$16 Ukulele Kit?!?

[@JustClaude13]

Not bad for a $20 uke. I wish you'd made a sample with the old strings so we could hear the difference.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Claude, I respect your ears too much. Be grateful it didn’t make the cut. Haha.

[@jesusisthetruth4497]

Claude ooo

[@fularshellii62]

I'd just ordered like this, few minutes ago. Thanks for this video, now I know how to Assembly my upcoming ukelele.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Good luck with your building project. Let me know it turns out. :)

[@jacqueline6780]

how'd it go?

[@buenafe]

How did it turn out?

[@salem_ness]

I got one for learning, and I paint it with spirited away theme

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

That sounds awesome. I want to see what you made.

[@salem_ness]

@@CircuitsAndStrings wow that sounds cool. Where can I send it?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Email a picture to [e-mail]

[@salem_ness]

@Gunnar oof I'm not sure if it's good one but sure, if you have instagram, you can search my profile @alien_ness, there I share some pictures of the process

[@auroramcct1982]

I if get this ukulele I’m going to paint it like Brian’s Red Special😂

[@estanley1974]

Thanks! These are being advertised all over the place so I got a couple. One for me and one to give as a gift. Your pointers were helpful and I'm looking forward to a fun little project.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Good luck with building the ukes. Send me a picture when you are done.

[@alexandriaramos4647]

I got one (actually, I got 58 for my kindergarteners to assemble for our instrument building unit), and I’m having trouble with the fixing rings. I know you used different pegs, but did you try using the fixing rings at all? I wanna make sure I’m not doing it wrong before I give up and just glue them 😂 I’m also trying to make some instructions so I need to figure this out.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

That’s awesome that you are making them in your class. Are the fixing rings the white plastic washers that go on the headstock? They just need a dab of super glue to stay in place. All they do is serve to give the holes and tuners a cleaner looks. But they aren’t a necessity.

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

This is a great video, thank you! Bummer about the plastic fret board.

[@timhooper8617]

I bought one of these from Ebay about a year ago - although mine has a wooden fretboard. No instructions, over wide neck and rubbish strings, as you say. I scuffed up the body to give a distressed look, and slapped on a coat of satin varnish.The end result is perfectly playable, and gets put in the suitcase when I go on holiday, and can't take anything bigger to play.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Cool. I’m glad it worked out for you too

[@GrumpyTy34er]

I think it turned out pretty well. Shame the fretboard was narrower than the neck. That happened on both of my eBay necks (one soprano, one concert, same seller/listing).

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

That is odd. I wonder why they don’t retool to make them fit together. I guess that is why they are cheap.

[@GrumpyTy34er]

CircuitsAndStrings it ended up lining up if the nut wasn't used, but that defeats the purpose. I just use my spokeshave to fix it a bit.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

For my wood neck and fretboards, I also trim them up after they are glued up.

[@angerock49]

Hey man! You've inspired me to try and make a ukulele. Because it's a first time project I got a kit, I've remade a body in a different style but am using the original neck and gear. i think it's roughly the same kit as this one. could you explain why you had to file the nut and saddle? i'm in the last steps and wondering if and why i should do so too. Thanks!

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

That’s great that you are making a ukulele. Sanding the bridge and filing the nut help make the ukulele easier to play. If the nut grooves are too shallow, then fretting close to the nut is more difficult. If the saddle is too high, then the string height at the 12th fret will be high. But if you don’t have trouble playing the uke, then don’t worry about it. It’s something that you can tweak later. Research “ukulele setup” to learn more.

