Building a Ukulele In 4 Days

This project was a real opportunity to explore my new workshop, as well as use up some homeless timber and test my perfectionism.
While I’m thrilled with how it turned out given the time constraint, I feel lucky that my guitars are allowed so much more time for attention to detail, structurally and mainly sonically, as well as aesthetically. Also, the fact I have access to some really great materials makes me really grateful; building with offcuts and slightly weird colour schemes really made me miss the latter.
If you want to find the tools I used in this video, the links are as follows:
Luthier’s Digital Calipers: stewmac.sjv.io...
Fretsaw: stewmac.sjv.io...
Japanese saw: stewmac.sjv.io...
Radius dishes (40ft and 15ft): stewmac.sjv.io...
Hand bending iron: stewmac.sjv.io...
Rosette Routing jig: stewmac.sjv.io... (be aware you need to order the base too which is here: stewmac.sjv.io/AWy2a7)
Rosette cutters: stewmac.sjv.io...
Workshop rulers (long and short): stewmac.sjv.io...
Sliding square: stewmac.sjv.io/VmbBRE
Fretboard radiuser (16ft): stewmac.sjv.io/QyJd5a
Adhesive sandpaper: stewmac.sjv.io...
Fret cutters: stewmac.sjv.io...
Fret tang nippers: stewmac.sjv.io...
Fret files: stewmac.sjv.io...
Engineers square: stewmac.sjv.io...
My exact Japanese chisels have been discontinued but generally these are a better size for lutherie: stewmac.sjv.io...
Lie Nielsen Block plane: www.lie-nielse...
Lie Nielsen No.5 1/2 Jack plane: www.lie-nielse...
Tempest Guitars sweatshirts: www.tempestgui...
Love x

[@btdarterschannel112]

If you build a ukulele in the U.K., is it a U.K.-lele???? 😂😅😂 Oh, I know. Bad one! 👎

[@Washingtonjopir]

If you build it in china its still UKlele😒

[@maungwunnaphyoe3085]

No,Chinalele😂​@@Washingtonjopir

[@tetedur377]

For what it's worth, I think you'll make an excellent master. All the best.

[@sgsax]

Not bad for a speedy rip through a project. It still looks pretty dang sweet to me. As for the sound, ukes have never really done it for me. Though I did get to hear Jake Shimabukuro in concert once and that was a whole different story. Fun project in the new shop! Thanks for sharing!

[@gregkrekelberg4632]

Didn't he just retire recently?

[@BillACK]

@@gregkrekelberg4632 Nope, he's on tour right now.

[@timpaterson2872]

Love an in tune router wailing bit. Very bloody cool.

[@MJKCreations]

So awesome to see this process. I loved how the wood for the body got shaped, and had never seen that type of heater before. Thank you!

[@michaelhaig1317]

This is a great display of skill and craft. And a beautiful result! I could watch this for hours…

[@Cradley684]

Excellent work my Dear, look's and sound's great anyway !!!. 😀😀👍👍.

[@musicfromakido]

Your hair is cool in the talking bits.

[@odinata]

4:53 The "ceiling clamp"?!?!? OMG you are a genius!!!

[@darkiee69]

It's called a go-bar deck, an invention thousands of years old, from China. There's a video where she build it too.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

@ Daisy Tempest: LOL based on what you used for a router I just ordered the same model. You should create affiliate links! Great video by the way.

[@JohnStevenson-bm2no]

Love the British accent. from a pretty girl to boot.. Nice video

[@rideoneAX125]

Best mom..i love that..

[@SevanGuitars]

Gibson used one-piece necks. There was no joint, that's partly why they were known to break.

[@thetomster7625]

only a few things are cooler then a woodworking woman

[@Hexonip]

Nice

[@rasmusn.e.m1064]

As soon as the "router solo" began I couldn't help laughing. That was a great bit.

[@Gatherersmusic]

Ha ha yeah 1st (and last) time a router has sounded like a violin....or at least pleasant

[@neilmacmusic]

great bit- see what you did there!

[@rasmusn.e.m1064]

@@neilmacmusic :) Yeah, I know it was more of a gag, but it sounded so good, so I tried to refrain from seeming crass.

