top of page

Wooden Ukulele

Spring 2020

Context:

My high school Physics final project was to build an instrument. Wanting to challenge myself, I built a Ukulele. This was my first large project. 

Implementation:

I started with online research, chose a ukulele design I liked, bought materials, and started making it. Part way through I realized the wood I bought was too thick and it would be too difficult to bend wood in the two weeks I had to complete the project without more tools and woodworking experience. 

Screenshot_20190504-135311.jpg
IMG_20190505_165022.jpg
IMG_20190505_190324.jpg

Second attempt:

I found a thin wood box in our house and used that for the ukulele body. I went out to get more materials and look at a professionally made ukulele for reference. 

IMG_20190515_131943.jpg
IMG_20190513_131516.jpg
IMG_20190512_150809.jpg
IMG_20190512_150753.jpg
IMG_20190512_150801.jpg

I continued to make the ukulele with a rough idea of the final product in my head while solving issues as they came up. 

IMG_20190521_125747.jpg
IMG_20190521_125651.jpg
IMG_20190522_154739.jpg
IMG_20190522_163226.jpg
IMG_20190523_152437.jpg
IMG_20190524_131301.jpg

Results:

  • Completed the Ukulele and learned how to play "Mary had a Little Lamb" and Happy Birthday" using it.

  • Learned how to use woodworking tools such as the belt saw, sanding belt, table saw, and circular saw. 

  • My first experience with project-making and learned the importance of drawing out plans before even starting to build.

  • Looking back at it now, I realize that I didn't take enough quality photos as I would have liked to display the project.

Screenshot 2022-05-10 230430.png
bottom of page