Well, after several weeks we completed the latest cigar box ‘uke and everyone seems well pleased with it. It looks good, and most importantly it sounds good. It will, of course take a few weeks of playing to settle in, like any instrument, but on the first night of being strung up it sounded really nice. Having a good quality mahogany box to start with makes a big difference. Here’s a small photo array of the final steps in bringing this instrument to life.
Nearing the Finish Line
Installing the Tuners
Bridge gets installed
From the inside
Cutting some parts for the interior – to hold the flask!
Lining up the tuners
Slotting the Nut
Stringing it up – classical style
Last String goes on
Tuning up
Final Tuning
Confessions of an Amateur Luthier 