Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Thanks for the input guys. I'm just a little unclear on why you would compensate the saddle versus the nut. I tried to do Internet research but haven't found anything too clear yet.

Hi Steve, thanks for your reply. Just to clarify, are you asking to check tuning with the 12th fret pressed or open string at the 12th fret position??

Andrew

Thanks for the detailed reply Trevor. I have been told a few times that nylon stringed ukes don't need saddle compensation. The tuning worked out fine on my tenor uke, however what you describe in detail makes sense as to what is happening on my concert uke. You mentioned compensation at the nut, or...

Hi I have just finished building a concert sized uke. Problem is when I tune the open strings, the frettied notes are sharp. A few are quite sharp according to the electronic tuner. I then tuned it so that first fret notes were in tune. All other fretted notes were then also in tune. So I assumed th...

Thanks Allen, Jeremy and Martin. From all your comments its pretty clear I don't need a sealer, but need to sand back to the wood. I can see how leaving a thin payer of epoxy would be a combo of skill and luck and risky for a newby.

Thanks guys - very helpful.

Andrew

Since starting this post. I am ready to use Botecote on my concert uke - back, top and sides are Koa and the neck is Aussie Blackwood. Finish is nitrocellulose. I would appreciate some advice before I start. 1) Do indeed to use a sealer. Im thinking that as its epoxy maybe not. 2) Do you Sandit back...

Hi, Just been reading the post on shellac and pore filling and read the comment suggesting you don't put epoxy pore filler on the soundbaord due to sitffening the board. I was about to do that very thing, so I am enquiring if there are any obvious do's and don'ts? I have never used pore filler befor...

Thanks for the replies martin and Rob. It appears the principle of compromise applies between stiffening the soundboard versus not making it overly rigid. I can see how 'light and stiff bracing fits the bill, even carbon fibre?? What do you think about using the Blackwood for bracing that I am using...

Hi, I have been buying my brace wood from ALS and therefore have used their available wood - basswood and Bunya pine. Now I am making a concert uke in a Koa body and Aussie Blackwood neck. I thought it might be preferred to use bracing that is similar to the soundboard and heard blackwood is the clo...

A syringe is a great idea Wayne

Thanks for the benefit of your experience Markus and Allen. I can see how the soundboard is essentially braced with all the extra wood glued to it. Also good not to have to recess the back braces, but will go with the centrestrip on the back.

Thanks again

Andrew

Thanks Allen and Jeremy. Bote Cote sounds worth checking out. I might even do a test piece between it and Acqu Coat. All part of the fun!

Andrew

Thanks Paul. I had seen that product but didn't know what to make of it. It's good to have your experience and recommendation.

Just to check: as this product is water based I am using a nitrocellulose lacquer. Do you know if this is ok as the product info doesn't seem to say either way.
Andrew

Thanks for the detailed reply Markus. That makes sense now. Good to know I don't have to recess the braces. I am using hardwood top and bottom, so it sounds like a centrestrip is the best way to go. Is it important to do both soundboard and back or is one more important than the other?? Thanks Andrew

I am on my third uke build and thinking of the finer points of a build. I am wondering if a centrestrip is necessary or a preference? Is it more important on the soundboard than the back? The main reason I am asking is that I know it is best to recess the braces strips over the centrestrip and I am ...

Hi,

I'm having trouble researching a pore filler that is clear, available in Australia and ok with a nitrocellulose finish. Anyone got any recommendations of products or suppliers? Preferably in Aust but eVen if they are overseas. Thanks

Andrew

Thanks nick. A good tip for max contact of strings

Andrew

Thanks Jeff and Allen. Good to know a compensated saddle isn't needed - makes it much easier for me. And the thickness is ok on my tenor - all good.

Thanks guys

Andrew

Hi there, I have made a tenor uke recently and are about to embark on making a concert uke. I am needing to check on correct saddle thickness for a uke bone saddle. The tenor plans I had showed an angled compensated saddle. I ended up putting mine straight and it ended up being 4.3mm thick. I realis...

Thanks so much Allen. I think I have imposed enough on your time and luthier wisdom!!
I feel our discussion has opened my mind to a greater awareness of how the build and the desired sound are related. It all makes so much more sense now. so off to the shed to start work!!

Thanks again

Andrew

Thanks again for your detailed reply Allen. I have had a couple of days to sort out the facts from my desires of what i planned to build in the first place. Can I check a few things to clarify and then I believe I will be clear - and at peace - on how each of the factors you have outlined relates to...

Thanks Allen - for your time, effort and for being helpful. Your reply was clear, and I will take some time to reflect on these issues. For some reason these issues are bugging me, which usually means there is something important for me to learn and understand. I might get back to you in a day or tw...

Thanks for the clarification Trevor; and Allen your advice was spot-on, very comprehensive and reassuring. To help my understanding, I have three further queries if I may: :) With the longer 12 fret neck and a 480mm scale length, there will still be 45mm between the back of the bridge and the edge o...

Hi there, I have plans for a tenor uke with 14 frets over the 240mm from nut-to-body. The scale length at the 12th fret is 216mm. As i have big hands and are a beginner to playing, I want to make it 12 frets from nut to body - making the scale length 240mm. There is room in the plans to shift the br...

Thanks Trevor, Martin and Marcus - it is pretty clear now from your advice. I am not sure if can all think back to your early inexperienced days, but this type of advice is so incredibly reassuring and stops all the worry and perseverating of what to do. :cl This morning the bridge came off easily o...