Fig. 1 Fig. 3
Fig. 2
To Keep in the Fashion in His Musical Craftsmanship, the Home Mechanic may Make a Cigar-Box Ukulele as Detailed
Spanish cedar or mahogany is suitable for the neck, detailed in [Fig. 3]. A single piece is best, but the extension for the pegs and the wider end at the body may be joined and glued to the main portion of the neck. Dowels should then be used to reinforce the joints. The outline of the parts of the neck are shown in detail in Fig. 3. In the sectional view at the right, the shape of the neck at the thinnest and thickest parts is shown by the two upper curved, dotted lines. The nut D is made of mahogany, walnut, or other hard wood, the grain extending lengthwise, and the notches for the strings spaced as shown.
The making and spacing of the frets must be done very carefully. They are of aluminum, brass and other metals being suitable also. Make the frets ¹⁄₁₆ by ³⁄₁₆ in. and cut grooves ¹⁄₈ in. deep for them. The spacing of the frets is determined as follows, a standard practice: The distance from the metal string-contact on the bridge to the nut should be measured carefully. The first fret, near the head, is ¹⁄₁₈ of this distance from the nut, the total length being in this instance, 13 in. The second fret is set ¹⁄₁₈ the distance from the first fret to the bridge; the third, ¹⁄₁₈ from the second fret to the bridge, etc. The frets must fit tightly in the grooves, requiring no special fastening. The tuning pegs may be bought or made.
In assembling the parts, fasten the end of the body to the neck, with glue, reinforced by screws. Set its upper edge parallel with the fingerboard, and so that the latter is flush with the top of the body, when fitted to it. Assemble the body, without the top, gluing it to the end, fixed to the neck. When this portion is thoroughly dried, fit the top into place finally, and glue it. The whole construction is then cleaned, sandpapered, stained, and shellacked or varnished. The stringing of the instrument is simple, and the strings may be purchased in sets.
Homemade Suitcase Extension
A handy addition to the traveler’s equipment is a suitcase extension that may be removed when not in use, and folded compactly, inside of the suitcase if desired. This latter feature is provided for by arranging the extension to be folded vertically at the middle. Heavy leather, cloth board covered with strong linen, or canvas of a suitable color may be used. If cloth board is used it should be cut the size of the side of the suitcase, and smaller sections hinged to it at the folds. The leather need not be reinforced if it is fairly strong. Cut the leather at A, B, C, and D, and arrange it to be folded on the dotted lines. Rivet guides for the straps, as at E. Fit the corners with buttons or snaps F, which are locked in position when the extension is in use. The device slides over the suitcase and may be drawn tightly against it when empty.—R. S. Matzen, Fort Collins, Colo.