[@florianzellmer8735]

And at around 14:35, it even plays some overtones/harmonics. So great

[@starshot5172]

😂😂😂😂

[@mikewilson3169]

I have no experience or knowledge of luthering (is that a word?). But, I found this absolutely fascinating, and can't wait for more. However, as a woodworker, my best line of the day was: "I should have done a dovetail, but life's too short."

[@derekwalton16]

Dovetail but lifes too short - Best comment!!!!

[@machine2747]

That clamping method using the sticks is amazing. Really enjoyed watching this!

[@wrongtown]

First time on this channel and that alone was worth a subscription ❤

[@sillysongs19]

very traditional way of doing it for luthiers, I've seen a number of old violin crafting videos that use that method

[@Erik_The_Viking]

I've never seen that method either, but it's definitely a very clever way to use physics to clamp pieces where a typical clamp couldn't reach.

[@stephendexter3246]

That's a pretty common method of clamping guitars, they're called go-bars

[@roadie3124]

There's a post from a wile ago where Daisy's just moving into her new workshop and she makes the structure with the bench and the roof for stick 'clamping'.

[@williamwoolcock]

There's a maker on Kauai that makes his ukes with wood so thin it just projects loudly with great tone. Sort of convinced me that less is better, really contrasts with my Pono (which her's sounds like). Sells about $3500+. Just about the middle of Kapaa.

[@tonysansom]

For a 'rush job' that is still one beautiful looking instrument, especially the walnut!

[@YegresAL]

Who needs soundboard tuning if router is already tuned perfectly? )))) But uke is really on the edge of what luthier could allow to oneself as professional... It seems that you already couldn't create something bad even if you're trying so :D

[@babab_m]

No matter how many times i watch guitars and ukuleles being made it never fails to be magical

[@andrewmcdonough6710]

The first batch of ukuleles Martin made were shipped to a store in Hawaii. They sent them back! Turns out Martin made them like little acoustic guitars. Ukuleles are actually quite delicate. You did make a beautiful uke though. Maybe a different string type might make it sound a little better. Great video!

[@emm_arr]

Mind blown at that post. Daisy ... you have this to hand. Have you built something that could take metal strimgs and be a version of a machete de braga? If you do try that, please post the video.

[@BillACK]

Yep, while a lovely instrument, it looked overbuilt to me. Oh, and all ukes don't sound terrible! My Martin 2K (made from stunning flame koa) sounds pretty amazing! Loved the vid though.

[@gemininimeg]

That's funny cause it was the Portuguese that actually came up with the Ukulele by modifying there Machete de Braga which became the Ukulele and Hawaiians adopted it and made it popular.

[@marcusfridh8489]

​@@gemininimegthe Portuguese cavanquino is the origine of the ukulele.

[@deanohit]

This is a great point, my Kala sounded pretty average, one string was real flat sounding so I did some research and a lot of people suggested Aquila Nylgut strings. Man it came alive and is my favourite Uke now

[@Archtops]

Make the bracing thinner/lighter to make that top move. Great job!

[@MrEvolutionable]

I just stumbled upon your channel and have found it immensely therapeutic to watch you work and explain your process. Thank you for making my day a little more enjoyable.

[@guyincognito1423]

Omg! What is that rolling pin/sanding drum attachment for your drill called?!?! I need one desperately! Great job on the uke! Im no ukelele aficionado, but the ones I have heard, all sound like cheap kids toy, no matter how cheap or expensive.

[@chrisgreenwood4713]

You never disappoint! Who hates English accents? You are a wonderful craftsperson, your new apprentice is very lucky! Loved the music! Thank you1

[@christopherfidler3019]

class and elegance.

[@cormacsmall9442]

Who hates English accents? Well clearly you're not from Scotland, Wales or Ireland. Or England for that matter. (Just a joke, of course. Out of the thousands of different English accents, hers is definitely one of the best).

[@tetedur377]

​@@cormacsmall9442 I was going to say early Americans.

[@fearnpol4938]

Actually most of the rest of the U.K. and pretty much most of their former colonies.

