Paul, I started out making ukes,( not very good ones and only a handful). Now that I am making them again, I can tell you, don't take any guff from anyone about building ukes. Good ones are very difficult to build, they need to be built so lightly. The archtop uke is an interesting project, I am looking to duplicate the same qualities of other carved top instruments, such as loud initial volume with short sustain. We will see how it goes. You are more than welcome to visit if you are in the area. Best to e-mail to make sure I'll be around. Address is donaldson_ b@earthlink.net and cell phone is 206 369 0953.
Brad