Building a Kinnard Ukulele

[mgap]

That little fella is looking might sweet.  When you get it maybe you could be persuaded into giving us a sound clip. 

[cigarfan]

That little fella is looking might sweet.  When you get it maybe you could be persuaded into giving us a sound clip.

I'll see if I can work up the nerve. 

[cigarfan]

The last couple tasks are done and John has applied his magical finishing touches. If all goes according to plan, KinnardUkes.com will be shipping this gorgeous instrument to the right coast tomorrow!

Kevin recorded this soundclip you can listen to while you browse these last few pictures.

The finish is removed for the bridge so that the glue joint is unfinished wood on unfinished wood.  This provides for the strongest glue joint between the bridge and the top plate possible.  A tenor uke has ~39 lbs of tension on the strings between the nut and the bridge.  By comparison, a steel string guitar has ~185 lbs of tension.





Then the bridge is glued and clamped overnight to dry





Time to add the tuning machines and set up the uke









The nut is placed





The first string



Then the process of adjusting the action







Then the rest of the strings







Final shaping of the nut







Time to tune it up!



John and the finished product







The man, his uke and his glasses!



The Glamour Shots



































NUD is coming!

[Steve Mo]

Simply stunning.

Great storeybook and thanks for sharing.

[TaylorGirl]

Beautifully done. You should have many great years with that uke. Enjoy!

[cigarfan]

Thank you Steve and Susie. Hard to believe it's almost here. Think I'm playing hooky a couple days next week.

[CodeBlueEMT]

 Dennis, that's a mighty fine uke. Thanks for pictorial. You gotta a special cigar for delivery day?

[cigarfan]

Dennis, that's a mighty fine uke. Thanks for pictorial. You gotta a special cigar for delivery day?

Thanks Shayne. Glad to post these build threads. Always educational and enjoyable for everyone.

And of course I have a special cigar for delivery day. I have a corner of my humidor where I stock up on really fine specimens for just such special occasions. Not to mention the waiting days until it is delivered.   

[mgap]

Beautiful.  That is a very special uke to be sure.  I think playing hooky is appropriate.   

[cigarfan]

Beautiful.  That is a very special uke to be sure.  I think playing hooky is appropriate.

Thanks mgap. Appreciate the support!

[mgap]

Beautiful.  That is a very special uke to be sure.  I think playing hooky is appropriate.

Thanks mgap. Appreciate the support!

Well... we are great enablers here, and we should stick together in this cold and cruel world.

[gdeleo]

Dennis, you have another fine instrument in your collection.  I really enjoy your build process stories.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as we all have enjoyed watching it get created.
What is next??

[cigarfan]

Dennis, you have another fine instrument in your collection.  I really enjoy your build process stories.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as we all have enjoyed watching it get created.
What is next??

Thanks Gary. I am glad you enjoyed the build.

I haven't decided what's next. I'm thinking it might be a Martin 1T IZ (a tribute ukulele to the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) rather than a build. But I really enjoy these builds too ... always fun and educational too! We'll see.

[shorty]

Congrats my friend!! What an exceptional uke! Wish you two many years of happiness  You sure know how to "Do it right"

[cigarfan]

Congrats my friend!! What an exceptional uke! Wish you two many years of happiness  You sure know how to "Do it right"

Thanks shorty. I'm really taken with this Kinnard. John's attention to detail is phenomenal and the sound right out of the gate on this one is fantastic. With a little maturity it's going to be a monster. I wanted a fingerstyle instrument and hence the cedar. I think this one is going to surpass everything I hoped for!