[@floives7703]

Just what I needed thank you

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hathorr1067]

*Installs Neck* "Shops would save so much time by installing the neck first." *Installs fret board* "The fret board is too wide." XD

[@kayleemai2225]

It sounded great! I wish i could get that for my cousin, Tyler Do on Christmas Eve. He loves the Uke! 🪕💕🎆

[@auroramcct1982]

I want to ask this kit for Christmas

[@TwinkleToestheBerserker]

I'm considering getting one of these kits and using it to bring to the renaissance festival. Where did you get the friction pegs? I was thinking of also swapping out the standard for friction.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

eBay is a good place to get inexpensive friction tuners. You can get them for around $5. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F360689755455

[@TwinkleToestheBerserker]

@@CircuitsAndStrings Thanks! I'm considering for a little more going for violin friction pegs. Do you think this would work? I got the kit, by the way. I'm looking forward to doing it.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

You can use violin friction tuners, but you have to get a violin tuner reamer to get the taper angle right. Good luck.

[@operationgoldfish8331]

I picked up one of these kits, unused, from a charity shop here in the UK for £5 (about $7). The worst thing is the plastic parts. The fretboard is pants, so I'm using it as a template for uke fretboards (concert soprano). I've had a really nice carved salad bowl waiting to be used as an instrument body for a while, so I used the neck to turn this into a Uke; made a fresh fretboard and made the soundboard and bridge from scratch (using the original bridge as a guide). I ended up with something that looks like it was built by dwarves but it sound really nice, even with the original strings and tuners. I intend to use the body to make an eight string tenor.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Very nice. I want to see a picture of your creation.

[@operationgoldfish8331]

@@CircuitsAndStrings I'm not sure how you upload pictures to KZbin.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

If you want, send the pictures to [e-mail]

[@musicalmiscellany]

Not the highest quality kit but good to see how it goes together. Bummer about those strings. Thanks for doing this video sir.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

There are some bad ukulele strings out there. I could tell right away that these were terrible. They just keep stretching and falling out of tune.

[@xxsxgaxxx2274]

I don’t have the little dots😭

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Sorry to hear that. Were you able to get the kit put together?

[@xxsxgaxxx2274]

@@CircuitsAndStrings no

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

😕

[@davidrandall2474]

I bought the 16 dollar kit to. It says its a tenor but only 21 inchs. would' nt it be a soparno ? Also what strings did you buy ? Thank you.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

On eBay, 21 inches usually means soprano. I think I used some D’Addario uke strings.

[@davidrandall2474]

Thank you !

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I know that these kits and many of the guitar kits are knocked out on CNC equipment in China using the cheapest parts they can find like the strings that were provided but it still amazes me that they can retail them in another country for such a cheap price I am a retired woodworker and over the years many family has come to me to ask if i could build them something that was mass produced they found in a store thinking they were going to save money. Because i built many of my things for my use often when they pulled out the ad and picture they saw that item in i would have to tell them yes i can build that but not for less than that price and they would get confused Because i have to build each and every part by hand and as a one man shop it will take me so many weeks to build each part not being able to cut all those needed in a hours time and spend a day assembling it plus often people thought the item they were looking at because of the stain/ finishing process was actually a solid exotic wood which they really were a veneer over who knows often its RubberWood or some other inexpensive grade lumber And even if its Venneer it can still be sold as Solid Wood and Real Cherry or whatever the Veneer Species is used its bot solid Cherry Wood or whatever. If thats what they really want usually i cant buy the materials for under the cost their ad is selling it for there is nothing wrong with Veneers ive used them for years and if they are applied correctly they can make a product look Beautiful and last a long time heck my own dining room table is Veneered wood back to your video not a bad little Uke for under 20 dollars although no instructions for most people could be a problem it does look like they did a okay job on the bracing in the pictures ? Heck ive owned commercially sold guitars that sounded okay with crappier bracing from the factory (not name brand ) BTW one of which is a 12 String that was from the 1970s and yes the Bridge was reattached a few times before i got it as a hand me down i too reglued the Bridge despite it being a Supposedly Professional job it pulled off with all the torque The guitar had a lot of 1970s stickers and Badges on it along with a decent sound so i did play it for years and always knew it wasnt going to last so i didnt put a lot of time or money into it actually my 27 year old son has custody of it now

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I am shocked about how cheap this kit was. And you are absolutely right. It’s impossible to think that it’s cheaper to make furniture yourself. It’s takes so much time, tools, and supplies.

