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Thread: Ukulele build

  1. #46
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    Quote Originally Posted by MrFez View Post
    Having built 1.5 ukes to date I am far from an expert in the matter so please feel free to correct me if I am on the wrong tram here.

    I would have thought it easier to set the saddle in the bridge prior to securing it to the sound board. The correct tone length would be achieved by accurately measuring from the nut to the 12th fret then double that length. That is then the distance between the nut and the saddle, secure the bridge to suit.
    Yep, sort of. Each string will require different compensation due to distance from nut and also string diameter along with nut and saddle height. Intonation is checked by holding the strings on the 12th fret and adjusting the saddle to get the correct note. I will be using a piece of rod under the strings at the appropriate saddle position and adjusting until each string is as close as I can get to correct intonation in one line then mark and route the slot.

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  3. #47
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    Nice using a larger saddle can achieve it hope you post a video of how it sounds [emoji106]


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #48
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    Quote Originally Posted by scuzyboy View Post
    This correct but you have to also add length for compensation to get the correct intonation on an acoustic steel string it’s about an 1/8” on a uke slightly less. The one thing about this construction technique is with out the back glued on tap tuning is not an option. Personally I construct the body and tune the top by thinning the dead spots before finish or bridge is applied. Of course it changes once bridge is glued on it changes again but is a lot more responsive. Just an observation I really like you design and you have done a fantastic job looks great.
    Thanks for your comments, I have no idea what to listen for with tap testing so anything I hear I would have no clue of what to do with it. I have learned that doing this as a bolt on neck that it has its drawbacks. I am going to make up a jig to do dovetails for the next one, at least then I can finish the body completely prior to gluing the neck on.

  5. #49
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    Well time has come to show the end result, there are a few things I would do differently but all in all I am pleased with my first attempt at a ukulele.




  6. #50
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    Lovely work Cal, your design works really well.

  7. #51
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    Awesome.
    Cliff.
    If you find a post of mine that is missing a pic that you'd like to see, let me know & I'll see if I can find a copy.

  8. #52
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    Cal,
    What can I saw other than impressed. Was a long road but you got there and learned a bit on the way. I learned a bit also just watching. Just waiting to see what you come up with next.
    Regards
    John

  9. #53
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    Thanks John, yep it’s been a journey. One I will take again with the twin to this one. I will rethinking the binding thickness and method of attachment as I used ca glue on this one and it is totally unforgiving. I plan on doing a dovetail neck to body joint also, so yet more jigs! It will allow me to finish the body and the neck separately and give a better finish. There are a few mistakes on this one, but hey it’s part of the learning process. I am certainly happy that I have a “give it a go” attitude, what can’t be gained from that?

  10. #54
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    Great to see it finished Cal, I am envious. What did you use to finish the timber?
    Dave
    All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
    Edmund Burke 1729 - 1797

  11. #55
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    Thanks! Ubeaut white shellac. Didn’t go the whole hog with getting a French polish finish, it has its floors. Final finish with 0000 steel wool. Will spend a bit more time on the next one and see what comes of it. The neck and fretboard were sanded to 2000 grit then oiled with mineral oil, wipe on let soak then wipe off excess, did a few coats and then final with 2000 grit again to get a little more sheen on it. Silky smooth!

  12. #56
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    A short video of a friend playing this ukulele.
    https://youtu.be/VYzndJW2nP0

  13. #57
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    You have to be happy with that.
    Cliff.
    If you find a post of mine that is missing a pic that you'd like to see, let me know & I'll see if I can find a copy.

  14. #58
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    Yep, better than I expected! [emoji1]

  15. #59
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    Wow! I have not been on the forum for years but when my Email inbox from Woodwork Forums had a Ukulele build I could not help myself. I was also surprised that Cliff had a knowledge about such things as well.

    I met Cliff many times at the Woodworking Show in Brisbane, he is a friend of Dai Sensei ( Neil ). Also this is the first time I have ever been in the Musical Section, I have only been interested in the Ukulele six months and would like to build one too.

    I will read this thread and all the others, it might just get me re interested in Woodwork again. Been a tough last few years.

  16. #60
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    I was wondering how thick you reduced the Camphor to for the Sound board and how you did it. A thicknesser might have a bit of difficulty getting down to 3mm or less. Or did you not find it an issue.

    Pete

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