Formula 1 concept ukulele

thehappyukulele

thehappyukulele

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A concept ukulele. Semi-hollow, thin-body, fat-bottom, flat-top, electric tenor in padauk and curly maple. Body is just 2 inches at its thickest point. Sides and back were carved from a single piece of wood so the waist is very tight. Entire body is rounded on the back so it is extraordinarily comfortable to hold against you. K&K Sound passive pickup.

F1_01.jpgF1_02.jpgF1_02a.jpgF1_02b.jpgF1_03.jpg
 
Too cool!!!
 
It is beautiful... but what does it sound like, played acoustic?



-Kurt​
 
Howzit Dave? Good to see you posting. I like the design . . . how does it sound acoustically or is it specifically made to be amplified?
 
Thanks Kurt. I'm trying to get a recording of it. Unfortunately I'm a rank beginner player but I'm trying to get a decent recording of it soon. It's surprisingly loud and has very good sustain even though it is less than 2 inches deep.
 
Hey good! How you? I just got back from Maui last week. Enjoyed the warm winter winds. As I mentioned to Kurt above, I'm trying to get a good recording. This one has great tone and surprising volume for such a thin body. I'll post a sound clip when I can.

Dave
 
I've built a couple of archtops with a one-piece back and sides myself. I love the technique because you can do so much with the back

tonewood said:
That is really cool. Love the contours of the back. I new of an archtop builder that use to make his body sides the same way. Carved out of a chunk of mohagany. Nice job.
Click to expand...
 
I would think a one piece carved out back and side makeup would have to have a very well cured piece to start with, to avoid as much as possible cracks showing up later. But i guess that's important in every build anyway,......just seems even more so here. Too high a moisture content and you're in trouble. A thick piece of wood in starting means a LONG curing time if not kiln dried.

For sure a savings on side bending equipement, body forms while assembling, etc.

.....and it does look mighty comfortable to hold!

I've always liked the way the old bowl backed mandolins were put together, and wondered when someone was going to put together a ukulele with sides assembled from alternating lighter and darker rosewood strips held together by being glued to the liner. (solid liner possibly,....not kerfed for added support?) Maybe someday???

cheers,
Joe T
 
Last edited:
The thing about old bowl back mandolins is that they are not put together very well. The majority of them have very small neck blocks which make them easy to come apart, plus the pressure from the strings brings the neck up over time making them impossible to play and repair. Also, the side strips usually dry at different rates because they are different woods and age breaks them apart, a real nightmare to repair. That is a good reason not to repeat this design. Not to mention a deep bodied uke like that would sound wolfy and muddy with nylon strings. The thought of a uke like this makes me shutter.
 
BlackBearUkes said:
to mention a deep bodied uke like that would sound wolfy and muddy with nylon strings. The thought of a uke like this makes me shutter.
Click to expand...

Wouldn't it be similar in shape to a pineapple uke?
Also, what about simulating the lined effect with inlay? Say a solid mahogany body with alternating maple (or similar light wood) strips?
 
I've built four of these so far and the oldest is only a year old so I may not know about cracking problems for some time.

As for saving on bending equipment and forms, it does do that, but they take a long time to make so I don't know if it's a winning proposition.

As for comfort...they are a dream to hold! No sharp corners, very thin body, comforting weight (my personal preference).

DAve



joejeweler said:
I would think a one piece carved out back and side makeup would have to have a very well cured piece to start with, to avoid as much as possible cracks showing up later. But i guess that's important in every build anyway,......just seems even more so here. Too high a moisture content and you're in trouble. A thick piece of wood in starting means a LONG curing time if not kiln dried.

For sure a savings on side bending equipement, body forms while assembling, etc.

.....and it does look mighty comfortable to hold!

I've always liked the way the old bowl backed mandolins were put together, and wondered when someone was going to put together a ukulele with sides assembled from alternating lighter and darker rosewood strips held together by being glued to the liner. (solid liner possibly,....not kerfed for added support?) Maybe someday???

cheers,
Joe T
Click to expand...
 
i like it! I have a monkey pod tray that is shaped like a peanut uke that Ive thought for a while would make a great instrument. would love to hear the sound of this.
 
Another really gorgeous creation, Dave!
I love the variety in your work.
The Milk Paint designs on some of your keystone tenors is so cool! Maybe you could do one featuring "See Rock City" from the billboards (and barn roofs) in the Southern U.S.???
 
BlackBearUkes said:
The thing about old bowl back mandolins is that they are not put together very well. The majority of them have very small neck blocks which make them easy to come apart, plus the pressure from the strings brings the neck up over time making them impossible to play and repair. Also, the side strips usually dry at different rates because they are different woods and age breaks them apart, a real nightmare to repair. That is a good reason not to repeat this design. Not to mention a deep bodied uke like that would sound wolfy and muddy with nylon strings. The thought of a uke like this makes me shutter.
Click to expand...

Check out Brian Dean for a successful modern day bowl back design. A true craftsman. http://www.labraid.ca/ The grand concert is a true work of art.
 
Ha Ha my Dad has a monkey pod bowl I've been eyeing too! Kind of a weird shape, but that's never stopped me in the past.

wolfybau said:
i like it! I have a monkey pod tray that is shaped like a peanut uke that Ive thought for a while would make a great instrument. would love to hear the sound of this.
Click to expand...
 
+1 on Brian Dean. I own one of his Lyon & Healy inspired mandolins. IMO, Brian is one of the best builders in the fretted string instruments world right now. He has a remarkable ability to combine off-the-charts aesthetics with amazing tone and playability.
 
Hey thanks so much. I love the barn roof look and milk paint is perfect for it. I'm working on a milk paint tenor called "Matanuska" right now that has a native American-look painting. I just need to finish the moonface. I'm going to let the grain of the wood show through the face.

Moon face.jpg

gokidd said:
Another really gorgeous creation, Dave!
I love the variety in your work.
The Milk Paint designs on some of your keystone tenors is so cool! Maybe you could do one featuring "See Rock City" from the billboards (and barn roofs) in the Southern U.S.???
Click to expand...
 
Very interesting. I like how you fit the heel cap onto the body. Can't wait for the sound clip
 
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