FIRST THING this morning I finished the pick guard for this well used uke. I stuck it on with a three M double stick stuff that seems to have worked really well. You peel of one protective layer and stick it to the uke, then you peel off the top protective layer and find a sticky substance on the uke upon which you place the pick guard. It seemed to adhere well and was sure neat and clean, We will see how it endures.
Anyway, I thought this was a pretty nice fix and the customer was delighted. So I am too.
Anyway, I thought this was a pretty nice fix and the customer was delighted. So I am too.
Next I applied glue to the bottom edge of the sides, and the butt block and clamped the sides into place. Nice fit and I was very pleased, The Cocobolo uke is going together.
Here is a view of the first crucial clamping. The sides must be firmly clamped to the butt block and at the same time, the sides must be firmly clamped tight to the tone board so as to leave no gaps. Once this is done, clamps go all around the form, holding the edges of the sides firmly to the tone board.
Here is a view of the neck end showing the sides slipped deep into the saw cuts in the neck. This is known as the "Spanish Method" as it was the technique that classic spanish guitars are made with. These inserted sides are not glued to the neck but are free to move a bit.
I never want to trust the strength of just that side edge glued to the soundboard so I always install the tentalones before taking it out of the assembly jig. I will let these set over-night and tomorrow we ought to be able to assemble the next instrument.
The last progress of the day was completing my gaudy orange labels and gluing them to the backs of the ukes.
this one is not glued yet. I have only two cauls of the right size. It will have to wait it's turn. You may think these are a little bright and gaudy, but down in the dark hole of the uke, they kind of light things up. I am also particular about making every part of the instrument that I can. These labels are part of that concept. I paint a large sheet of 400 lb. water color paper with this rich orange and cut it to shape. I did a lot of watercolor painting in another day.
this one is not glued yet. I have only two cauls of the right size. It will have to wait it's turn. You may think these are a little bright and gaudy, but down in the dark hole of the uke, they kind of light things up. I am also particular about making every part of the instrument that I can. These labels are part of that concept. I paint a large sheet of 400 lb. water color paper with this rich orange and cut it to shape. I did a lot of watercolor painting in another day.
