Heavy, Metal Ukulele---Making a Ukulele out of Aluminum

[@sabdoprakoso8178]

great work Making a Ukulele out of Aluminum without gloves 🧤😁😆

[@patricklundquist9869]

I just had a thought. If you are ever inspired to make a version 2.0, you could stretch springs across the inside to give it a built-in reverb.

[@StevDoesBigJumps]

and maybe use the bridge from an electric guitar

[@patricklundquist9869]

I've been thinking about this build and it occurred to me that there will likely be galvanic corrosion where the brass nut touches the aluminum and also where the two chrome steel bolts tie the brass bridge to the aluminum body. Possibly a problem at the tuners as well. Another good reason to make a different saddle and nut out of traditional material like bone, tusq, or maybe even plastic. Since the aluminum is not anodized, eventually the ukulele body and neck will corrode from salts and acids left from contact with skin.

[@domlaiso7034]

Wow that's pretty interesting, I didn't know galvanic corrosion was a thing. How long do you think before the corrosion becomes noticeable visually? Or damages the structural tegrity?

[@patricklundquist9869]

@@domlaiso7034 Now that is a good question. Corrosion at the bridge screws and nut might create gaps which could create some buzz as things corrode and loosen. Since the bridge is under tension, corroded screws could break and the bridge go flying leaving broken screw ends that are nearly impossible to extract. Making another bridge out of aluminum bar stock and then using aluminum blind rivets instead of steel bolts would solve the bridge problem. Cherrylock rivets will draw tight, which makes them the best, assuming the bridge material in between can bear the load. Unless you have a friend in the aviation business with the proper installation tool, that could get expensive. Tusq nut solves the nut problem and might tame some of the tinny tones.

[@dereksantavenere2172]

galvanic corrosion would take years … you can fairly easily mitigate w some oil and periodic cleaning - statue of liberty is covered in galvanic corrosion…. still standing fine

[@kelsey_watson]

All of the screws are stainless and the nut has a coat of super glue holding it in place. Even so, I think it would have to be submerged in a tank of salt water for a few months for this to be an issue. A year and a half later there are no problems. It is an interesting thought though

[@seanc8054]

@@domlaiso7034 if you get it wet it'll happen tomorrow lol

[@nobuckle40]

It does sound "tinny". The level of craftsmanship you put into this build is off the chart. Great work!

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

No it isn't! Anyone familiar with metal working would have known how to do it right! Is this how you think professional craftsman do things? I don't think so! That's not at all good craftsmanship, and it's only off the charts in ignorance for not doing the required research and honing of skills first!

[@nobuckle40]

@@Bob-of-Zoid Then let's see you make one and teach us all how to "do it right"!

[@GuitarWatsonMusic]

This is great - you really went deep. Shared the mistakes, the challenges, the design shifts and materials. I was particularly interested (as a musician) in the fretboard segment - very interesting. This is like a mini documentary! Well done.

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks dad! Glad you liked it

[@PeterMcCartt]

C'mon Tommy Guitar Watson! Play your rendition of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" on that beauty!

[@arodgoogle6327]

You have amazing patience! Interesting build. The reason I watched your whole video is because the ukulele is one of my favorite instruments and I am in the middle of building my first ukulele.

[@jacobopstad5483]

I love that you are experimenting with things you don't know how to do and showing all the uncertainties and mistakes along the way. So often, people just edit that part out but it's an essential and valuable part of the process. I'd never seen an aluminum ukulele before and now I have, thanks to you. That sort of intrepid spirit is what eventually leads to great innovations and real-world practical experience. I think it turned out great. Nice job!

[@ejd53]

The last comment is gold. As any woodworker knows, your output is roughly 1 part project to 2 parts jigs. I lost count of the jigs (not all successful) I have made for making ukes, but the fun is in the making (both instruments and jigs).

[@kelsey_watson]

It is very satisfying to solve a problem with a good jig. It sometimes makes you want to do a little happy dance-in other words, the jig jig!

[@attilakovacs5803]

Nice tone, containing a lot of harmonics! The sound of metal can be heard clearly.👍❤️🎼🎵🎶🎸

[@BadgerBishop]

Lovely work.

