some pics of my build

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pnj

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I'm building the StewMac kit. Here are some pics..

headstock.jpg

hand cut inlay.

soundHolePurfling.jpg

sound hole. little crooked but oh well.
 
very cool. This site just might elevate my UAS to UBS(ukulele building syndrome) Uh oh :D
 
How much skill level is involved with building a uke? Do you need to have some luthier-like experience or is it more like just assembling a kit? I'm thinking about giving one of these kits a try.
 
thanks.

The kit I'm building requires a little bit of ability but not much. I did the inlay just so it was a bit custom. I'm weird like that.

there are multiple kits out there.

http://www.hanalimastore.com/servlet/Detail?no=65
this kit is very simple. glue some parts on, finish it and you're done.

http://www.hanalimastore.com/servlet/Detail?no=86
this is the kit I'm building. it requires a bit more work but nothing too difficult.
here is a link to a step by step of the kit I'm doing.
http://www.carrotcreek.com/ukulele/ukulele_draft.htm

http://www.hanalimastore.com/servlet/Detail?no=91
this kit requires ALOT more work.:D
 
pnj said:
thanks.

The kit I'm building requires a little bit of ability but not much. I did the inlay just so it was a bit custom. I'm weird like that.

there are multiple kits out there.

http://www.hanalimastore.com/servlet/Detail?no=65
this kit is very simple. glue some parts on, finish it and you're done.

http://www.hanalimastore.com/servlet/Detail?no=86
this is the kit I'm building. it requires a bit more work but nothing too difficult.
here is a link to a step by step of the kit I'm doing.
http://www.carrotcreek.com/ukulele/ukulele_draft.htm

http://www.hanalimastore.com/servlet/Detail?no=91
this kit requires ALOT more work.:D
Click to expand...

i actually plan on getting the 3rd one but im afraid that im gonna mess up. the thing is though, i wanna get the full building experience (i guess :p) and i dont really want to go through other kits just to feel more at ease for something like the last kit. it would probably be a better idea to do that but money is always an issue. can't wait for the finished product :D
 
the more work required by the kit, the more tools you need. that's really the only difference. You need to build some jigs to bend the side and side bending takes some experience to get it right. You need to cut the sound hole and this requires some tools. You need to glue and shape the neck, drill the holes (in the correct place) for the tuning pegs, etc.

It can surely be done, just know what your getting into before you buy the wood is what I'm saying..

Someone on another site suggested Seahorse Ukulele Company, Seattle as a name for mine. the acronym would be S.U.C.S. :) ahaha
 
redsedge said:
pnj said:
the more work required by the kit, the more tools you need. that's really the only difference. QUOTE]

And the less work required by the kit, the more expensive the kit:)
Click to expand...


the less expensive kits have less expensive parts....like plywood, vs. solid wood. which is kinda funny cause plywood cost more to make then raw lumber.. :)
Click to expand...
 
pnj said:
the more work required by the kit, the more tools you need. that's really the only difference. You need to build some jigs to bend the side and side bending takes some experience to get it right. You need to cut the sound hole and this requires some tools. You need to glue and shape the neck, drill the holes (in the correct place) for the tuning pegs, etc.

It can surely be done, just know what your getting into before you buy the wood is what I'm saying..

Someone on another site suggested Seahorse Ukulele Company, Seattle as a name for mine. the acronym would be S.U.C.S. :) ahaha
Click to expand...

ya, i'm aware of the work and effort you would have to put in the other kits. but i guess there's pros and cons to both. if i had the money, i would really start off with one of the pre-built soprano body kits and then get a "from scratch" tenor kit. but i know i won't be getting either one any time soon. and i like the acronym, haha.
 
i was thinking of making a cigar box Ukulele, anybody know where i can order parts instead of a full kit?
 
I don't know where you can buy just a neck without the rest of the kit. You could buy one of the 30 dollar kits and just use the neck, but the fretboard on them is of a lesser quality.

Or you can make a neck yourself. Google 'how to make a ukulele' and you'll see some pretty good ideas for ukes. I saw one that used a mint tin for a body and one that used a plastic container for a body.

I got mine strung up lastnight. I had trouble getting it into tune though. I think the strings are still stretching a bit. But I was able to strum it and make some noise. :D

I'll have to take the strings/tuners off again to seal the wood but I had to see what it sounded like. :)
 
ok cool, maybe i will look into a 30 dollar kit, i am not looking for something to play all the time, just a fun project with a fun outcome

thanks
 
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