[@edwardburroughs1489]

@@fearnpol4938 LOL, bellend.

[@BobPrager]

Very nice video. One question -- how do you tune your router? 😁

[@jeffhughes6167]

By ear !!

[@TimThomas8624]

I WATCHED A VERY TALENTED YOUNG LADY DO A GREAT PROJECT. WELL DONE.

[@saitamagotchi44]

I've done plenty of woodworking but no steam bending, mad respect for the skill and balls required to do that without gloves and so fast and accurately.

[@JusticeConstantine]

Daisy, It was so relaxing watching you make your ukulele.

[@MattTee1975]

Dumb question, maybe, but I saw you wrote "Bass" and "Treb" on each side. Do the sides have some corresponding properties for bass and treble or something or just based on where the bracing will go?

[@DaisyTempest]

Not a dumb question at all - an excellent one! Bass side means the side that is facing the player (and is the bass side) and the treble is on the players lap. Purely aesthetic for this stage, you went the most beautiful side (if there is one) to be facing the player. Also helps to remind you which way you’re bending the curves.

[@MattTee1975]

@@DaisyTempest Ah! Ok, I thought maybe it was a top and bottom thing. Thank you much!

[@616C2D7867]

First time viewer here. This was an absolute pleasure to watch and listen to, the narration and the tunes! And yes, the router harmonies!

[@DariusBaktash]

This video is now how my little girl falls asleep. Eventually she might get to the very end where you play it, until then she's getting a very solid education on "rapid instrument development." Thank you for making such a chill and wholesome video, even if it's just whimsy.

[@roadie3124]

About accents: it's lovely to hear your natural accent compared to the fake 'upper-class' accents that are so common these days. You sound just like the sisters of my friends when I was growing up.

[@landraven0404]

The first picks were form queen bohemian rap but neither the ukes didn't know 😀 alaways nice and interesting! Make something with that workbench and make it sturdy, you're annoing yourself with it. You and your accent are beautifull!

[@B.McAllister]

I have a feeling you'll be hitting a million subs quickly.

[@captainchaos3053]

Great looking body. Wasn't sure about the neck but I think it grows on you. I think it's perhaps a little over braced if anything.

[@gregholmberg2]

I've never built a Ukulele, but I think that with the nylon strings and short scale, the string tension is very low, and the top has to be built very lightly, like a classical guitar. To my eyes, your top looked too thick and the braces too big. The bracing looked more like one would do for a steel-string. I think some very light fan bracing is what's needed on a Ukulele.

[@lsmiii]

I always find it strangely beautiful to see the wooden rods used under tension to hold guitar pieces together while they're being glued. So much about guitars/ukuleles is dependent on graceful tension.

[@constantinehex5386]

nice work, pure artist. I've been called many things but a honey badger that's new ..... i like it hahaha

[@b1j]

Thinner wood? Thinner braces? Might give you more sound protection.

[@timphukurmumma]

I prefer ukulele destruction videos more than construction

[@BiscuitTinOrchestra]

pull the bridge off, thin out the sound board. try some fluro-carbon strings, and a low G

[@whipemkealohagaming4866]

You built it like an acoustic guitar, that's why it sounds bad. Martin made the same mistake and the ones they sent to Hawaii were all sent back 😂

[@DesimoneAmps]

I think the same about ukuleles.. small vibrating area... low tension strings...low volume...but great video!

[@robco6997]

Next challenge make a ukulele that does sound good if it's possible?

[@knutselaardre1272]

I don't know anything about guitar building, but you sure are a great woodworker and a nice person.

[@MichaelBuilds]

I love British accents! Love the minion size guitar. Loved the singing and dancing while shaping the neck 😂. So excited about the new apprentice!

[@oscarbarda]

Oh heavens, your downward clamping jig shelf is SO SMART why did I never think of that T_T

[@valley_robot]

My ukuleles sound lovely , but they don’t have all that bracing that you added , ukuleles are very delicate

[@joansmith2169]

My Stewmac tenor ukulele kit build sounded much, much better when I put good strings on it. I don't know what you are using, of course, but that's my two cents. Thanks for the video.

