Telecaster Inspired Electric Esquire Ukelele

[@Misternoname100]

Absolutely fantastic! Inspiring. That looks incredible, i would love to make one one day.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thank you. Feel free to download the basic plans linked in the description for a future day build!

[@oscar711julio]

I can proudly say I've watched the making and birth of a guitar

[@MikeHawkey]

Nice one!

[@battman0491]

Mike, this came out great! Thanks for posting the plans and videos. I really like when you re-purpose wood findings into something beautiful and valued.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks for the kind comments. Hopefully the video and plans inspire others to get out creating!

[@RyouConcord]

Nice job, that's an outstanding piece of work. Very soothing to watch the build process.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@MultiRockWarrior]

Beautiful uke, and sounds amazing! Congratulations

[@MikeHawkey]

Cheers!

[@M50king50J]

I really enjoy these kind of projects, beatiful craft. I'll expect more from you!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks. Stay tuned

[@viktor67990]

Huge thanks for the plans. I recently failed my first LP uke build. Will try tele next.

[@davidescozzi9885]

Pure genius, lovely artwork. Bravo!!!!

[@MikeHawkey]

thank you

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Beautiful project!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thank you!

[@dextermorgan1757]

@@MikeHawkey I really would like to see a Rickenbacker John Lennon inspired ukulele electric now

[@MikeHawkey]

@@dextermorgan1757 I have thought about one of them. My list of possible builds is longer than my calendar of spare time currently!

[@soffingwhat]

What an amazing job you did there. It turned out great. The only thing i would change would be some nicer screws for mounting the neck and the pot plate. The video was very interesting and relaxing to watch. Thank you so much.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks for watching! Fair call on the screws. Sometimes it's a case of trying to use some up from the massive tin of them!

[@manudeu1544]

Great job Mike! would love to see more detail on how you did the wiring.

[@MikeHawkey]

I'll have to add in a future video!

[@christine1928]

I had no idea what is I involved in making such an instrument. Wow. Thank you.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks for watching! - keep an eye out, another uke project coming soon.

[@reecerooke7405]

Loved this video. I plan on doing something extremely similar if not exactly the same.

[@MikeHawkey]

Nice one, hope it goes well! Not much I'd change if I build again - my pickup adjustment was near its limit how I made mine, but that's my only part I'd modify.

[@reecerooke7405]

Mike Hawkey thank you!

[@Imetalman2000]

Awesome work due. that baby tele is awesome looking

[@MikeHawkey]

thanks!

[@MikeHawkey]

Cheers!

[@windchaser333]

What terrific craftsmanship! Thanks for making this video.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheRealMafoo]

Nice work. One thing I noticed however, is your bandsaw blade moves a lot on you. You will get better control if you adjust it a bit. You can move the bearings forward, so the back bearing hits the blade as soon as pressure is applied. Cheers.

[@MikeHawkey]

thanks and nice call out!- it's been so long (maybe years) since I last adjusted it. I'm always so keen to just get on the tools when I get time I've neglected my poor saw! it will be improved next video!

[@Cradley684]

Great work Mike and Thank's for the video.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks

[@berniesr]

I like how you use a limited range of tools. The tool snobs must in shock. Great video and a really nice looking instrument.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks. I guess there is a tool for every job now, but I get by with my bits and pieces. Im tempted to do a non-electric tool build at some stage, but will probably make a bow saw first. Cheers.

[@sethneese9272]

Hey bro, just wanted to say what an AMAZING job you did! I enjoyed every minute of this video!! I'm going to try An do a build as well! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks for the kind words and good luck with your build!

[@1viva]

"Fender wants you!!..." ;-) Excellent video! Excellent work! Thank you.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks! I could open the 'mini branch. Next electric might just be a Gibson style however...

[@1viva]

Why not!" ;-) But do you think Fender would be interested in developing a 4 string Tele Uke?! Would be awesome, no? You should approach them. :-) Your next project: Les Paul Custom or SJ. ;-)

[@billypoe3703]

Brilliant technique for rounding the back of the neck.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks. I find it works pretty well usually!

