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  #136  
Old 07-29-2014, 04:54 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
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Once the bridge glue dried, I reamed out the bridge pin holes to fit the pins.





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  #137  
Old 07-29-2014, 05:09 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
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I just realized that I was so focused on finishing the uke that I forgot to take pictures of filing the nut slots to depth. Oh well, here's the next step which is to file the nut down so that the strings are buried only halfway into the nut.

Quote:
Originally Posted by joeguam as LESSON LEARNED #14!
I've been fortunate that I haven't had to list a lessons learned in a while, but here's one I learned the hard way. I was a bit rushed and lazy, so I didn't mask off the finish of the headplate. You can see the blemish that I had to fix.


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  #138  
Old 07-29-2014, 05:18 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
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Next step is to slot and ramp the bridge pin holes. I have to thank Robbie O'brien again for this tip, I do this with a jigsaw blade. The width of the hole is not critical like the nut slot as the string rests on the saddle in front of it, so it just needs to be able to seat itself when the bridge pin is inserted.







The slight ramping is not for break angle adjustment (the saddle height should be correct for break angle), its to relieve the string from pressure at the top of the bridge pin hole. This will extend the life of the string and prevent it from cutting into the soft material.
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  #139  
Old 07-29-2014, 05:36 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
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Here's how I finished the compensation of the saddle. You can see the pencil mark right alongside the dogleg, I'll use this to file the compensation.



I filed the top of the saddle FROM THE FRONTSIDE to the back at an angle until the pencil mark disappears. Then, I file the backside until the peak is in the correct spot, making sure not to make it too sharp of a peak.



I'll have to admit, this is only my 2nd hand-shaping of a saddle, so I'm still learning this step.

When all is done, I figured I'd label the strings underneath so I'll never forget the orientation of the saddle in the future.



And....this is the final step!
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  #140  
Old 07-29-2014, 05:37 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
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Here are some glamour shots...









...and boy does it sound just as good as it looks!
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  #141  
Old 07-29-2014, 06:01 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
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It wasn't long before I couldn't wait to hear the warm sound this solid mahogany plugged in. My pickup of choice, the K&K aloha twin (pure mini).



First is to mark the center point of the endblock. I used a digital caliper, measured the depth of the endblock, then used the depth stick of the caliper set to half of the depth of the endblock to put a tiny print in the tape. I mark the print with a pencil for better visibility, then punch a crater with an awl (I use my reamer).



Then, I drill a small pilot hole with a 5/32" bit.



Once the pilot hole is drilled, then I use a step bit to enlarge the hole to 1/2" slowly to ensure not to lift the finish.





Follow the K&K instructions and use a cardboard jig to install the transducers between the G/C and E/A strings.





All done, and love the sound plugged in too! I'll be using this uke at my next gig.
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  #142  
Old 07-29-2014, 06:03 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
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And that's a wrap folks!

As promised, I'll compile all the lessons learned and also provide some final thoughts for anyone who's thinking about taking on this challenge. I'll also provide a sound clip both unplugged and plugged in.

Thanks for following my journey, it's truly been amazing!
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  #143  
Old 07-29-2014, 06:12 PM
Luke_ Luke_ is offline
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One word... Badass!

Couple more words... You inspire me to try my hand at making my own, thank you
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  #144  
Old 07-29-2014, 07:10 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Luke_ View Post
One word... Badass!

Couple more words... You inspire me to try my hand at making my own, thank you
I was planning on addressing this in my "final thoughts" post, but in short:
- If you want a tenor uke, save your money and buy one from a professional builder.
- If you want to experience the art of building an uke and learn the science behind it's design/structure, then go for it! Build this kit!
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