[@mortarion5359]

what song is it from 5:55? It sounds amazing

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

It’s called Lafayette Lilt. circuitsandstrings.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/lafayette-lilt-tutorial/amp/

[@mortarion5359]

tyvm

[@zenmaster7734]

What string did you put on it? They sound really good!

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I think they were D'Addario Titanium strings.

[@trismalie4181]

Hi I have a question , which part should start to measure for the firstor end of the bridge or saddle to 12 fret?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Measure from the nut end of the fretboard to the 12th fret. Then double that distance for the saddle of the bridge.

[@massmanute]

I was interested to see in the playing demo that the technique you used at the end is the same as frailing on the banjo. Is that a typical ukulele technique?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

it's an fairly uncommon playing style. It is probably closest to a clawhammer technique.

[@massmanute]

@@CircuitsAndStrings Thanks for the reply. Clawhammer and frailing are basically the same technique, although some people make a subtle distinction between the two. I wonder if there are people who use the technique on the guitar.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Are you a banjo player? I have a banjo, but I’ve never really spent the time to properly learn it.

[@massmanute]

@@CircuitsAndStrings I have played banjo a bit, though I am not a very good player. I started out with clawhammer style on a five string banjo, which I really like and recommend to others. My banjo teacher also likes clawhammer style. He says that three finger/bluegrass banjo requires too much testosterone. Then I learned a little bit of four string plectrum banjo using a pick. I like that too, but I like clawhammer a little better. There are some good youtube tutorials on clawhammer/frailing banjo.

[@leonardovillasenor6225]

Where can I buy de black tuning machine?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I got my set on eBay.

[@iwillprove]

Its sounds good or bad in your experience

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

It sounds good with better strings.

[@iwillprove]

@@CircuitsAndStrings i bought nylon string court verson.good or bad , Because after 3 days my ukulele is arriving so answer quick.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Just use your favorite brand of strings instead of the strings included in the kit. Or use the supplied strings and replace them later if you don’t like them.

[@ThinkEthan]

For a person who plays the ukulele, I think it sounded and looked great! I just ordered one :)

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I hope that you make a video about the ukulele kit. I want to see it.

[@Insulinwarr1or]

I really need help with the step 5

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

What questions do you have?

[@buenafe]

Why did you replace the given geared tuners with friction tuners? Thank you for the video. On the other hand, there are plenty of cheap ukes in Craigslist, etc, but I would miss out on the build and the challenge. It might be good throw-away travel uke and also having fun building it.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I swapped out the tuners because friction tuners are more traditional for a soprano. But I still generally prefer geared tuners. You should do one of these kit builds. They are a lot of fun.

[@KingUke]

Good work. I'm surprised you didn't trim down the neck a little to get by that fretboard problem. Or were you wanting to test the parts as they were supplied? I guess that's a problem with plastic fretboards - that you can't finesse them as you fit them? Other than that, it's playable and a great start for any wannabe builders.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I thought about trimming the neck a bit, but I wanted to keep it fairly stock. My main point was to do research for a potential building workshop at a uke festival. The simpler the better.

[@KingUke]

CircuitsAndStrings And what’s the verdict? Will you get more?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I’m going to also try a one string canjo kit. I really want to keep it simple. It sounds silly, but I stress myself out at these building workshops. I want everyone to have a good time, and have an usable instrument at the end.

[@KingUke]

CircuitsAndStrings Now you’ve got me thinking... the cheapest, easiest way to make an instrument. It would need to be acoustic. hmmm

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Let me know what your mind thinks of. I’m always looking for new ideas. 💡

[@xferretz9406]

it sounds really nice!!

[@Kermoedi77]

Have you seen the Howtoon cardboard ukulele kit? I’ve thought about getting that for my kiddo.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

That looks like a fun kit. You will have a great time putting it together.

[@missgaljazina]

I was thinking of ordering one and this is really helpfull. Great video!