[@jarredleto4271]

Use a bench hook for some of the work here. Easy peasey, effective work holding solution

[@MikeHawkey]

Been looking out for some of them locally for years. Just don’t see them in my country. Agreed. Intend to mount pegs in my bench some time which would also help.

[@ludmilarousova7078]

Wow, it looks pretty nice!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@fenohidalgo9876]

oooohhhhh MANN this is REALLY AMAZING!!!!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thank you

[@fenohidalgo9876]

Greetings from Venezuela Bro! your Work its really awesome...!!!

[@berkc06]

Absolutely amazing!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@garywong716]

Amazing work, thank you so much for sharing all your talents! I'm having a hard time findings the hardware for this project. Please tell me where to buy the four string pick up unit, bridge and tuners. Please? ASAP? I tried Amazon and being looking everywhere, but nothing is even close. Thank you again! G

[@MikeHawkey]

Gary Wong thanks. the pickup for this one is actually a regular strat/telecaster type one with a chrome cover so you can't see the 6 poles. grabbed the cover off ebay. Good luck with your build!

[@garywong716]

Mike, What kind of strings is on your uke guitar? Steel, low GCEA? I play the uke so I'm familiar with that setup. And what brand of steel strings, if I ever need to replace them. Thanks.

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi Gary. I used 1-4 of a six pack of electric guitar strings, swapping 3 and 4 around for usual uke tuning. Think these ones were fender branded, but standard 6 string guitar set so others would work. I've made another electric uke using same but not swapping 3 and 4 and having log G tuned. Both held tune well.thanks.

[@nicholasrodriquez]

I would buy this in a heart beat! Amazing

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@KaribeYung]

could you make template available for download? please thanks

[@MikeHawkey]

Naom Siliceo I'll add a link above when next on computer but scroll through the comments and you should find a link for my basic plans. Thanks.

[@kwk4422]

That's a great looking uke. I wonder if anyone sells electric ukulele necks and body blanks that I could use to build something like this with my limited tools and skills.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks. Good question - whilst there are fully built units, not sure I have seen any who offer blanks at all. Must be a bit of a market!

[@gordonsteeves9950]

Nice one Mike, thanks for all the valuable info, I'm in the process of my first "Telelele" build, just picked up two 4 string, hardtail bridges, one black, one chrome/nickel. Got two, 4 pole pickups coming, one neck and one bridge, I'm hoping that a three quarter size "tele" body will thave enough room for two pickups. Also, want to try making a three-quarter size "Strat" style "uke" as well, that's why the extra bridge. One question. The heel of the neck dimensions?? I am going for a 435mm (17 1/8") scale, the overall length of the bridge mounting plate is 57mm (almost 2 1/4") long, So using the standard size "tele/strat" neck heel dimensions would be correct? ( I think that is my question). Anyhow, again, great job and info, thanks.

[@MikeHawkey]

sounds fun. good luck with the build. re-reading the question, Im not exactly sure what you are asking. Mounting the bridge myself, I put each strings 'saddle' at its 50% mark. I then measured from nut to bridge for the scale length (or from from nut to 12th fret and then the same for 12th to bridge. How much your neck heal goes into the body will affect where the bridge is placed and what access is like to the higher frets. Hope that sort of answers it?

[@DMichaelJohnson]

Beautiful work...loved the video. Thank you! Subscribed!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thank you. Might be a little while, but another project will come!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Yes a Mini Tenor Electric Ukulele. You can always use Low G Tuning just by using the top 4 strings of any Electric Guitar string set in linear order from thickest to thinnest. Low G Tuning was used famously by IZ which is why it's often called IZ Tuning if you hear his cover of Over the Rainbow from Wizard of Oz.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks, yes have done the low g that way on another instrument. Thanks for dropping by!

