Building a Kinnard Concert Ukulele

[cigarfan]

Been playing the uke now for just over a year during which time I have been able to sample four sizes (soprano, concert, tenor and baritone) and have acquired at least one of each. There is one that stands out as best to my ears (timbre and tone) and that is my John S. Kinnard Series 3 Tenor built last fall. I have to say the build is exquisite as well and the attention to detail is beyond compare. That sounds like a sales pitch but I have no other affiliation with KinnardUkes.com other than I purchased this uke and I love it.

I have commissioned another build with John. This time a Series 3 Concert. I plan to share the build with you guys. I sure hope you enjoy the journey as much as I know I will.

Sequoia Redwood top
Cocobolo back and sides
Mahogany neck
Abalone and radial Cocobolo rosette
Flamed Maple binding (body/neck/headstock)
Abalone purfling (top/back/headstock/backstrip)
Striped Rosewood fretboard, bridge and headplate
13 frets to the body
Paddle Headstock with All Black Gotoh UPT tuners

The tonewoods





John routing the channel for the rosette





The rosette is a ring of radial Cocobolo in the center bounded by a ring of abalone on either side.

[Jason Paul]

You can already tell that's going to be a very nice looking uke. That back is going to look great!

It's funny though, to look at the first three photos. The first two look like a guitar build. Then you see the third photo with him working on the tiny little top.

Jason

[Rudy4]

Thanks for the build topic! It's always fun to watch an instrument come together.

Gordon Mayer and his wife Shar have started doing a "Birth of a Myamoe Ukulele" video series on Youtube, the entire process in short videos. They cover absolutely everything and it's a very well done series.

https://www.youtube.com/user/MyaMoeUkuleles/videos

[cigarfan]

Glad to share the build. I find it fascinating to watch.

I'll tell ya, once these things get going John achieves lightning speed. This week he finished the rosette and braced the top and back. He also bent the sides and is prepping to add the sides to the mold and attach the top and back.

Enjoy!

The rosette. Radial cocobolo at the center.







Positioning the braces





Braces are glued in and ready for final shaping with a chisel





Sides bent and ready to place in the mold

[815C]

John built me a custom dreadnaught. What a great guy - and what a great guitar!!

[Jason Paul]

Hmmm... Looking at the second photo in your last photo-post...

Are you sure that's not Sean Connery?

Jason

[cigarfan]

Originally Posted by Jason Paul

Hmmm... Looking at the second photo in your last photo-post...

Are you sure that's not Sean Connery?

Jason

Bet John would be happy to hear you say that!

[cigarfan]

Kevin emailed me last week with a question. The tailstrip is to be flamed maple to mitre into the binding. He said John wanted to add a strip of abalone down the center of the tailstrip. Said it would tie things in. John knows I am a fan of abalone so I thought the question was rather humorous. Of course I said yes!

The body is sealed up. Next is the binding/purfling.

Enjoy!

The tailstrip with abalone at the center.





Boxed up and ready for binding.

[cigarfan]

Really not much to see in this weeks pics. As Kevin says, it's a mummy. But in the tiny openings I like what I see. The contrast of the maple with the redwood/coco looks awesome. Can't wait til the doctor removes the bandages.

[cigarfan]

No shortage of fun stuff to look at this week. The flamed Maple binding and abalone purfling on the body are installed. The look is just what I was hoping for!

John then moved to the faceplate installing the purfling first followed up by the binding. Once cut and glued into the slots both will be sanded smooth and prepared for finish.

I told Kevin I have achieved the position on the edge of my seat. The wood looks so nice in it's natural state. Under finish this uke is going to be amazing. And wait till you see the fretboard. Oh my!

[cigarfan]

[Luke_]

Very impressive sir..... Nice work!

How long is the line? Made to order?

[cigarfan]

Not sure how long the line is right now. Ask them. I'm sure Kevin would be glad to give you a ball park. From order to build start for me was about 4 months but I told them not to hurry. I needed some time to get the cash together.

http://kinnardukes.com/Contact.html

Pretty much made to order. They have three series with certain appointments at each level and priced accordingly. Depending on the series you choose there are tonewood and color options. Check it out:

http://kinnardukes.com/Prices_and_Options.html

I'm not affiliated with the company. I just love John's ukes. IMO, the best on the planet.

[cigarfan]

Funny story ... I decided to go with no fretboard markers on this uke but asked that John pick out a special piece of rosewood with lots of figure. Kevin told me they found an exceptional piece for me. You have seen all the pictures I have received ... no fretboard. So the other night I mentioned to Kevin I was dying to see the fretboard. He was going to the shop and said he would try and get some pics. Guess where the fretboard was when he got there ... in the spray booth covered with blue tape. Yikes! Still no pictures of the fretboard. I'm dying here. I think there is a conspiracy!

Just kidding about that but he did send pics of the body. Wow! It has been paste filled and the first three top coats sprayed ... it will be leveled and more coats built up. Just look at the richness of this wood under finish. Amazing!

[cigarfan]

My uke is finished and will be making its' way home (to me) this week. I will post a NUD (with pics and soundclip) after I get it. For now, these are the last pictures received from Kevin (KinnardUkes) including the glamour shots towards the bottom.

Enjoy!