I've built a number of classical guitars, so I am familiar with the Spanish foot technique, and actually like it. It is a very direct way of crafting a guitar, and now, for me, a ukulele. And I have the Hana Lima 'Ia book - the best of the ones I've seen so far (Plant - not well organized, skips a lot of steps. Gilbert - very dated, technically somewhat crude). Many of the separate neck/body techniques I have seen on the web and in books leave me shaking my head. Using a small spline (Gilbert) or epoxy (Plant) give me the shivers. These techniques must have negative effect on the sustain and overall tone of the ukulele. I would think some version of a mortise and tenon, bolt on neck joint would be a far more superior fastening if you don't want to do a Spanish foot. Even the use of a hanger bolt into the neck heel, with a machine-thread nut on the inside of the neck block would be a major improvement (a joint used in many resonator guitars). And, of course, there is the old, tried and true dovetail joint. The dovetail takes a lot more work and skill, but it provides an excellent junction between the neck and body. For a start, at least, I will build my first few ukuleles using the Spanish-style of construction. With one change - I did add a mold to the building platform, so the sides will have that extra support while being fitted to the top and neck.