[@donatovaccaro6205]

Who would have ever thought that watching someone make a ukulele could ever be fun? Interesting, yes. But this was fun too! Excellent videography. I love the way the ukelele music happened at the end. And was great, Kelsey, to hear you talk through some of your challenges. So cool that you're helping others see the pain and glory of this craft.

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! I definitely try to include the mistake and challenges as much as possible while still having the process make some sense to the viewer. This was a very experimental project for me and it was a lot of fun to work through the problems! That’s the fun part really, even when it can get frustrating at times 😅

[@rosco1pug]

Nice work setting up and dressing those frets.

[@tomhorne6172]

Very challenging, and Satisfying

[@voran6711]

Whoa....warm and gentle and uncanny valley all at once, cool timbre. Now I want a metal ukulele lol

[@kelsey_watson]

It definitely has a unique sound! If only there was a rational way to manufacture them 🤔 The world needs more metal ukes

[@lestorhaslam]

Good volume, resonance, and tone. Well done.

[@guitfidle]

Oh hey, I can solder and braze, I never thought to use that for making a metal body.... Now I have ideas!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@robmarmaduke]

That's something you don't see everyday, nice work

[@kelsey_watson]

Because you would have to be out of your mind to make one! Thanks for watching! 😃

[@berylwatson7575]

Absolutely gorgeous Ukulele! It's amazing how you crafted this out of aluminum. Great video too!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks mom!

[@autisticmim]

Fantastic fantastic job!!!

[@garyteters7273]

Yep! I am completely amazed. Good job.

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you for watching! I really appreciate the comment ☺️

[@59dukeman]

absolute work of art Kelsey

[@eleanorcropper7330]

Incredible! Couldn't stop watching! Beautiful result.

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you! ☺️

[@karenpenelopesingleton8375]

Wow, completely and utterly amazing. What a master you are. Fantastic !!!!

[@davidhamer8333]

I do a lot of metal shaping and was thinking of making an ali ukulele, but wondered what it would sound like. You have shown me, thank you.

[@kelsey_watson]

DO IT! the world needs more

[@davidhamer8333]

@@kelsey_watson It will be my next project. I have to finish the aluminium fuel tank I am making for a motorbike first. I may be pestering you for info. Incidentally do you know the weight of yours? and is the weight an issue? Cheers

[@pico2623]

Any updates on it?

[@fbales]

Wow! Very impressive. Beautifully done!

[@waynefelkey9821]

As a former Travis Bean guitar owner I can comment on using aluminum in a stringed instrument. The longer you play, the sharper the tuning will get! A little thing called the coefficient of thermal expansion.

[@kelsey_watson]

I was not familiar with this make, very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@chriss2452]

You know you can polish up that whole thing to mirror/chrome finish! Nice build!

[@tziirkq]

It's possible (But a pain in the ass most of the time) to calculate the springback of material, and how much to overbend. The Engineering Information, Conversions and Calculations site has a great calculator for it, which I use fairly often if material is running low. I liked this a lot, my two favourite things, metal work and the ukulele.

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching! I'll have to check that out next time I try something like this. I'm trying to be a little more precise these days

[@bradahrensforcongress]

I am impressed.

[@JGV_IX]

That. Was. AWESOME!! Brilliant on so many levels - thanks for the video!

[@loganc4233]

Pretty cool! Thanks!

[@johnlambert8375]

Super cool!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you! Much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@okolekahuna3862]

great job!

[@georgefrench1907]

Fun project. Even if the sound is iffy, it’ll look great hanging on your shop wall.👍

[@kelsey_watson]

That it does! Is been hanging on the wall ever since 😂

[@dimanazarenko2921]

wow its take a long time to make it! wow looks amazing !

[@pouty8238]

if you're ever going to do this again (maybe you have and I haven't looked lol) I really recommend looking into getting a small slip roll. its mainly used for ductwork but it would work perfectly for forming the body's curves, although you would most likely have to two piece it. anyways great work!

[@KookusMaximus]

Watson Ukuleles is an awesome name to roll with for this build! Way to kick off your brand =)

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I'm not sure what the market is for aluminum ukuleles but you saw it here first 😂

[@severetzi]

This is brutal man . I love it

[@bigvicsworkshop]

Just Freaky Fantastic! Excellent Job, Mr. Kelsey! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! 🙂

[@GT_Racer347]

Frikkin badass! Makes me want to take up a ukulele again after more than 4 decades without!

