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small boxes

has anyone built a ukulele using a small box, i have a ashton box 8" 5" 2" i would like to build a uku out of it' but don't want to go to all the trouble if its gonna be a wast of time, i also thought about a small cone might help the sound.???

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Permalink Reply by Scrapyard Guitar on May 9, 2012 at 9:21pm

Hi Dave, I have just built a very sweet little uke using a henry winterman's box with similar dimensions and was very surprised at the level and quality of the sound produced by just the box. For a series of build photos please see http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.192191677568235.42007.1763...

Permalink Reply by RUM SICK DAVE on May 9, 2012 at 10:44pm

Hey thanks for this, i feel more positive about starting now, i have a kala ukulele that i practice on' and i know when i go in the music shop the little saprano's always sound the loudest, does your one have a pick up??also i have only built cigar box guitars with thru neck, do you have any tips on building a bolt on neck. thanks heaps. Dave.

Permalink Reply by Jillian Holladay on May 10, 2012 at 4:01am

Hi Dave,

I just finished a uke with a bolt on neck. I glued a 1/2 inch thick brace (just a little bit wider than the neck) on the inside of the box. The neck has the hanger bolts screwed into it. It worked really well and I think it improved the sound over my other builds.

Permalink Reply by RUM SICK DAVE on May 10, 2012 at 10:16am

hi jillian, yes i think bolt on is the way to go, it will leave more space inside the box for sound, and easy to adjust neck if need be, i might start today. ps how is your playing coming along.???

Permalink Reply by Jillian Holladay on May 10, 2012 at 10:24am

A friend who is a good musician showed me a technique: Develop a pleasing strumming pattern then play the chords you want. As long as the strumming remains consistent, my slow, awkward chord changes are not as noticeable. It really works!

Permalink Reply by RUM SICK DAVE on May 10, 2012 at 10:46am

That sounds like a plan, plus if you pick it up and play as much as you can it will soon feel natural, i try not to think about how much improvment there might be' but just look at it as exercises that have to be done for fingers and wrists.

Permalink Reply by Chuck Cobillas on May 10, 2012 at 2:18pm