Here is my fourth build, still in progress. A Stewmac solid koa tenor.
Problems started right when I opened the box. The neck had a terrible twist. Sides did not match. The bent sides did not match the plan. I sent an email to Stewmac.
SM immediately sent a replacement kit, and told me to pick and choose parts from the 2 kits, and return the parts I don't use. So all is good at this point other than the sides which are bent into a shape not matching the plans.
I struggled with the sides, trying to figure out how to make them work with the top and back, without sacrificing too much body volume. It eventually worked out OK, but it is not exactly the body shape shown in the plans. I adjusted the mold so upper bout is narrower than shown in the plan.
This build continues my learning process. I am building skills to eventually build a few fine guitars. This koa ukulele is my first attempt at binding and inlay. It has tortoise binding on top and back, with w/b/w purfling on the top. No binding on neck or headstock.
I made sure the sides are perpendicular to the base of the form when gluing sides to neck and tail blocks:
Using all my clothes pins for kerfing glue-up:
Problems started right when I opened the box. The neck had a terrible twist. Sides did not match. The bent sides did not match the plan. I sent an email to Stewmac.
SM immediately sent a replacement kit, and told me to pick and choose parts from the 2 kits, and return the parts I don't use. So all is good at this point other than the sides which are bent into a shape not matching the plans.
I struggled with the sides, trying to figure out how to make them work with the top and back, without sacrificing too much body volume. It eventually worked out OK, but it is not exactly the body shape shown in the plans. I adjusted the mold so upper bout is narrower than shown in the plan.
This build continues my learning process. I am building skills to eventually build a few fine guitars. This koa ukulele is my first attempt at binding and inlay. It has tortoise binding on top and back, with w/b/w purfling on the top. No binding on neck or headstock.
I made sure the sides are perpendicular to the base of the form when gluing sides to neck and tail blocks:
Using all my clothes pins for kerfing glue-up: