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Tenor Ukulele specs and questions

I want to build a Tenor Uke and have been searching the web for measurements, but am coming up a little short. I did find that the scale length is between 17-18 inches, and the overall length is typically 26 inches. Does anybody know the Bridge and Nut Width?

I will probably do a thru-neck build with the nub sticking out of the back end to attach my strings. I am not familiar with the standard length of uke tenor strings, and am a little worried that if the total length I need is over 20" (plus the length to wind around the tune), I may find myself cut short. Any thoughts on this?

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on November 23, 2010 at 11:40am

I would suggest you go buy some strings first, then you will know exactly what length they are. And I think they attach differently from standard guitar at the tail, but you probably knew that.

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Permalink Reply by MBliss on November 23, 2010 at 12:16pm

Hey Dave, I'll try to get the basic measurements off of a uke tonight and respond. I think I have what you need.
And yes, the ukes typically have strings tied thru a hole at the bridge. Stew mac has uke bridges with or without the drilled bridge holes.

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Permalink Reply by Johnny Debit on November 23, 2010 at 12:24pm

As far as nut and bridge widths go, it’s a matter of preference. I’m happy with a nut width of 1.5” and 1.75” at the bridge saddle. Here’s a link to some other widths for common ukes. http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/bulletin/bulletin-nonpop.asp?popup=t...

As far as strings go, be sure to get Tenor strings. I prefer Aquila Nylgut on all my ukes. The Tenors are more than long enough to cover the length of your box, neck, headstock with plenty left over for tying and winding. You will have to decide if you want a high “g” or low-wound “G” string. You can buy separate low, wound “G” strings if you decide to switch later.

As far as scale length goes, 18" will give you quite a reach for uke style playing. The tension on Tenor strings is already pretty taut, so you might want to stay closer to a 17" scale.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Onastik on November 23, 2010 at 12:34pm

Thanks for all the info...really appreciate it.

I would prefer to do the strings thru a hole at the bridge. The thing is, on my last few builds, my scale length was off by half an inch or more, but it was no big deal because I had room to adjust. If I commit to fixing the bridge and I'm that far off, I'll have never ending intonation problems.

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Permalink Reply by Don Thompson on November 23, 2010 at 1:27pm

I like a floating bridge myself. Any ukulele strings I have bought have more than enough length, so you should be ok. I included a pic of one of my tenors that use string pins. I like a bit wider nut than is standard for tenors, nice thing about building your own.
Don

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Permalink Reply by Dave Onastik on November 23, 2010 at 2:53pm

I like the string pins.

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Permalink Reply by herb Berwald WWW.CigarGuitar.com on November 23, 2010 at 6:33pm

All mine are 17" scale length for tenor, 15" length for concert.

I have gone all over to Nylgut strings from Aquila. Just order them in "Tenor length" They are plenty long.
On my necks, I am around 1 1/2" at the nut tapering to 2" at the join of the neck to the box. The StewMac bridges use a 1 5/8" string spacing if I remember correctly. My tenors have worked out to around 23 Inches overall height. Look at my pictures here for some close ups.

The tenor High G strings are 31 1/2" long. I just measured one...you know you are obsessed when you have 6 of 7 packs sitting next to the computer. Good luck, herb

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Permalink Reply by Bluesheart on November 27, 2010 at 9:01am

I'm no Uke master or anything , but you might want to look at fishing line for your uke strings. You can get that in ANY length and it is CHEAP! I used it on my Komuz and Zenophone builds and am sold. It sounds great, stays in tune even better than "real" nylon strings and cost me about ten cents to string them up.

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Permalink Reply by MBliss on November 27, 2010 at 9:55am

Alright, sorry for the delay, holiday travels and busy ya know.......
My uke has a scale length of 16 7/8" and the nut is 1 3/8" wide. String spacing at the nut is very close to 3/8", maybe just a little closer. (~1/32") or so.
And I'll vouch for the Nylgut strings, nice tone and stable tuning as compared to economy nylon.
Anything alse I can provide, let me know!
Have fun!

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Permalink Reply by Dave Onastik on November 27, 2010 at 11:15am

I like your ukes Herb.

Thanks for all the advice, everybody. I have the boards for the neck laminated and hope to start cutting today. Will definitely use the Nylgut strings. I used them on a Foxfire-style banjo I build and they worked well.

herb berwald said:

All mine are 17" scale length for tenor, 15" length for concert.

I have gone all over to Nylgut strings from Aquila. Just order them in "Tenor length" They are plenty long.
On my necks, I am around 1 1/2" at the nut tapering to 2" at the join of the neck to the box. The StewMac bridges use a 1 5/8" string spacing if I remember correctly. My tenors have worked out to around 23 Inches overall height. Look at my pictures here for some close ups.

The tenor High G strings are 31 1/2" long. I just measured one...you know you are obsessed when you have 6 of 7 packs sitting next to the computer. Good luck, herb

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Permalink Reply by theCad on August 1, 2011 at 6:40pm

This thread has just answered all my questions, i'm making a through-neck tenor and my total length is 26". I was worried about the strings, but you all set my mind at ease!