After a previous discussion on the smallest scale length for a 6 string guitar I recently found this on the www
http://matthewrobinsoncraft.blogspot.com/search/label/cigarette%20tin%20ukulele
and watching the video wondered using whatever tuning you like and as many strings as you like just how small can you go and still be able to knock out a recognisable tune?
Replies
Actually...
These played back when I made them. That is, I had a little bow (missing) that had about three horse hairs and it made a really quite squeal but I couldn't fret anything.
-WY
Thanks Ben - yep the little reso is cool but sadly not playable ..but i have been thinking of making a playable one with magnetic pickup really just to see how small i can go with a pickup - it's all good fun :)
Anyways, Roosterman, I would think the only way to get enough output is to hide a mag pu under the top and set a steel bar on top of that, disguised to look like a mag pickup sticking up through the top. Maybe a couple of sewing bobbin pickups with rare earth magnets. Plug that little thing into a Marshall stack and wail. I love this idea for a winder.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X40k_B4xyno
There is something about mini instruments that's one smile. Roosterman, nice work!
Don
Cool vid - though I now see this as a challenge to make one smaller!! :o)
Iv done 5 short scale gits (a twin neck, a license plate diddly, a Les Paul, a CBG and a canjo) with scale lengths of between 12" and 18" - all are perfectly playable, but a bit high pitched. Definately helps to make them electric so you can tone it down a bit with some extra bass. Open tuning is significantly easier than standard too!
These all have piezos but Im already thinking of winding some miniature mag pups.....
Check out Jujus page too. He built an awesome miniature 4 string reso as I recall.
Yea, I prefer a tenor but some things are easier on a soprano for sure so I have both. Both great links.
Don
Chester Winowiecki said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY-pgnJuhtM
It's half a joke, but mostly serious (it is playable)
The smallest production make instrument that I know of is a sopranino ukulele with a 10" to 12" scale length. They are completely playable and a lot of fun.