New to the group and guitar building

[Cal]

Thank you gentlemen, either way will work nicely. Will get to it in due course. Cheers Cal

[Cal]

Preamp installation begins.

[Cal]

Ok, fretboard is glued to the neck. I still haven’t sorted the frets out yet, will do that shortly. Still worried about the bridge and cutting the saddle slot after it is all glued on. I fully understand that it is the only way to go though. If the scale length was that of a soprano or tenor, it probably wouldn’t be that critical but as this is 21” or near enough to it, it makes the intonation that much more critical. I don’t want to end up with an instrument that can not be tuned.

The other option I guess is to wimp out and run a tailpiece, would that be just plain ugly though?

[56nortondomy]

Couldn't you use that hole in the bottom to get a clamp through? That way you could make your bridge cut the slot, locate the position drill a couple of pin holes through the saddle slot to hold in position while you glue it.
Wayne

[kiwigeo]

If you can't get adequate clamping pressure on the bridge then vacuum clamping is your next option.

[Cal]

I think I just have to bite the bullet and glue the bridge on prior to the back going on then cut the saddle slot, I don’t see any other alternative really. My normal method with anything I do is freak out and over think things then calm down and do it, it ends up not being as big of a deal as I first think it’s going to be. If another human can do it why can’t I??? ( I’m talking to myself here)

[Cal]

Some more pondering with this, sorry to trouble you all. With my last attempt at a guitar I ended up putting a tailpiece on to it due to my lack of knowledge (bridge lifted) I seem to notice quite a difference in volume with the tailpiece v’s without? With this build only having the f hole and nylon strings do you think that there would be a volume gain by having a tailpiece v’s bridge only? Or would it not make that much of a difference? And would it look silly with a timber tailpiece? Or should I just do the bridge?
I have the end mill bit for the dremel now, so I can attempt to cut the saddle slot with the bridge on (still have to make a bridge). What shape should I make the bridge? I don’t have any dark timber to play with at the moment, may have to look around and see what I can find. So many questions!

[kiwigeo]

I didn't realize the back wasn't yet on. That makes it easy. Glue the bridge on using clamps and then cut the saddle slot.

What shape for the bridge: The things I consider when designing a bridge - 1) Wings should cross the aft legs of a cross brace (if you have a cross brace). 2) wide enough to allow a bit of meat in front of the saddle and a bit of meat behind the pins if you're using pins. 3) You want as little mass as possible - the heavier the bridge the more string energy will be soaked up moving the thing.

I notice you've got a pretty hefty looking bridge patch under your top...that will be a factor in bridge design as well.

I think I just have to bite the bullet and glue the bridge on prior to the back going on then cut the saddle slot, I don’t see any other alternative really. My normal method with anything I do is freak out and over think things then calm down and do it, it ends up not being as big of a deal as I first think it’s going to be. If another human can do it why can’t I??? ( I’m talking to myself here)

[Cal]

Thanks Martin, will get to it on the weekend and see what I come up with. As for the bridge patch, I guess i am being over cautious this time round as the last one was under done. I have to learn to get the balance right

[Cal]

Back is on, bridge is on and preamp is installed, will do the binding next and give the bridge some time to rest before stringing it up to set the saddle location. The nut is on, only rough shaped will need lowering yet.

[Dave M]

Sorry Greg I was trying to be funny!

The early ones all hanging from the ceiling, later ones OK. I'm on MS explorer and Windows 8.

[Cal]

Sorry Greg I was trying to be funny!

The early ones all hanging from the ceiling, later ones OK. I'm on MS explorer and Windows 8.

Did you post this in the wrong thread?

[Cal]

Ok, finally at the end of the line on this one. Saddle slot cut and piezo connected. All strung up and ready to roll.

[kiwigeo]

Nice work Cal!! You had a few challenges there but you finally got there in the end.

[56nortondomy]

Well done Cal, looks liked it all worked out in the end, nice job.
Wayne

[Cal]

Thanks Martin and Wayne, there are floors and faults but the knowledge gained was worth it all

[Cal]

A short video of a friend playing the ukulele.
https://youtu.be/VYzndJW2nP0

[kiwigeo]

Another multi talented Postie? Nice work Cal....its always nice to hear the fruits of your labours.

A short video of a friend playing the ukulele.
https://youtu.be/VYzndJW2nP0

[Cal]

Yep, that’s Dig (who I told you about in Stirling) he is a very good player. Sounds better than I thought it would, I must learn how to play one day

[kiwigeo]

I thought he looked familiar. I mentioned that I met home in the main street of Stirling one time...he was lugging a biscuit tin banjo.

Yep, that’s Dig (who I told you about in Stirling) he is a very good player. Sounds better than I thought it would, I must learn how to play one day

[Cal]

Yep, that’s him
We will have to do a catch up again at some stage Martin, this ukulele will be gone at the end of the week so maybe once I get the other one finished so you can see my mistakes in person

[kiwigeo]

Yes a catch up is long overdue.

Yep, that’s him
We will have to do a catch up again at some stage Martin, this ukulele will be gone at the end of the week so maybe once I get the other one finished so you can see my mistakes in person

[WJ Guitars]

Cal, the final result looks great with the 'F' hole style top and sounds great on your youtube video.

Wayne

[Cal]

Thank you Wayne! I have just handed it over to my daughter and she is so happy with the end result, she can’t put it down