[@yellowcat1310]

got a buddy who says he used to party with Israel back in the day

[@MikeHawkey]

Bet they had some good times. What a memory to have.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@MikeHawkey Yes another Electric Ukulele & what does that sound like?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@MikeHawkey You can always restring this Ukulele for Low G Tuning in the future if you decide so hopefully one day you can try Low G Tuning

[@bodecareca]

NO MIDS! ALL THE GAIN! SLAYEEEEER!

[@Zuigge]

Thank you for your design, I also made one using your plans!

[@MikeHawkey]

Awesome. I must make another one some time!

[@aricab]

Amazing work!!! My congratulations!!!! Question: What about the tension rod... it was not necessary?

[@MikeHawkey]

Ariel Cabello thanks. I tend to make fat rather than thin necks. To date it's held up very stable so I believe it's no issue. it would be piece of mind if one was worried however.

[@jamesuniverss]

Hi ! Maybe a little late, but can you share us the different electronic you buy ? Or a simple kit to build his own electric ukulele ? :)

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, was a basic set up of bits and pieces from Ebay. Pickup a strat style with chrome cover so you dont see the unused poles (though you can get 4 string ones also) tuners 4 of 6 strat style. Matching knob. Modified strat bridge. Steel string ukes can be a little less tolerant with intonation than nylon string, so an alternative is same style with a piezo under bridge pickup. Circuits and strings channel may give you some additional ideas also. Good luck with a build!

[@chaselewis-hickman7228]

this is awesome man it looks amazing

[@MikeHawkey]

Thank you

[@coherence-beat]

Great job!!! And it really sounds like a little tele)). Wonderfull!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@coherence-beat]

Thank you for your job and video. Greetings from Russia!)))) Did you use a nitro lacquer finish??

[@MikeHawkey]

благодаря (hope thats right!) Nitro finish would be nice. This is a light applied poly finish.

[@coherence-beat]

Ha!! Thanks!! If you meant "thank you" you were almost right)) "БлагодарЮ" will be correct. Most often used word is "спасибо" but "Благодарю" is an old Russian word that mean the same. It consist of two words: "Благо" - its "good" "goodness" and "Дарю" - its "give" "present" etc. So its the verb. "БлагодарЯ" its the word that mean "because of" "thanks TO" and it's an adverb. I also try to gather mine own pine telecaster that would be almost like Cabronita with some aspects in my country village barn, but the neck will be Allparts. Also have no enought time yet.

[@StarlightWorkshop0z]

Well done mate. True art

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@acledfloyd]

I’m building a mini Flying V right now and this gave me some good ideas of how to do some things.

[@MikeHawkey]

Nice one, hope it goes well!

[@fabiolima2905]

Hi from Brazil! Congrats for the great job. You are very talented.

[@MikeHawkey]

Too kind. Thank you!

[@danamendes1130]

I may not know how to do the things you did to make this awesome uke but I would love to learn how someday. I think it would be pretty cool with a whammy bar. Too bad nobody does cool stuff like that on uke's much.

[@MikeHawkey]

Ooh a whammy - that’s an idea. Would probably need a bit more experimenting with string choice as due to the short size they are more sensitive to intonation issues (and easy to note bend). Cool idea!

[@danamendes1130]

@@MikeHawkey I feel glad you responded. There's lots of things that ukulele's usually don't get besides whammy bars. I think it's usually because the ukulele has limitations. You probably couldn't do those crazy whammy bar tricks like Dimebag Darrel but you could use it for maybe just vibrato or volume swells or that flutter sound when you flick the whammy. There's other stuff like scalloped frets, fretless necks, or a chapman stick esque touch style where you use tapped chords and stuff like that instead of just picking or strumming.

[@MikeHawkey]

@@danamendes1130 no worries. I think (and I may be incorrect) the scale length is one thing that limits some of those tricks. That said, many could be done. Some pro players are simply amazing what they get from their instruments.

[@danamendes1130]

@@MikeHawkey I think this was a good conversation to start my morning man. I feel good about today. Usually I don't bring up stuff like this cuz not many people know or care but I like thinking outside the box when it comes to odd things on instruments you know. I like a little weird stuff here and there. I mean guitars with 40 frets, a guitalele with 8 strings for a more metal sound and all kinds of other weirdness is possible nowadays with the right tools and stuff of course.