[@kelsey_watson]

Do it! its a beautiful instrument

[@germancerda5884]

Lo hizo con tanto cariño....fue un éxito el resultado

[@ikedewinter1213]

I would definitely buy one of those very cool

[@kevinbwillson4161]

Beautiful work and workmanship the sound will come as you two lear

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you for watching! I really appreciate it

[@pwrouzaud]

Sound really good. From this side of cyber space it almost sounds like a tenor!

[@dabj9546]

Nice t-shirt collection

[@kelsey_watson]

You know I try 💁🏻‍♂️

[@rephrase1]

This would be great for clawhammer. It sounds similar to a resonator uke.

[@moritzprivat7325]

I am amazed that this actually has a lot of resonance! Well done man :)

[@kelsey_watson]

Tons! Thanks for watching!

[@derrick_builds]

I have never seen a flush-cutting bit hit that hard.

[@guillermorosario4578]

Great job brother! It’s not the destination but the jigs you make along the way…

[@sheldonclemendore7879]

WELL DONE

[@chriswalsh8649]

Great job loved it and great look

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you! I really appreciate it 🙂

[@drinkingripa3928]

Loveve your way of thinking . .

[@philhuard6677]

Good editing keep up the hard work, you should be getting millions of views my guy

[@kahleeb8232]

Buddy this is a really well put together video!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching!

[@clairearendse4877]

I used to make classical and flamenco guitars. I kept thinking, "Well, what's he going to do now?" Good job! I was intrigued by what it would sound like. Tiny Tim would be impressed :) Cheers!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you! Means a lot from a real luthier! "I do what i like just what I like and how I love it"

[@tiberiolincoln5687]

hey man, congratulations, a real artist's work.

[@Decrypter1990]

Amazing!

[@RestorationAustralia]

Interesting project well done.

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you! It was a fun one

[@ricardorios403]

really enjoyed watching

[@kelsey_watson]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching

[@gianlucagraf1150]

omg so ein tolles instrument habe das video noch nicht zu endegeschaut aber bin voll konzentriert bei der sache und breit mach weiter so bist mein lieblingsukulelengestalter😀

[@otterxtotter]

THIS IS SO COOOL! AMAZING. LOVE IT.

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@migalito1955]

I build the wooden instruments as a hobby in my retirement & this video was very interesting....& Fabulous. I hope Chris Martin or Dick Boak sees this video....

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you very much! Making instruments is very satisfying work

[@HighCaliberCraftsman]

Man! Awesome job!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you! Much appreciated 😌

[@marshallguerra1353]

Very nice attention to detail and craftsmanship!!! A+. Great job!!!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching!

[@jaydee5156]

It doesn't sound tinny. It sounds aluminuminny. Cool project. Great job.

[@kelsey_watson]

😂 Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

[@JoBot__]

Aluminum is such a cool material.

[@kelsey_watson]

It is! Space age stuff

[@3DCGdesign]

Thanks for showing us this! At first I was like "great idea, I want to make one." Then I watched all the work you put into it and I went "nope". LOL

[@kelsey_watson]

It's a TERRIBLE idea! Thanks for watching!

[@olipas2775]

This is great! Nice Video, enjoyed watching that.

[@kelsey_watson]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching! 🙏🏻

[@DizzyCooperSarrosong]

i love it the sounds great

[@stevepethel6843]

Great work video is excellent.

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@jamieproctor7109]

interesting production techniques, definitely shows a wood working background but interesting project and great result

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you! definitely a different approach than a machinist or a metal fabricator would have for sure. Mostly I'm just making it up as I go!

[@itTchin]

It`s physically coolest guitar in cool space. Coz heat transfer is pretty cool.

[@vladimirlysenko4248]

nice decor staff )))

[@neilallenlopez3221]

Congratulations po

[@fraker12]

I don't know why the algorithm decided to recommend me this video for days now, but I'm glad it did. 👍

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching! I'm curious who it sends here. Do you ever watch DIY/maker videos, or more music related stuff?