[@DaisyTempest]

This is an excellent point, the strings I ordered were truly horrendous which I realised from the moment I opened them - they had a cute bird on them though which is cool but maybe one shouldn’t judge a string by it’s birds

[@jeffhughes6167]

@@DaisyTempestlove your British humor and your accent as well !

[@sporranheid]

@@DaisyTempest 🤣🤣

[@jeffreytgilbert]

@@DaisyTempestwas it actually in tune? It didn’t sound in tune. Was the intonation off? Pretty much all Ukulele’s i try sound different to my ear, but they usually sound in tune. Are the tuning machines bad? I’m so confused.

[@ianbeeson5100]

New, larger shop. Builds new, tiny guitar. Love it 😊

[@fixed1t]

Amazing video, you make it look so easy, my only criticism is with all that fine dust a mask would have been sensible so that your not wrecking your lungs well before your time. You can get lung pneumoconioses are a group of lung diseases caused by the lung's reaction inhaling certain dusts. The main cause of the pneumoconioses is work-place exposure. Sorry for being a boring. ;-) Argh, you explained at the end watching at 2 in the morning I decided to stop and go to bed, just rejoined to hear the reason. Glad to hear the PPE will be back.

[@robohippy]

I had a Hawaiian correct me once on the proper pronunciation of ukulele. The first syllable is not like 'you', but oo as in oops. Never got into musical instruments..... Probably won't. Just not enough time.

[@allanmakela3011]

You have a nicely equipped shop,I have guitar repair tools,but as a welder when I go into a shop,that has nice equipment it is so inspiring,the layout is like a place of worship

[@rickrickard2788]

Grabbing my popcorn....

[@DaisyTempest]

Aaaah adorable thank you

[@lyricbread]

Watching you steam and hand bend those sides was very meditative. ASMR or whatever the cool kids are calling it these days. 😂

[@pablorages1241]

What Ukulele ?

[@trecruel3516]

The bendy stick clamps and handheld drum sander are two things I'm definitely going to try in my shop! That's inspired!

[@coltwarren]

Love your videos Daisy. I was thinking about the bracing. I have only built guitars but weren't the bracing too stiff for a Uke ? I meant , you use the 'same' dimensions as for a guitar top if you see what I mean. Shouldn't they be more delicate for the uke to make the soundboard more flexible ? Like I said , I never made a uke so I don't know but it was just a thought. It is always a pleasure to watch you Daisy so thank you very much. Best regards from Christer in Stockholm

[@DaisyTempest]

Yes, massively over braced it. And I suspect got some maths wrong on the fretwork from rushing. If I was doing it again the bracing would be halved, and I'd give myself two weeks! Sadly I don't have time rn but one day maybe.

[@bigmaca]

great video, maybe you could do one on all those unique or niche tools as there seems to be a lot that are specific to guitar making as opposed to bog-standard joinery.

[@jeffwatson4908]

Fun and scary to watch at the same time. So easy to make a mistake. Your skills shine through. Might I suggest that you make the top and bottom thinner and lessen the internal bracing for more resonance.

[@planeflyer21]

Thanks, Daisy. This is some great insight into your art!

[@robertkerby2581]

Wow, you are an expertly skilled Craftsman! Watching you work on building the Ukalaly was absolutely mesmerizing! Well done young lady!

[@DragonXVI]

That was a great watch!

[@lyricbread]

13:04 Your Makita router is a real “G.” 😉

[@andrewfrost8866]

Hey, there, Daisy! I can totally understand where you're coming from. It's amazing how a project like this allows you to explore new techniques and push your boundaries. Working with homeless timber and testing your perfectionism must have been quite the adventure! While the time constraint posed a challenge, it's impressive how you could create something beautiful within those limitations. And you're absolutely right; guitars deserve that extra time and attention to detail, structurally and sonically. It's great that you have access to high-quality materials for your guitars, and I can imagine how much you appreciate that. Building with offcuts and experimenting with slightly unconventional colour schemes can be fun, but it also reminds us of the beauty of working with premium materials. It's all part of the creative journey! Keep up the fantastic work, and I'm sure your new apprentice will be incredibly lucky to learn from someone as talented as you. Your dedication and passion shine through in your projects. And hey, the music in the video was a delightful touch! Wishing you continued success and many more exciting projects to come! Take care, Andrew