[@jasonsimmons30]

Hi nice uke, I'm doing a similar build and would be grateful if you could let me know the string configuration you used. I was thinking of using a top E, a D string, a G string and a B string from a set of 9 gauge electric guitar strings? I look forward to hearing from you soon. All the best, Jason

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks Jason. Strings wise I've made a few electric ukes now and have used 1-4 guitar (ebgd) strings on all. For the classic uke tuning (as on the esquire uke) I used GDBE, for a low 'g' uke I used DGBE (E being #1 on each). Seems to be holding tune well in both configurations. Thanks for watching.

[@brendanstarkey]

Hi mate I’m about to embark on my first build and instead of watching this video over and over again is there any chance of getting an instructional PDF?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, Sorry, just the basic plans in the description. Good luck with your build!

[@manuelmatosescoto]

What's the tool you started using at 17:37?

[@SuperNeilB]

Spokeshave, Come in flat bottom and curved.

[@bigkahuna9339]

Gorgeous uke! I play guitar and just ordered my first uke, it should arrive by Tuesday it says. I was wondering, what was the song that started at 3:55? There were no pop up information, and it sounds amazing. Was it original content? I can feel it deep in my soul, what that tune portraits. I know that place all too well. But then again, I could be looking too deep into it. Heh I would like to try to learn it. Continue the great work!

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi there, Its been a few years, but I'm 99% sure its still part of Nikolaos Taramanidis: Wild Illusion, sourced for use by longzijun. Here is the full music video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4SlZWqqgbaGatk - sure is a great track! tab playalong here: chordu.com/chords-tabs-acoustic-guitar-background-music-nikolaos-taramanidis-wild-illusion-free-background-music-fgs01--id_1SB47tLQS4w

[@bigkahuna9339]

@@MikeHawkey Awesome!!! Thank u so much!!!

[@baukakazakh454]

hi, could you share a blueprint of this ukulele :3

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, there is a link in the video description above. Thanks.

[@kevinmiranda1769]

i am really inspired to make this but idk how i would get any of those parts =( what pickups did you use? and where did you get that plastic cover?

[@benjaminfedewa985]

I really liked this build and am currently trying to make ome myself could I ask how thick the Body, Neck(w/o Fretboard), and Fretboard are so that I know what Size wood to get?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, good luck with the build! Some measurements: Body 35mm thick, neck 22mm at thickest point, fretboard 4mm.

[@p.schouten6597]

Nice! Where to get a little bridge like that?

[@MikeHawkey]

HI. Was a guitar bridge I modified for the project. Thanks

[@dakatalatle7360]

you have made yourself another sub! :)

[@sammitchell4495]

Hi, I just printed out the plans that you made but I think I made them much too large. When you say 16" scale length, do you mean the whole length of the body and neck, because just the neck of my plans is 16 inches long. Thanks!

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, slightly rough conversions to inches from metric as Im not by by main computer, but: neck (including headstock) 17.8", scale length (nut to bridge) 15.79", total length 25.66". Ultimately the plan could be scaled up or down. If making smaller intonation gets more and more fiddly to get right as does effect of string height I have found. I usually print off using Adobe Acrobat at actual size, scaled across sheets. Good luck with the build!

[@gircraft2119]

Hey great job! I just wanted to ask about the templates to build the ukulele. As I was printing out the templates you put on your website I noticed that the body is not the same as the template used in this video. Will the ukulele still work out the same with the different placements?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, good spotting. I did change the pickup placement and pick guard in my build. key thing is yo make sure bridge placement is right. for the fretwork and bridge, use the stewmac calculator. also the pickup shape to route will vary with brand. www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator.html

[@longus4792]

NICE! I'd like to try making one for my son. Can I ask you where you acquired the plans and hardware?

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks Chris. I made the plans myself. At the bottom of this page on my site you can click to view and download: mikehawkey.com/projects/esquire-ukulele/ Hardware wise, you can get at your chosen music store/online parts provider (or just ebay). Mostly standard bits, aside from bridge which you can hand make or modify a 6 string unit (Think I have seen 4 sting ones online also). Good luck with the build!

