on a special film, that film is sprayed with an activator, then floated on water, then sprayed with a second formula. The part (in this case the carbon fiber top plate) is then dipped. The ink adheres to the carbon fiber and the binder film dissolved. Once dry, it's clear coated with a super tough two part finish.
The result is that you could have a uke with virtually any graphic in full color on the soundboard. I have a graphic design background, so I could convert/optimize anything anyone sent me as a digital file, from a photograph to your favorite cartoon character.
Dumb idea? Great idea? Thoughts?
So, in the category of ukes should be FUN in addition to well made and offering great sound, I've discovered hydro-dipping graphics. To simplify, a graphic is printed on a special film, that film is sprayed with an activator, then floated on water, then sprayed with a second formula. The part (in this case the carbon fiber top plate) is then dipped. The ink adheres to the carbon fiber and the binder film dissolved. Once dry, it's clear coated with a super tough two part finish.
The result is that you could have a uke with virtually any graphic in full color on the soundboard. I have a graphic design background, so I could convert/optimize anything anyone sent me as a digital file, from a photograph to your favorite cartoon character.
Dumb idea? Great idea? Thoughts?