the ukulele of density

[novocaine]

For the tenacious chap in his little workshop with his cheap tools that will never make anything and his aged hand tools that simple aren't worth buying.

certainly not for the sensitive luthiers out there as I'm sure I've gone against he grain (pardon the pun) on a number of things and not really used all those lovely specialist tools or worse, made my own to do it instead of spending the small fortune on them.

there is a full set of images of the build, but I've stored them in my google drive and this forum doesn't let me link to them. if you want to see the mess I made I'll upload them but for now I'm not going to bother.

so here's the latest picture, will be oiled and waxed tonight hopefully, along with the electronics finished.

sounds alright, plays alright, headless will take some getting used to.

 

[BigMonka]

That's mad! And I love it!
How are you retaining the strings at the headstock(less) end? Just ferrules in the wood?

 

[novocaine]

a nice big knot. simple is as simple does. close up of the headstock here.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dieWk ... iJ-3-Z6y_C

 

[nev]

Theres a ''how to share images from google photos'' in the picture sharing guide at the top of the page

https://youtu.be/2K0P_NTurUc

picture-posting-guide-t63716.html

 

[novocaine]

Cheers Nev. I couldn't figure that out. now I know I'll figure out more pictures when I get chance.

Much obliged.

 

[profchris]

Based on the Risa stick? Looks like it will do the job

You'll probably want to invest in a preamp if you're going to play it through a PA - that will match impedances and also get rid of the piezo "quack" from the pickup.

One suggestion if you ever make another - taper the neck to get closer string spacing at the nut. Unless you like wide spacing.

 

[MusicMan]

Making your own tools is a fine luthier tradition. It usually occupies the first year of a training course in Cremona!

 

[novocaine]

Chris. The neck tapers from 42 to 35mm. Picture doesnt make that clear sorry. Didn't taper the strings to match though. They are 9mm spacing.
The information about a preamp is very useful thanks if i can figure a way to fit it in i will do.

I did take a bit of inspiration from the risa solid i have to admit,does it show?
May make a concert pitch next.

 

[novocaine]

Music man, i would rather make it and know how then to buy it.

 

[Bm101]

I only came here for the thread title. Magnificent use of the language. Poetry.
I was hoping you were recommending a newly discovered Terry Pratchett book that I had missed out on if I'm honest. What are the odds?
Still.
Looks great in a 'can't actually play instruments but i like music' kind of way.
Cheers
Chris

 

[novocaine]

If only Chris. If only. Still, his books are still completely enjoyable even if they've been read a hundred times each. Rather enjoying raising steam again at the moment.

 

[Bm101]

He taught me free economics, common market, philosophy, industrialisation and proper sausages. I still say 'cut me own throat Dibbler' at work. They have no idea. Man was a legend.
And as you say. The pressure limits of steam engines. Explosive stuff.
Have you read his autobiography?
Pm sent,
Cheers Chris

 

[profchris]

Chris. The neck tapers from 42 to 35mm. Picture doesnt make that clear sorry. Didn't taper the strings to match though. They are 9mm spacing.
The information about a preamp is very useful thanks if i can figure a way to fit it in i will do.

I did take a bit of inspiration from the risa solid i have to admit,does it show?
May make a concert pitch next.

You might find 13 mm at the bridge useful if you want to fingerpick.

I wouldn't bother building in a preamp. Buy one in a separate box, then you can use it for both ukes, and it will be far better quality of sound.

But beware - I know a couple of people who play electric ukes, and a whole board of effects pedals looms on your horizon!

 

[novocaine]

Cheers. Hunting for something now.
I have an irig and an arduino based pedal that i can mod to any pedal I so choose. Its brilliant.
Im going to read his autobiography again.

 

[thetyreman]

very cool design, I like the idea of having tuning heads so close to the body

 

[Benchwayze]

You know, I think I will sell my Gibson... :lol:

Nice work.
If I find the pic of my mate's Castrol Oil tin guitar, I'll post it for interest sake!

John (hammer)

 

[thick_mike]

That’s hideous and beautiful

 

[novocaine]

John old bean, I think you should get rid of the Gibson. but only because it's a Gibson.
Mike, er, thanks, I think.

it did get finished. BLO for the body, mineral oil for the fret board and a good coat of beeswax because I had a small pot of homemade stuff.

one of my favoraite bits, the vinyl record used as a plug surround.

 

[scooby]

Looks great..nice one.

 

[profchris]

How does it sound? Video ... No excuses!