Bell Uke Uke Case Finished

[Jerryc41]

I thought I'd make a case in the shape of my Ohana Bell Uke. Easier said than done. With so many curves, every step of the way was a challenge, even the interior. Because of the shape, hinges won't work, so I'm using four hasps to keep the lid in place. I'm going to make the interior a bit neater, and I ordered rubber bumpers for the bottom. My next case is going to be a simple rectangle.

 

[rhiggie]

I thought I'd make a case in the shape of my Ohana Bell Uke. Easier said than done. With so many curves, every step of the way was a challenge, even the interior. Because of the shape, hinges won't work, so I'm using four hasps to keep the lid in place. I'm going to make the interior a bit neater, and I ordered rubber bumpers for the bottom. My next case is going to be a simple rectangle.

View attachment 141898

View attachment 141899

Wow, great job! Looks professional...

 

[Joe T]

Challenge is an understatement, Jerry. You did a fantastic job, outside and inside. It really did come out nice. Appreciate you letting us see it. I'm impressed.

 

[badhabits]

109 more to go?

 

[BigJackBrass]

Excellent work, really doesn’t look like a first go at making that shape. I particularly like the Elmer the Patchwork Elephant interior.

 

[rainbow21]

That is crazy impressive!

 

[pmorey]

Looks great, well done!

 

[clear]

Wow! it looks great.

 

[CPG]

Very cool Jerry!

 

[Graham Greenbag]

Great work Jerry, well done, respect .

 

[uke51]

Building a case is not an easy task, especially in an unusual shape (like yours)!!
The case looks awesome !! I especially like the lining.
Great job!

 

[frets alot]

Nice job on the case, and I love that uke!

 

[Jerryc41]

Thanks for the compliments. Like everything else, it was a challenge and a learning experience. My next case is going to be a simple rectangle.

 

[Jerryc41]

Nice job on the case, and I love that uke!

For an inexpensive uke, it sounds surprisingly nice.

 

[Junie Moon]

Impressive! How did you do it? Is it cardboard wrapped in cloth? I started a case a while ago, but got stuck dealing with the curvy lining/padding. I used these instructions. https://www.instructables.com/a-cardboard-ukulele-case/

One day I'll figure it out. https://photos.app.goo.gl/e2gAzxpsfuKCt4Tg7

 

[vcs700s]

Great job Jerry!

 

[bacchettadavid]

That is a beautiful case, Jerry, and a compliment to your talents.

People often ask, “Is that a violin?” whenever I carry one of my ukes around. I’d be curious to know what the general public thinks when it sees your case!

 

[Kenn2018]

Awesome case Jerry. Love the interior. Super tweed looking exterior. The hardware and handle are the perfect touches.

 

[Jerryc41]

Impressive! How did you do it? Is it cardboard wrapped in cloth? I started a case a while ago, but got stuck dealing with the curvy lining/padding. I used these instructions. https://www.instructables.com/a-cardboard-ukulele-case/

One day I'll figure it out. https://photos.app.goo.gl/e2gAzxpsfuKCt4Tg7

The sides are a double layer of "hobby wood" from Amazon, 12" x 12" x 1.5mm. I cut it to the height I wanted with the grain vertical. After gluing one layer in place, I added another layer to the inside. The top and bottom are 1/8" plywood, covered with Tolex from Stew-Mac. The body doesn't look so good without the Tolex.



I saw that Instructables article. Your case looks great. Did you paint the design? I'm not very good at painting. I wanted to make a Winter Uke out of a Fluke, but the painting didn't turn out very well. I have a few months before winter arrives.

 

[Junie Moon]

The sides are a double layer of "hobby wood" from Amazon, 12" x 12" x 1.5mm. I cut it to the height I wanted with the grain vertical. After gluing one layer in place, I added another layer to the inside. The top and bottom are 1/8" plywood, covered with Tolex from Stew-Mac. The body doesn't look so good without the Tolex.

View attachment 141944

I saw that Instructables article. Your case looks great. Did you paint the design? I'm not very good at painting. I wanted to make a Winter Uke out of a Fluke, but the painting didn't turn out very well. I have a few months before winter arrives.

Cool. Thanks for sharing, Jerry.

Mine is cardboard, painted w/wood hardener (I think), then some layers of papier-mache, then acrylic paint, then a spray of some kind of ModPodge that is supposed to prevent it from being sticky. The decoration is a decal set. Then more ModPodge to keep it down. I used cosplay foam to pad the interior. Getting the velvet (to cover the foam) glued in cleanly is what's hanging me up. I chased down some good hinges and clasps. Not sure what to do about a handle yet. I made it for an old Kumulae-style uke, which will look great in it if I ever get it done.