New Member / Old Question

T

Taylorplayer

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2013
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Hello to all:

I am happy to have found this forum. I recently built a tele (body from scratch - bought the neck) and did all the work myself. For my next challenge, I'd like to build a uke. I would appreciate advice on a good book / video to use.

My apologies for asking what is likely an "old question" around here by now. But, I do believe in asking those that have already done what I'm interested in doing myself. Who better to ask? So - any / all info would be much appreciated!

thanks,
Will
 
You will be advised that the Hana Lima book is great... don't bother. You will find everything you need on YouTube - my vids, DaveG and a whole host of others desperate for thei 15 minutes of fame. No book can tell it like a moving image can :)
 
As much as I respect Pete's opinion and have learned from his (and others') videos, I personally like to also have a hard copy reference on hand in the shop (or on the couch). The Hana Lima book is great and there are also other well-done books. For what it's worth, I find learning from multiple "channels" to be most beneficial. By the time you synthesize what you have learned in this forum, in print and via video, you will be well on your way. Best of luck.
 
If you are not in a hurry I suggest following this forum for a month or so, you will see lots of problems solved and questions answered. And see a variety of approaches to uke building.
 
Thanks folks - I appreciate the replies thus far - please keep them coming!
 
Pete Howlett said:
You will be advised that the Hana Lima book is great... don't bother. You will find everything you need on YouTube - my vids, DaveG and a whole host of others desperate for thei 15 minutes of fame. No book can tell it like a moving image can :)
Click to expand...

+1 on Pete H.'s comments. Not beats a video to learn techniques from, and Pete's are among the best. If you need some reading material visit Dave G's website - Waverly Street Ukuleles. And he has some nice inexpensive plans that are well worth the $ for reference. And Chuck Moore has documented his processes well with nice photos so you can see the tools he uses for each step.

http://wsukes.com
http://moorebettahukes.com
http://YouTube.com search for Howlett ukuleles.
 
Last edited:
Hi Will,
I'm new myself, so I'm totally in line with your desires. I've made a couple of thin line Teles using MIM necks, too. Here's a link to one of my Tele builds if you're interested:

http://www.angelfire.com/music2/construct/page1E.html

While there is a lot of info on the web it's difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. I ordered the Hana Lima booklet and plan because I knew it will at least provide me with detailed and accurate information. The plan is well done, and the companion book is informative, although it's geared to be a guide while working in the Hana Lima shop.
Nothing wrong with spending a few bucks and putting support where it is deserved.

Branch out after getting a build under your belt, but start with a good foundation to progress upon.

I've been working my way back through the pages here, I've knocked off 55 so far. Formulate questions and use the search engine, too. Use this customized Google search that one of the members here turned me on to:

http://www.google.co.uk/cse/m?cx=006086160372685481724:y43bmh-bwgc&cref=&theme=ESPRESSO

Lots of YouTube stuff, don't miss any of Pete Howlett's stuff, and go through the entire "Year with Mya-Moe" from Gordon, keep a drool cloth handy and visit Moore Bettah Ukes! More I'm forgeting, but a lot of great stuff!
 
Last edited:
I agreee with all of the advice that you've gotten here, but will only add this. BUILD! I built my first uke after watching hours of Pete and Dave G.'s videos. No doubt that those were hours well spent. But in the end, I found that I had to just go into the shop and start building. If I waited until I felt that I knew enough or had seen enough or had learned enough or had enough tools to do it "right" I never would have taken that first step. So...build, make mistakes, watch Pete's video for the 43rd time to see where you went wrong or watch Dave G.'s video for the 23rd time to see the subtle process that you didn't notice the first 22 times. Be inspired by Timbuck's jig or just soak in the beauty of Chuck's work. Take a listen to Pondoro's latest creation or spend a few hours sifting through Sven's site to see how processes evolve over time. Inspiration can be found in any of these ways and in the multitude of other builder's who share their knowledge on this site. But then....go into the shop...and BUILD. Then...build again.
 
Not being desperate for my 15 minutes, but if you want you could check out my blog. I have documented my builds in a sort of diary form from the first ones. I started with the Hana Lima book, which I liked. Address to my blog is www.argapa.blogspot.com. Good luck, and don't overbuild them! (That said, I did go too thin on a few.)
 
Sorry I forgot to list you Sven. I love your kitchen table approach. Have you seen the videos of Boaz Elkyam? Apart from the fact you are better looking, your approach reminds me of him. Wood is going to be shipped tomorrow:)
 
rudy said:
Hi Will,
I'm new myself, so I'm totally in line with your desires. I've made a couple of thin line Teles using MIM necks, too. Here's a link to one of my Tele builds if you're interested:

http://www.angelfire.com/music2/construct/page1E.html

While there is a lot of info on the web it's difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. I ordered the Hana Lima booklet and plan because I knew it will at least provide me with detailed and accurate information. The plan is well done, and the companion book is informative, although it's geared to be a guide while working in the Hana Lima shop.
Nothing wrong with spending a few bucks and putting support where it is deserved.

Branch out after getting a build under your belt, but start with a good foundation to progress upon.

I've been working my way back through the pages here, I've knocked off 55 so far. Formulate questions and use the search engine, too. Use this customized Google search that one of the members here turned me on to:

http://www.google.co.uk/cse/m?cx=006086160372685481724:y43bmh-bwgc&cref=&theme=ESPRESSO

Lots of YouTube stuff, don't miss any of Pete Howlett's stuff, and go through the entire "Year with Mya-Moe" from Gordon, keep a drool cloth handy and visit Moore Bettah Ukes! More I'm forgeting, but a lot of great stuff!
Click to expand...

Hey Rudy!

Thanks for all the great info. Here's a link to the tele project I recently finished.

Thanks again -
Will

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/387638-bencaster-finished-many-pics.html
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

JDP
Old New Member
Replies
16
Views
387
JDP
JDP
craigbrandau
New - Old Member
Replies
17
Views
537
warndt
W
oldjazznut
Old member, last posted in 2013 !
2
Replies
21
Views
806
oldjazznut
oldjazznut
B
Old Player, new member
Replies
6
Views
317
Kenn2018
Kenn2018
M
Old man/new member
Replies
7
Views
337
malarz
M
Top Bottom