[@1viva]

Looks GREAT!!!! Sounds Awesome!!! SO nicely built! You should sell them!! Please tell me if this is a Soprano or Concert size body and neck...thank you. Mario

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, this is large concert scale (between standard concert and tenor - although could be scaled to any size really. Thanks!

[@1viva]

Thank you Mike!

[@1viva]

LOVE to see how it's done from A to Z! Thanks again! :-)

[@WarlockCore]

excellent work, totally awesome👍🎼🎵🎶♩🎸

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@bobvanhorn926]

Mike Hawkey s

[@ChrisGorman87]

I would love one too!!!

[@MikeHawkey]

If I win the lottery I’ll give up the day job and go into casual production! Still one of my favourite builds I’ll need to repeat again one day.

[@unclejack123]

Really nice Mike ........ you should send it to Jake ..... ;) ......... JRW

[@mrcafe3x_]

i wanna make a eletric ukulele inspired in a les paul but i dont know how to get strings that work at pickups ( i'm from brazil so i can't buy risa strings from germany that is just to expensive for me ) in discription you said that u take it from a guitar string pack 1,2,4,3 is thas e B A G ?

[@MikeHawkey]

HI. Hope your build goes well. You could go piezo rod pickup in bridge and use ukulele strings? - but for this example I used 1-4 guitar strings (DGBe) and tuned gcea. They are fairly note bending sensitive so keep string height minimum and I'd use low profile frets if redoing. Thanks.

[@jodsilly1663]

Hey man, could you link the pickup you used in this? Love the uke! :)

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, sorry, offhand I dont recall the exact model - essentially its a telecaster neck pickup with chrome cover to hide the poles. Thanks!

[@troutey2113]

Would you sell this or make one similar? I’m only 12 and I really love the ukulele and I’m really keen on getting a solid body electric ukulele for playing rock etc.. I live in Christchurch so you won’t have to deal with international shipping.

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi Eli, I don't have this one anymore, but my more recent LP Driftwood Uke might be looking for a home after we finish lockdown: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnzGkKGVdrCFbtk

[@giantdouche7642]

Telecaster Ukulele? A Telelele?

[@MikeHawkey]

Telelele seems to be the most used name for these amongst builders. I figure its an esquire uke as its only got one pickup - the core difference between a telecaster and esquire. Cheers.

[@Jackofallthetrades]

Wow! Within the first 30 seconds, I said to myself "I lack the balls, patience, or knowledge to precisely cut a plank of wood with a hand saw like that"...

[@MikeHawkey]

It's a workout!

[@PriestOfTheWar]

Fantastic project and realization!! Can I contact you for some advice?

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks! - Can get hold of me via the about page on my channel.

[@PriestOfTheWar]

What is the thicknest of the neck in the base, in the center, and in the headstock? Thaks!

[@MikeHawkey]

headstock 14mm, neck base 25mm, centre approx 20mm, nut point ~19mm - all hand carved so treat as indicators. Thanks

[@AntonioFardella]

This is awesome!! With some tweaks it can be transformed in Stratolele..... LOL.... I am thinking to start this project soon :) Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHawkey]

thanks. good luck with the future build! I made some strat plans when doing this but have not got around to as yet. would be cool to see one built.

[@AntonioFardella]

Mike Hawkey well, actually I have a strat style guitalele. 6 strings. if you want I can give you info about that. do you want to talk about it?

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks for the offer. At this stage I'm a bit busy for my workshop stuff, buy may contact in the future.

[@AntonioFardella]

Sure man, whenever you want :)

[@MegaNathx]

Awesome work! congrats! did you do it for you or to sell it?

[@MikeHawkey]

thanks. this one was a personal build. until I make something else to take its place on the wall.

[@shadowridrs]

Little curious why you used tape and then super glue instead of just double sided tape.

