How to Build a Ukulele Kit

StewMac Ukulele Kit unboxed with tools on workbench

LESSON 1

LET'S GET STARTED!

  • Unboxing the kit
  • Outlining the build
  • Discussing staining and finishing
Hands tracing ukulele pattern with scribe

LESSON 2

BRACING THE TOP+BACK

  • Laying out the bracing pattern
  • How to glue up and clamp the braces
Hands fitting ukulele sides into body mold

LESSON 3

ASSEMBLING THE BODY

  • Building a mold to hold your uke for assembly
  • Gluing the sides, neck and tail block, and linings
Hands holding fretboard on side to glue frets

LESSON 4

PREPARING THE NECK

  • Making and installing side dots
  • Installing and gluing in the frets
  • Gluing on the fingerboard
Ruler removing burr from sides of frets

LESSON 5

LEVELING THE FRETS

  • Final shaping the neck
  • Leveling the frets
  • Rounding the fret tops
  • Fine-tuning the fret ends
Hands fitting ukulele neck to body

LESSON 6

SANDING THE BODY+NECK

  • Final sanding a body and neck before finishing
  • Positioning the bridge and neck
  • Fitting the neck to the body for a perfect fit
Gloved hands staining the body of the Ukulele

LESSON 7

STAINING THE BODY+NECK

  • Mixing custom stains
  • How to prep end grain for staining
  • Why to stain the body and neck separately
Rubber bands and clamps holding glued ukulele neck

LESSON 8

ATTACHING THE NECK

  • Gluing the fingerboard extension
  • Gluing the neck and keeping it straight
  • Clamping the neck with rubber bands
Hands wiping finish coat on ukulele body with rag

LESSON 9

APPLYING THE FINISH

  • Final prepping the wood for finishing
  • How to scuff sand
  • Finishing with a rag and a brush
  • Applying the final coat
Clamping ukulele bridge through soundhole

LESSON 10

ASSEMBLY+SETUP

  • Gluing on the bridge
  • Installing the tuners
  • Fitting the nut and saddle
  • Fine-tuning the action and playability
  • Oiling the fretboard and bridge