[@mofbombay6290]

Yes I like the shape of that body

[@timdriman4253]

Hi Daisy. GFBISA I am thoughly enjoying living vicaqriously through your videos. What an absolute privilege to watch a master craftsperson at work, with commentary. 😁 If I may be outrageously cheeky, to mention that I did see rather a lot of uneccessary movement from your workbench. May I respectfully suggest that you check the tightness of the screws /nuts and bolts holding the legs, and corners together. They may just require some tightening, or as a "belts and braces" solution to stabilising that workbench, whould be to fix some diagonal, stabilizer, wooden battens using 10mm stainless steel, threaded bar, cut to size, and fixed at one end with Nyloc Nylon-lined locknuts, at one end, and simple wing nuts on the other side. (So you can remove them if needed) Keep up your awesome work. Take care, and be safe out there, Best regards all the way from Ballito, on the upper, eastern seaboard of South Africa. 😁

[@paulhoffbaltzersen3304]

I have been teaching ukulele for some time and have realized that the size matters more than the quality of the wood and build. I would try making a smaller one. It will sound sweet I'm sure of it. :-)

[@TarnishedViking.]

Thanks again, Daisy💚👍

[@newphysicist]

I’ve been thinking about creating one for last few months. I’m not a luthier but I’m gonna do it my way. Just like I built a violin. Thank you 😊

[@wayngoodman3099]

Daisy, I could watch you build guitars for hours… you have an attention to detail woefully lacking in our world, and I so appreciate you for keeping the faith!!

[@shaneglackin]

The router really does sound... not just in tune, but rather beautiful.

[@jackyboygee777]

😍😘 Good to see you doing the work of an actual Luthier, and nicely finished instrument........Sound wise, as you say, quite bad, which i personally put down to the thickness of the back, top and sides........I saw you lacquer the instrument, but i hope you did not glue the bridge to the lacquer?........Over all, good craftsmanship, but i would like to see you repairing broken guitars......Take care, and keep up the learning process.

[@razvanbutiac7684]

Nice build, I enjoy your work. Yap it sound like pitzicato... but I thing you did't give it a chance to it. Sides and back... and front way to thik, I dont know exactly the thiknes, but looks like the sides were over 3milimeters and same for the back and front. More like a cigars box. I think you should give it a shoot and build a ukulele so thin that barely hold... the braces have to be very vey thin and light. You will be surprized how nice it will sound. Yap... definetly not a 4 days project as you will need to thin the face way over the "confort" zone... I will say 1.2- 1.4 milimeters, and the wood have to be realy good quality (take a shot with the moon spruce from switzerland... expensive but so tight grains) Any way... always enjoiy you way of being, i'm happy when you take a video out. (nice blade ideaa from the guitar strings by the way)

[@musicfromakido]

Have you ever been approached about making an instrument for Joey Tempest? The guy who sang on The Final Countdown by Europe 🤩

[@rjsieder]

Having spent much of today listening to a much larger Porter Cable router, you had me cracking up with the Makita solo. I have that same little router too!

[@annietempest1]

Just love watching people make things . Brilliant.

[@makerphin]

I would love to get into Luthier projects, and Ukulele seems like a great place to start! Thanks for the videos :)

[@tonysansom]

Cigar box guitars are a good start point too. They don't have to be made from expensive materials, the necks have no radius which greatly simplifies things and the body is mostly already made 👍

[@drumsNstuff79]

I like this build! I think your bolt on neck was totally fine. It does not have to be a dovetail to be real neck joint at all. Remove such snobbery from your opinion missy! haha..Taylor guitars use this type of bolt on joint and it is great for neck removal for repairs and such. As you know a dovetail would be totally glued in, and require steam to loosen the glue and force to remove the neck with maybe some minor damage. Ask Ted Woodford! And also your British accent is delightful and lovely!

[@mikeregan3265]

Set up and string quality is critical for ukulele.