[@MikeHawkey]

Good question! It's lots cheaper $ wise and generally less messy to clean up (masking tape less tacky). By all accounts in this type of use (linear force) its just as strong too. Cheers!

[@shadowridrs]

I guess I will have to try it out on my builds. Thanks a ton!!!!

[@gugarl]

Amazing! Congratulations!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thank you

[@jorgicio]

But does it djent?

[@miguelcarrillo2521]

Do you sell the uke's That you made ?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, occasionally when my wall gets to full! Nothing at the moment though.

[@miguelcarrillo2521]

It's ok, I could wait until that moment , anyway , Nice work, you really do magic with the tools

[@krzysztofluczak11]

If you sold, how would be the price an is there possible shipment to Poland?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, I only generally sell when I need to make room or funds for new builds. Nothing at the moment. Plans are linked in the description, so you might know a local woodworker willing to build for you? Thanks.

[@jr6105]

I would buy one for sure

[@MikeHawkey]

Maybe I'll go into production when I retire... but thats a long way off...

[@Lrr777]

I really want to make... Please can you give me the templates..🤧

[@MikeHawkey]

@@Lrr777 have a look at the video description- it has a link for the basic plan in it that can be used either to make a template or just a one off body build. Good luck!

[@siempreukulele8145]

Great job. Beautiful looking instrument ... I have a similar project and was wondering if you've used regular guitar hard tail strat style bridge (adapted?) and 6-string pickup (as-is) ?? Great day to you

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi there. Regular 6 string pickup yes. Bridge was a 4 string one as spacing more ideal - but I have since made my own also. Another possible I have used in cigar box guitars is a bass pickup - 4 string and spacing may be ok, or a lipstick pickup also an option. Good luck with yours!

[@madeleinechiumino5253]

Great work !!!!! Very cool !!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@derkeksinator17]

Great work, the only thing that bugs me a little are the screws you used for the neck and the plate. They could've been a little nicer. Otherwise it's perfect

[@MikeHawkey]

Screws from the spares screw box. I probably would have gone slightly different if buying. Thanks for watching

[@mikelandreth8773]

Really nice work . I am wondering if a Cigar Box Pickup made for 4 strings would work better for this ?

[@MikeHawkey]

It would work well. String spacing may still be different, so it's partially cosmetic as the magnetic field works either way. I've also used the likes of lipstick pickups which are wound differently so don't have the traditional poles.

[@lendee49]

Great job! No truss rod? was that ok with steel strings?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi. Fine - unlike a guitar the length vs width has a bit more strength. Not a lot of tension.

[@lendee49]

@@MikeHawkey Okay, Thanks, I'll get to making a start, I've made several acoustic ukuleles but watching your video has inspired me to try making an electric.

[@MikeHawkey]

Hope it goes well! - I used 1-4th guitar strings. Lighter gauge. Intonation can be a little fiddly, so good to have an adjustable bridge. For more inspiration check out Circuitsand Strings - a lot of electric use projects!

[@Ukulainey]

This is so good to watch...!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@victorclf]

amazing job

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks!

[@LizzieDeanMakes]

Hi Mike, great video! I am about to embark on a similar project - please can I ask why you wired up the bridge? I was planning on wiring the pickup to the volume pot, then the volume pot to the jack socket - I wasn’t aware I would need to run a wire to the bridge and solder it on to the back - is that a grounding thing or similar? Thanks xx

[@LizzieDeanMakes]

I mean the bit at 24:35 there xx

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, good luck on the project! Yes you got it grounding wire. Not sure how necessary it is, but perhaps advisable if plugging into old equipment i think I read somewhere.

[@gasolinenfire]

How do the metal strings work with a neck that has no truss rod? Thx

[@MikeHawkey]

@@gasolinenfire if you build a neck strong enough and use light gauge strings I’ve found they are fine personally. There have been many steel stringed guitars without a truss over the years. This said, for piece of mind a truss is not a lot more work to add and I use in many bigger builds - but I usually don’t bother for shorter ukulele scale lengths.

