BUILD YOUR OWN TAMBO/BANJO

I HAVE HEARD FROM TWO folks today who are going to make their own Banjo/Ukuleles having been inspired by my recent posts.  You cannot know how pleasing that is to me.    I will do my best to keep posting pictures and information that will make you successful.  This is not a complex instrument to make.  You can do it. And it is worth it because the instrument is very good.  

I went to the hardware store today and bought 16 stainless roundhead screws.  3/4 inches long.  eight for each instrument.  They  will penetrate the Resonator, the spacer and screw into the top of the turned round body..
Here you can see  the resonator where I have made the eight positions for the screws and drilled holes in them wide enough to accept the screw heads.
I have also drilled the holes in each of the dividing spacers , shaped them and just set them on the body.  Next I will mark and drill the holes for the screws in the body.  Then it will be ready to assemble.
 

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The Postman brought the 4 string banjo saddles today.  These cute little guys only cost $3.25 each from Stewart McDonald.  I bought four even though I only am making two Tamjos.  Might as well plan for the future.    They are made of maple and ebony and have four string slots.  If you are going to build a banjo/uke order the five 16ths high ones.  While you are at it order yourself a package of four Grover geared tuners.  They are very adequate for the job and only cost about $15.00.

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Here is the saddle sitting on the leather head.  All I need to do now is fit and glue on the fret board, install the frets, smooth up the neck and install the tuners.  Then a set of re-entrant tenor ukulele strings and these babies will be singing, or is twanging the more accurate term?  
If you are capable of turning the body, or can find someone to do it for you, these are a pretty simple instrument to make-and they are a ton of fun. 
Try it.

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