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I’m glad it is helpful. 👍

[@jesusisthetruth4497]

IevaBailar :)

[@hazelxtaliahazelxtalia9975]

Should’ve put the link in the description

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

There are a bunch of kits on eBay that change frequently. The one that I used is no longer listed.

[@k-lynskiegrande6301]

Could you give me the link so i could buy one

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

This looks like the same style of ukulele kit that I bought. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323694706368

[@miloenstad8366]

This is going to make me the coolest baby sitter

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Are you going to buy a kit?

[@miloenstad8366]

@@CircuitsAndStrings ya , I can glue the neck on beforehand and pre drill all the holes, and the kids can cover them in copious amounts of paint

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Sounds like a lot of fun for everyone!

[@strings4lyfe]

Would be great if you could build a ukulele fully out of popsticle sticks!

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I’ve thought about doing that sometime. I just need to gather the popsicle sticks. :)

[@crazey4utube]

should have played the strings you didnt like. maybe we would have liked it. how much were the stings you bought?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

The old strings would not stay in tune.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I think the replacement strings were $5

[@cranker-nc7jv]

How do you add the strings?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I got a better set of strings from Amazon.

[@brururu1]

I have one right now but I don't know how to fix it so I watched this

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Nice. Do you have your kit assembled now?

[@lawshorizon]

I wouldn't recommend these DIY jobs unless someone has the tools and materials -- and some skill working with them. Off the top, when you include the sandpaper, glues, varnish, etc. it works out to be a much more expensive a project. Mine appeared to be a collection of random parts, and reject parts. The back of the neck looked like it had been cut out by a chain saw. I wasn't prepared for that and it took me a few hours to sand it down by hand. It did come with a warped rosewood fret board; however, it didn't fit the neck for one thing; for another the fret wires were high on one side and low on the other and it took some heavy-duty dressing. The tuners were badly machined reject parts. I jury rigged them to work but still need to buy some new ones. The nut was soft plastic and 32mm, not 35mm, so I had to buy a new one that would fit at 35mm. Anyone considering buying one of these should rethink spending another 10 bucks to get a better, already made, one.

[@acousticdoug]

I got one of these for Christmas and don’t know where to start. When the neck is connected to the body, they don’t line up great, and the fret board seems to be rosewood and is warped, any suggestions on what to do?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

It sounds like you might have got a bad kit. If you can, you might need to return it. Talk to the seller. The warped fretboard will be hard to get right. If you clamp it to the neck, does it flatten out?

[@acousticdoug]

CircuitsAndStrings it does flatten out when clamped. Do you think gluing it down alone will be enough to keep it on or should I invest in another option? I don’t think sending it back will be an option because I’m pretty sure my sister got it off eBay. Other than your plastic fretboard, however, the kit seems nearly identical

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Glue it down with some Titebond or other good wood glue, and you should be okay. You’ll still want to level and dress the frets a bit too.

[@Rosie06ej]

Wow you show us the kit don't put a link to the kit

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Take a look on eBay. They normally have a few different inexpensive ukulele kits from various sellers.

[@davidrandall2474]

where did you get the new tuners ?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

eBay.

[@davidrandall2474]

thank you

[@bittyflea]

Not really a $16 uke if you replaced strings and tuners - how much were each so we can have a real final cost?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

The cost of the strings was offset by using the less expensive friction tuning machines. Also remember to factor in the price of glue and wood finish.

[@pinkdollilly]

Did u use titanium strings

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I don’t remember what strings I used on this uke. But I do use D’Addario titanium strings a lot.

[@dylancampbell6671]

It is $40 on Amazon

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Try eBay. I bet they still have them for around $20

[@Hathorr1067]

19.99 and with Prime.

[@Joe-eq8we]

What did u glue the neck on with?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I used Titebond Orginal wood glue to attach the neck.

[@Joe-eq8we]

@@CircuitsAndStrings Thank you.

[@TheSaketShubham]

Sanding?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I did have to sand some of the wooden parts, but it didn’t take too long.