[@NickGranville]

Great work Daisy! Thanks for posting. Fun little project

[@gwbuilder5779]

Nicely done Daisey.👌 I saw the color scheme you were going for with the smoked neck, that really would have tied it altogether superbly.😉 Unfortunately, oak does have a tendency to split out because of all the short grains in between the longer grain. Try some black higher tensile strings and the sound will improve tremendously and the color will bring all of the accents together.😁 You certainly showed, with the right tools and knowledge, a fine instrument can be created in a short amount of time. I appreciate how you over-cut to anticipate all of the finishing steps. Your skills are refining very well.🤙

[@m2rsvp]

Q. Concert or Tenor uke, or improv-sized? If I've reached you in time, play the quke ("quick ukelele") with a soft felt pick to discover its beauty, m'damsel. ❤

[@guitarbobification]

Anyone that can't appreciate these amazing skills is probably sleeping through the video LOL! And shame on you - you could learn so much if you paid attention. Besides who doesn't want to see a beautiful girl with a Brit accent teach men how to do stuff? All the best elements entertainment, education, and fun😊

[@jordmosselman3403]

My fair Lady Tempest, dare i say...magnicifent!! Whimsicle project? Perfling and binding, right, next project a modern guitar with baroque appointments? Inlays galore?

[@PhreddCrintt]

Superb Daisy. I'm a long-retired engineer and still an active guitarist/vocalist. Loved every second - as I always do. Thank you!

[@kensmith2971]

well done i have built many ukes all sizes and guitars. the best ones are as thin as poss, they get the best sound, struts to need to be no thicker than 4mm, and, WEAR GLOVCES WHEN YOU BEND, best wishes ,

[@martinuso7446]

Ehm, maybe stabilize your workbench? Loved the dramatics of your hair blowing in the wind while chiseling. Wish when I worked slow I got your level of finish when you work quickly... All in all, loved the vid Miss Tempest, thank you.

[@alphascorpii185]

English accent ? Yes but which one ? There are dozens of English accent. And, as French, I don't recognize them very well (except for Yorkshire...)

[@P--O]

Such amazing skills! Super interesting to watch! Greetings from a new subscriber in Sweden Btw, your accent is lovely imho 🙂

[@saoirsepaddy]

I Bloody Hate British & American Bank Holidays !!!! I miss Hearing British Accents I went too Art College back in the mid 90s I got so use to all the UK & Ireland Accents. When I called back to the States American Accents sound like nails on a chalkboard Thumbs up Daisy Keep on Keeping on

[@rollonsummertime]

My 1978 SG is still in one piece😂Thanks for the video,,,excellent👍👍👍

[@raincells]

Just discovered your channel and its great content. I'm a musician and enjoy watching people build quality instruments. I enjoyed the harmony of the router with the music. Just subscribed and will be watching more of your content. Well done!

[@nomad3189]

I like the way she says "timber" instead of "wood". Timber sounds like you are constructing a bridge. I thought she just walked off the street and decided to build a Ukulele, but obviously she knows her way around the workshop.

[@Marcelo_Mammana]

Thanks! I've learned a lot, specially regarding the marks where to bend the sides. In my very humble experience, the pressure bars should be put in opposite directions, to avoid the piece of wood to slide, but I see you don't have any problem about it. Thanks again and I wish you a very good 2024!

[@KerminSR]

Seems like a lot of work for an instrument who will only see a few possible futures: Young woman learning to play "Riptide" by Vance Joy Repressed young male learning to play "Hey Soul Sister" by Train Co-ed learning to write her first break-up song in her dorm room Actual Hawaiian talent who dies too early to enjoy success for his songwriting ability while he's still alive Being featured in a Rob Scallon djent video, or an awesome collab vid - I would pay money to watch a luthier make him something wild, like an 8-string uke or a dreadnaught mandolin. Joking aside, this looks like a well-crafted instrument and I hope it finds a home that deserves and appreciates it. If the wood doesn't resonate properly, maybe it would be a good project to add some sort of pickup system?

[@ChrisOttoMusic]

Well, not to disagree with people on Instagram, but not all ukuleles sound bad, lol. Given the tight time line, and not knowing the subtleties of making a uke, we'll.give you a pass on this one.