People have always wanted to make
music. Homemade 'box' ukuleles (often utilising discarded cigar boxes) were
popular in the U.S. in the 1920s - 30s, during the Great Depression, when
professionally made instruments were unaffordable for many people.
This entertaining and enjoyable course
is suitable for any adult, and I hope it will appeal to both men and women. It
will introduce easily learned techniques (measuring, drilling, filing, sanding,
gluing etc., to create an unusual, fully playable musical instrument. The
course is suitable for complete novices and those who may have a few basic DIY
skills. All materials including the cigar box will be supplied.
This year, the instruments we'll be
making will have the slightly longer 'Concert' scale length for easier playing
(compared with the standard 'Soprano' size ukulele).
To give an idea… we will thin down the
top of the box to improve resonance, and strengthen the box by gluing thin
wooden strips along the inside joints.
A sound hole will be cut in the box
top. The neck and fingerboard will be pre-cut, but we will need to do some
additional shaping, sanding and gluing. We will fit metal frets into the
slotted fingerboard, and install the tuning pegs. When all the pieces have been
assembled and glued, there is the option of adding a design to the back of the
instrument, which will then be given a quick drying protective finish. The
strings will be put on, and the instrument will magically come to life!
Finally, depending on how we progress,
there may be time towards the end of the course for some basic playing tuition
and practice with your new instrument …and a new ukulele ensemble will have the
opportunity to play a few simple songs together! I'm sure you'll have lots of
fun with your new ukulele, but if you decide not to play it, it'll look great
hanging on the wall…!