[@gasolinenfire]

@@MikeHawkey great! I wanted to build something small for a little 2 year old kid, guitar is too big but I don't like ukuleles and nylon strings at all. Never done anything acoustic. Think there is a tiny electric firebird uke coming soon! Thanks for the inspiration

[@MikeHawkey]

@@gasolinenfire sounds great - hope it goes well!

[@thurgogopro5338]

I noticed you only partially bonded the pieces together on top of some tape rather than covering the whole piece with glue . Did this hold up okay

[@MikeHawkey]

Everything held up fine.but this was a while ago so prompt me the minutes out in the video to clarify/jog my mind just in case I’m thinking of a different part.

[@alrightythen214]

Dear Mike, I'm Andy and I'm uke mad and I'm going to find you and give you money to help me do this or similar. One day! I live in chch right now, moving to Wellington soon. This is really amazing work. Can I ask if this is a tenor size, or concert or soprano? I only play tenor with low G tuning. I imagine a solid bridge like this can handle it. Another question, does the pickup matter, six poles when there is only four strings? Repurpose a P-Bass pair maybe? Cheers best wishes

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi Andy. This one was at a cross size between concert and tenor- long concert perhaps. For electric with steel string, tenor up a better size for intonation I find. Its ideal to have poles aligned - but not completely critical. Funny you say p-bass style - I'll have something in a few months using that. Not yet at the stage to know how it sounds. Active piezo rod is another option Im also in the works in trying out. That will allow for nylon strings. All the best!

[@Jackofallthetrades]

I watched this again after a year, and I neglected to ask about the screws you put into the jar of vinegar. Is that to give them an aged look? Again, NICE job!!!

[@MikeHawkey]

I dont actually recall now sorry, but two possibles were to de-rust old or as you suggest age a little by removing the finish a little. Thanks again!

[@BobHicks137]

Very nice work... how many hours in the build?

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks Bob. Didnt add up the hours, although it was a good number when editing video. Built over the course of a month here and there after work and weekends.

[@BobHicks137]

totally enjoyed the video... the soundtrack rocked too! I wouldn't mind having a Baritone Uke version...

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks. That little bit larger for a baritone would look nice and make dual pickup a worthwhile addition too. Maybe oneday...

[@BobHicks137]

probably have to truss the neck too...yeah?

[@MikeHawkey]

I would say so. Unless a little thicker.

[@clintmurphy5436]

Where did you find those templates?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, made them all myself. Thanks.

[@clintmurphy5436]

Nice work man, seriously!!

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks

[@argi0774]

Really funny how people are always completely lost without fucking templates. They are very easy to make. No voodoo in that.

[@francisarsenic9371]

Amazing. Beautiful. And I did not know it was humanly possible to down-vote this video.

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks! I just hope the thumbs down people didn't stay for the whole video. they would have lost precious breaths of life :)

[@JOE007111]

Great work buddy!!!!! I just visit your site, wich is the size (scale 1:1) I have to print the papper sheet?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi. If you use Adobe PDF viewer and print to 100% thats the size mine is. Thanks

[@dobbeloseven2921]

Hello, could you put the wiring diagram online for this guitar please ?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, sorry its not something I have offhand and the units with a new family now. If you have a bit of a Google there are some diagrams out there. Good luck!

[@KolKay]

why is there like a full minute of sawing at the start lol

[@MikeHawkey]

Because I edited out the other 10 ;)

[@KolKay]

haha this is a great build btw

[@brendanhorgan21]

Hi what thickness of wood did you use for the body and the neck. Good video btw

[@MikeHawkey]

Its with a new owner now. Roughly 40mm body, 18mm neck at base (excluding fretboard)

[@PriestOfTheWar]

What is the length from bridge to nut?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi. as per video details above. About 16" scale length. Thanks.

[@fredrikgeitung9620]

Hi! Awesome build! And thanks for sharing the plans :D Just wondering, it"s a 16" scale with 22 frets, would you say it"s a tenor or consert size?

[@MikeHawkey]

Thanks! I think I’d say it’s a long concert. I find tenor’s just slightly long for uke comfort but like a bit bigger than a concert.