[@357magdad]

Impressive!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching! 😀

[@kentowakai1234]

Great work. Love the Crafnation shirt too. It's got a very unique sound to it, like you made a new kind of instrument.

[@kelsey_watson]

Crafnation represent! Yes, I really had no idea how it would sound while I was making it. Between the resonance of the aluminum and the mass it definitely has a unique sound that I was really happy with. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jimsmirh2406]

That’s pretty cool man.

[@mccypr]

Thanks much for this video! An aluminum neck. I’ve periodically wondered how to make an aluminum Bass Guitar neck. Great stuff! 😎

[@kelsey_watson]

That would definitely weigh a ton if you made it like this! But it would be awesome 😎

[@mccypr]

@@kelsey_watson I believe Kramer made Bass guitars that had Aluminum necks back in the 70’s/80’s. Really neat IMO! Collectible. 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp_dnYCGepVlldU

[@andreazx148]

Molto bravo… hai fatto un capolavoro…

[@ianrobbins]

that was awesome! Massive respect!

[@kelsey_watson]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

[@IanGlockner]

If you're up to trying it again, I may be wrong but if you used a thinner sheet on the sides and back and soldered the body under tension on the jig rather than annealing it you might get a better sound.

[@kelsey_watson]

it is probably too thick but I was originally concerned about heat warpage before I found that solder. I think I would definitely do this if I was to make another

[@CarlosNunez-kk4cw]

SR. WATSON. QUE TRABAJO TAN PERO TAN BONITO, ES ARTE PURO. HAY QUE TENER PACIENCIA , MUCHA SAPIENCIA Y UNA GRAN VENA ARTÍSTICA PARA REALIZAR SEMEJANTE OBRA DE ARTE.- COMO HE DEGUSTADO ESTE VÍDEO Y DESDE VENEZUELA SALUDOS Y BENDICIONES.

[@kelsey_watson]

Muchas gracias por tus amables palabras y por ver 😊

[@Sergey111111]

Definately made for heavy metal. Uranium next

[@kelsey_watson]

🤟

[@BitsCollins1963]

Nice job!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching!

[@cheapskate8656]

Really enjoyed watching your build. Well done

[@kelsey_watson]

Thank you for watching and commenting, it is much appreciated 🙂

[@tonyshaw13]

wow, just wow

[@TheGhostOfDonetsk]

Just Franch in WW2: omg we can build 10 tanks from this guitar!

[@Cabeza492]

Looks great!!!

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks!

[@NoSuchStrings]

Damn, that's cool. It would probably look like a brand new car with a glossy clear coat.

[@UTBanjo]

Ebony is heavy, dense and has the best bend strength of any wood. It can be finished very smooth, and is very durable. It will last the life of any instrument, and will even outlive the frets. The better pieces are almost pure black all the the way through. People like the black look, so the staining continues.

[@kelsey_watson]

Seems like a shame to me that they stain such a rare wood

[@oscaroses1278]

Super trabajo me gusta fino acabado te felicito 👌

[@FuneralProcession]

Ebony grows slowly and is a very hard/dense wood. The dark colour is one of the reasons for it. Carbon fibre might be a modern alternative but I don't know if thats environmental.

[@dougcrowe1226]

Unique for sure. Normally a uke would use nylon strings. Not sure how that would have worked in this case but perhaps a shade less “tinny”. Still it sounds like a ukelele

[@Matkinson91]

26:47

[@kelsey_watson]

Strings are nylon. I probably didn't give them enough time to stretch however

[@qroqq]

to make the perfect bend you need to surpass the normal form measurment by at least 0.3% so when it springs back will get to approx where you want it

wao this ukelele is amazing

[@chamarystigers8731]

Great great job I love your video next make brass or chopper will be cool

[@kelsey_watson]

Thanks for watching! Brass would be awesome and twice as heavy 🤟

[@CODENAME]

this is great!

[@kelsey_watson]

thanks!

[@Soundnfuree]

Very cool! Now do it again but make it Resophonic!

[@AlexandreSSilva-lc8qe]

Esse é instrumento pra muitas gerações!

[@kelsey_watson]

Muito obrigado 🙂