Hi Chuck ,thanks for the advise. Your design looks pretty do able. What if anything are you doing to the top of the box to re enforce where the strings will go? Is it enough to just put the block on the inside lid under the bridge? I have seen this done but am not sure it will hold over time. I am only planning on ukulele strings and probably only 3 of them. This is going to be a small uke I have a sweet but short and thin Punch box I hope to use. I really liked you builds, they are legant and so well constructed. I also noticed you are a wood carver, I have been teaching myself to carve wood with exacto knives and a few files for the last few years. It is relaxing and I enjoy it. I was a painting major in collage so my art background is pretty strong. If I can get a better grip on the knives with out cutting myself I will be in business. Anyway, thanks for the advise. I will try it this week end.....matt

Hi Chuck,

Thank you for commenting on my collection.

I just took a look at the pictures of your collection and was very impressed with the quality and creativity of your builds. I particularly like the Tahitian ukulele.

Thank you for your friendship.

http://www.amazradiostore.com/product_p/acbg-csheg-v1.htm     Here`s an old customer of mine that did the same type of rear string design....he used a roller bearing set up.

Thank you Chuck.

Gene Jaimez

thanks chuck

Hey,

The top piece is an 8" round cut from 1/4" inch birch ply. The sound hole is 2" and I use 35# test for strings, but you can experiment with that. Have fun.

Hi Chuck,

I'd be happy to help with any questions u have.

Hi Chuck

The stuff I use is  4x14mm steel flat bar from a local DIY store.Have used the same stuff on a couple of six strings, now a year or so old ,and the necks are still straight 

The reinforcement is just a piece of steel flat bar on edge epoxy glued into the slot...cheap and simple

 Thanks a lot for adding me as friend! I´m honoured!

Chuck,

  I have not yet tried to make a fretted neck and I envy anyone who can. The only necks that I have made were fiddle necks and a fret-less guitar. Red oak is mighty sturdy and I think it would hold the tension, however, mounting it to the box might be a problem in its 1x4 configuration. If it were me, I'd glue two pieces together, at least at the heal to give a better and larger gluing surface and longer dovetail. Better yet, glue it up side by side and cut you neck profile. Talk about strength. It should last a life time.  Craig

Hi Chuck,

 Saw your comment on Smokin Mandos.
 I would suggest that if you can find a busted mando somewhere, use the neck off of that for your first one. It's easy to mount to a box. Just carve a neck block and mount it inside the box. Carve through the end of the box to the block and glue the neck in.  Of course, make sure the angle of the neck is at a reasonable angle so the strings will reach the bridge. Use and adjustable bridge to adjust string height. Find a solid wood box about 12" x 10" x 2". The one I built doesn't even have bracing or kerfing. Sounds great and still holding together.

Good luck. Craig

Hey Chuck, thanks for the friendship. Love your work. I like ukes! my little business is "Birdhouse Ukulele". I've been fixing and restoring many old ukes. I've got 40 of them hanging over my head right now... Dave

Thanks Chuck,

Nice to meet you...

the drummer isn't available  those nights either--paying gigs lined up--I'll keep working on it :)

Still working on it--harder than I expected--but I WILL make it happen! just need to find a decent guitar player to bring it all together--hoping for the 26th or june 2nd--with or without a lead guitar--should still be fun!!

Thank you for the nice words to my video.