[@fredrikgeitung9620]

@@MikeHawkey Thanks! Hope to find the time to build one for my self 😃

[@simmezockt3417]

Hey, I'm thinking about building an electric Uke myself, do you think a similar one could handle something like the low 4 strings of drop A but one octave higher? So the Tuning on the Uke would be AEAD, one octave higher than on a guitar. I think i'd need thicker strings, would the neck be able to handle that without a truss rod? I'll propably use oak for the neck. And could you fit 2 normal sized humbuckers on that body, eventually without it looking weird?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hey, sounds like a cool build. I’d possibly test the tension on a piece of practice wood first and if no truss, leave it for a while and check. Tuning the octave higher will put some strain on. Re humbuckers - check out some of the cigar box guitar ones on the market. Often smaller in width as made for 3-4 strings so would look better (but usual ones will function fine and not look terrible). Send a link to any pictures when you have done and good luck!

[@simmezockt3417]

@@MikeHawkey Thanks! My plan is to make a "Jim Root Signature Telecaster" style ukulele, thats why i' tune it in a weird way for an uke. I was already seraching for smaller humbuckers, but i wasnt reallay able to find some, maybe i searched on the websites. But i think i found some that will work out (i found them on aliexpress, i don't expect a great sound but this build is more about learning how to build a ukulele so i can try to build a guitar later and honestly because i like the name Telelele. I want to try to play a few Slipknot songs on it and i think it will be a nice addition for my wall with 2 guitars) Thanks for your answer, i'll send you some pics when im done if i dont forget it, but it may take a while. Greetings from Germany Simon

[@simmezockt3417]

@@MikeHawkey I got all the parts and by now and i have a few questions I hope you can answer: How thick are the neck and the body of your uke? And how deep was the neck pocket?

[@MikeHawkey]

@@simmezockt3417 hi. Nice one. Some of the below is approximate as the uke went to a new home. Also metric measurements. Neck excluding fretboard 18-20mm. Fretboard about 6mm. Body approximately 36-40mm. Generally neck pocket I do the depth of neck minus fretboard- so about 18mm or slightly less. A little tricky, but may be at a slight back angle, the 18 being the deep side. Headstock based on tuners length - from memory 15-16mm thick. Hope it progresses well!

[@albertoaltozano8354]

Hello, I am looking forward to build an electric ukelele with two single pickups, is using a 6 string pickup (and covering 2 holes) exactly the same as getting a specific 4 string pick up or will the tone be different? Thx in advanced.

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi. Nice. Good luck! The 6 string pickup will be fine to use. My biggest suggestion is to get the string height nice and low. Steel string ukulele scales are very sensitive to intonation issues (like if strings a bit high from nut to fretboard)

[@JWillyGuy]

Did you use a 2 x 4 for the neck and headstock?

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, no, on this build it is mahogany. If nylon string you would probably get away with a pine or similar 2x4 but steel string would risk bending later unless you put in a truss or reinforced bars.

[@greciakaramsandovalgomez8946]

Hello! I loved your Telecaster Ukulele. Do you sell it? if so, could you tell me the price and if you can send it to Mexico? Thank you so much!

[@MikeHawkey]

Hi, Sorry, nothing for sale at the moment.

[@fulanito2406]

Hi, I did not see that you put the soul of the mast, it dont need it?

[@MikeHawkey]

Truss rod?

[@fulanito2406]

@@MikeHawkey yes

[@MikeHawkey]

@@fulanito2406 I’ve found for shorter concert’ish scale length, medium to hard wood and thin gauge strings the instrument is fine without. But if you did build, adding would give some adjustment options in the future if needed. My necks are generally a thicker carve also as I like that more comfort wise to hold.

[@lucasbarreto5039]

Look like something we have here on Brazil our guitarra baiana you have now thanks for yor video

[@MikeHawkey]

Lucas Barreto cool. Thanks!

[@baptoufragile2824]

Oh god...do you sell them ?

[@MikeHawkey]

I occasionally sell to fund more build projects. Noting going at the moment sorry.