Comment

Comment by Seaman Jay on June 30, 2012 at 2:11pm

The nut's sole function is to hold the strings in position. The slotted bridge does the same on the other side. 

Actually I'm proud as hell, 'cause there was virtually no planning or  measuring. The uke is 95% intuition and 5% StewMac fret calculator ;-)

Nylons need some time to "settle". I'm partial to Aquilas, but Worth or Martin fluorocarbons will be OK as well. Right now (it's still under development) I have relatively cheap Mahalo strings, but they already were on my other uke (= already pulled to the max ;-) ). 

Friction tuners need some training - I have no problems with my Grovers, you can change the friction by (un)screwing the screw on the top - works like charm. 

If soprano feels too small - go for a concert, or even a tenor uke (all "big players" use tenors - AFAIK). I got used to my soprano, but already feel the difference - no wonder - I formed the new one by hand - it's 1:1 compatibility... Happy strumming!

Comment by Uncle John on June 30, 2012 at 1:36pm

Good info.  I use zero frets sometimes too and get low action, but sometimes then need string guides.  Looks like your strings lined up nicely. 

I finished a soprano uke a couple of weeks ago and it still will not hold tune well.  The friction tuners seem tight.   Do you suppose the nylon strings just take that long?   Dang.  I am thinking about geared tuners...

The soprano is so small to play.  I think your size would be an improvement for me.

Will check out your sound clip.  Thanks!

Comment by Seaman Jay on June 30, 2012 at 1:06pm

it's a bit more than regular concert (over 17"), but fretted like soprano (12 frets). I intentionally left some fretboard unfretted for a bit of the fretless freedom ;-)

0 fret made the action very low and fretting much easier. I already recorded a short sample and posted it here - check under Music on my page. I used a PC micro, so it's quite silent. Fortunately,  - fresh  nylons don'dt really hold the tuning...

Comment by Uncle John on June 30, 2012 at 12:52pm

That is a pretty nice build.  Concert size?  How's it play and sound?