The butt plates are being glued on in this picture, completing the beginning work on the tops and necks. The bending of the sides is coming up soon. I need to have a free day and the right mood to take that task on. I shall wait for the karma to be right as these rosewood sides are valuable, delicate and scarce. Maybe tomorrow?
In the meantime, a no stress job, gluing on the labels. In my quest for everything possible hand made, I make these labels from heavy water color paper from my painting days, that I paint with this bright orange. I may look a little bright to you, but hidden in the dark recesses of a finished uke, I think it adds a spark of life and fun. My signature, date and the number of the instrument is written on it with indelible ink. Pretty simple but I like it.
Also I have selected the peg head plates with their inset "g"s Only the Brazilian on the right will get an boy "g" as that wood finishes almost black. The sound hole linings sit beside them. They will be installed after the sides are on and before the back is attached.
Also I have selected the peg head plates with their inset "g"s Only the Brazilian on the right will get an boy "g" as that wood finishes almost black. The sound hole linings sit beside them. They will be installed after the sides are on and before the back is attached.
Notice the walnut backing plates that will be directly under the bridge. I use walnut because it is tough hardwood and will not only support the knot on the strings, but give solid support for the tapered bridge pins that will penetrate the ebony bridge, the redwood tone board and the walnut backing plate.
