Hey guys this is my baritone ukulele which I have converted to steel strings

and is tuned to open A for slide playing.

 I Had an idea an wanted to see what you think.

I was planing on putting a mini Humbucker at the bridge this one - http://www.guitarfetish.com/Fat-Mini-Fat-Alnico-V-Magnets-Chrome-Case-Our-Best-Bridge-Position_p_493.html

 and plan to spit the pickup. Do you guys think this is a good idea ? 

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  • Mr Hogg, Did you make any changes to the internal bracing for this convert to Steel strings? I have heard people say tension isnt an issue, but everytime I see a warped up guitar at a yard sale falling apart it is very common to see a nylon guitar strung with steel strings.Looks like a nice Uke.

    • hey guys thank you very much for your feedback its appreciated !

      David I had been looking at what you suggested so that's definitely an option.

      Phrygian kid would that be a removable Humbucker that I could split??. I have seen

      the removable sound hole pickups for acoustic guitars which would be preferable.

      L.J nope no changes to the internal bracing and the neck is perfect its mahogany same as the body.

      It took me like 2 weeks of trying different strings to get it right , but it was worth it.

      I have a set of size 10 pure steel electric strings on it sizes 46w-36w-17-13.

      I also made a a nut and saddle from a a block of Graphtech TUSQ wow what a difference. The stock

      parts were crappy plastic.

      • That looks great and I'm pleased to see that the body takes the steel strings well.

        I am planning on using one of these baritone ukes to put a cone in and make a baritone resonator uke, so I was pleased to see that yours takes the steel strings OK. Most folk say that they won't

        Is the neck holding up OK on yours? I ask because if I convert one of these to a resonator with a soundwell, the bridge isn't the issue, its more whether the neck takes the steel strings.

        Might start another thread on this elsewhere

  • I can make you one to fit with no modifications if you like
    • You make soundhole pickups? Or low profile pickups? I havent been around as much and didnt realize you were also a pickup maker.

  • This minihumbucker from suntekstore should fit

    http://www.suntekstore.com/goods-15006824-humbucker_pickup_for_tele...

    it is coil tappable - if you go to my page there is a mp3 of it in series/split/parallel wired as per the Seymour Duncan Esquire diagram http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php....

    The dimensions should fit it is 68mm across the top (I tested it with a digital caliper and it will rotate through a 69mm gap).  Also if necessary the top plastic could be trimmed back a little.

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  • maybe you could make your own soundhole pickup by using half of a P-Bass pickup there pretty compact - another option is to have one custom made but then the cost is going to go up !

  • i think if i was going to go with a magnetic pickup i would place it in the sound hole for a nice tone - if you put the pup at the bridge your going to get a lot of bright top end and little low end tone - try and find a soundhole pickup - just my opinion

    • I was originally looking at a sound hole pickup but I couldn't seem to find any that would fit.

      the sound hole is 69mm in diameter , I'll have another look but I don't think ill find one that would fit.

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