[@owenhardy9094]

Whare did you get the strings

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I think from Amazon.

[@owenhardy9094]

Thanks

[@bomoore9872]

Well yeah dude. Ofc the strings are gonna sound dead snd won't stay in tune. That happens with everyone new ukulele

[@firebreathingchickenduck4936]

Would you recommend the kit with someone who has no knowledge on building a ukulele?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I would look for one that has instructions included.

[@firebreathingchickenduck4936]

CircuitsAndStrings yeah definitely.

[@moonchild4806]

Well, I think I'm going to buy one of these to have a knock around ukulele that I would have not problem with accidentally throwing in a ditch or something.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I think it would be perfect for that. It’s nice to have a “knock around” uke.

[@zachyturps1379]

You should make a crooked ukulele

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

That would be fun.

[@Jaenerys]

I just made my sister her very first ukulele from a DIY kit I bought online for just $16 and pimped it like crazy. LOL. It's heaven-themed (as my sister requested) and made a video on how I made it. You should check it out guys, I hope you love it as much as I do. Now I bought another kit and Im planning to install a pickup as well. I will post video on it as well once Im done with it. Thanks

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Awesome. Subscribed na ako sa channel n’yo. Taga saan ka sa Filipinas?

[@Jaenerys]

@@CircuitsAndStrings thanks so much po. Im from Cavite

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Awesome. I lived in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac for 2 years back in 2002-2004.

[@Jaenerys]

@@CircuitsAndStringsare you an LDS RM?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Opo. Good guess. LDS ka ba?

[@johnvititoe6051]

I enjoyed your video...well done!

[@ИльяГитаркин]

+Piezo pickup .

[@camjohnholtz3987]

If I do this I am going to paint it like the jimmy page dragon telecaster

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Right on. I want to see that.

[@aWildJosh213]

I have something similar. Remind me to make a video of it if I forget.

[@ИльяГитаркин]

Alli express?))

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I bought the kit on eBay.

[@natethegr8925]

CircuitsAndStrings alli express is Japanese eBay. And he has a Russian name , Japan and Russian are close de to each other , so maybe he thought that’s what you meant

[@catloveryoujustsawtheprofi8610]

Taught this was on vat 19

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Did you buy one too?

[@samreenrahman6804]

I’m trying to laser cut a ukulele in design and robotics... I’m going to fail😂

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

You can do it! Send pics of your creation.

[@trackie1957]

Why did you say that? It’s up to you to program the laser cutting, so all you need are the right numbers for the fret locations. Take your time, know which details matter, and it will be fine. You WILL make mistakes, but you learn from them for your next one!

[@Aight__4]

hmm this guy needs moor likes

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

😆

[@trumpfan4013]

Yah, $16 plus $52 shipping.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

There are a bunch on eBay with free shipping. www.ebay.com/itm/283718000178

[@jiejie6549]

I bought 1 for 8 dollars whole set

[@jiejie6549]

And also it comes with a case

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Wow. That’s an awesome price. Where did you find it?

[@RobertDaHobbit2]

I got one for 36 bucks. Im thoroughly disappointed Peg cap things are too big Fret board has no screw holes Screw holes are not aligned properly. Should be expected though. Since mine came from Walmart.

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

Oh darn. I am sorry that you got a bad kit. That is not fun. 😩

[@djsandbird]

Don't buy it! I did this mistake and I lost my money. No instructions and it's look very complicated to assemble it. I learned never to buy any DIY instrument. BTW: If anyone want the parts before that I'm throwing them away?

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

There are a bunch of cheap kits online. Some may have instructions.

[@thebongmaster]

I ended up getting the other kit that comes with rosewood bridge and fretboard, doesnt cost too much more. built 2 of them so far and they both turned out nice :)

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I’m glad that you were able to make some cool ukes. 👍

[@thebongmaster]

its a good kit to learn from before trying to make one from scratch :) (also videos like yours help alot too XD )

[@CircuitsAndStrings]

I agree. A kit is a great way to try out ukulele building.