Oscar Schmidt Conversion

Dr.Ukenstein · Oct 30, 2019

So, my wife is gone to Miami. I got a couple hours to clutter the kitchen table. The Oscar Schmidt OGQS mini-six string guitar arrived yesterday. In this pic, he is laid out ready for conversion to a 5 steel string bari-tenor uke. Here he is on the table stripped and ready to be operated upon.

Dr.Ukenstein · Oct 30, 2019

As cluttered as the table is, I only needed a portable drill, a set of needle files ($4 at Harbor Freight), and a coping saw to make this conversion. During the process, I discovered that the tuner nuts were loose so they got tightened with a small wrench. I strung it with the 5 highest pitch strings from an Ernie Ball Super Slinky set. The low E was left over. In another hour my wife will arrive.

Dr.Ukenstein · Oct 30, 2019

With a half hour to spare, Miss Oscar is now a ukulele tuned to DGCEA (not re-entrant). Conversion is complete. She sings a sweet alto. And, the table is clear. Time for a beer.

Kenn2018 · Oct 30, 2019

A man on a mission. Oh, and you converted a guitar to a ukulele. Congratulations on success with both! :cheers:

keenonuke · Oct 30, 2019

Great job. And next we need to hear her sing on video

Jerryc41 · Oct 30, 2019

Nice conversion.

Wiggy · Oct 30, 2019

I enjoy playing a GoldTone Banjola, as I love the sound of the banjo-like 5th drone string. The drone gets re-tuned as necessary for different keys.

This looks like something I would want to try. Did you just leave one string position empty at the bridge and nut - if so, which one?

More close up pics of the bridge and nut would help.

Thanks!
Wiggy

Dr.Ukenstein · Oct 30, 2019

First, Keeno. Yes, but if she sings, I sing, too. That is the deal with with our uke group. Only, the ubass player is exempt. It may be awhile as I have committed to do the audio/video from my kayak.

Dr.Ukenstein · Oct 30, 2019

Now, Wiggy. This pic of the nut is fuzzy but the best of the batch. I kept the 2 outside string places. Cut a notch in the middle just a fraction to the high side becase of string thickness. The two string cuts on either side had to be very careful because of proximity to the existing notches. The thinnest needle file was used to start the cut. A very thin coping saw took it down and the needle file finished it. Yes, in addition to walk in notes that are not available on a 4 string uke, the D string can be tuned up or down which really works well for rock-a-billy stuff in the key of E. On to the bridge...

Dr.Ukenstein · Oct 30, 2019

Another fuzzy pic. I drilled 3 new holes for string pegs. The G and E are a hair out of perfect placement but it plays fine and the bridge intonation is very good according to the 12th fret harmonics. On the next string change, I will gently notch the bridge and plug the 4 open holes. This is a really fun and versatile instrument. Thank You all for your comments.

Wiggy · Oct 31, 2019

Thanks for the method notes and pics as they "clear" it all up (pun intended)!

I work quite slowly, so this will be a good winter weather project.

-Wiggy

Oscar Schmidt Conversion

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