Tag Archives: instrument making

A Greek Tzouras (Τζουράς) for my collection

Posted on December 30, 2017 by npcarey

In addition to the Sitar project I posted recently I have several other instruments in various states of completion. So this week, because I’ve been on vacation (work shutdown) I have been using my time to get another project completed. … Continue reading →

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The Jack Rail installed

Posted on November 3, 2014 by npcarey

The Jack Rail (aka Jackrail, aka Upper Rail) is the piece that fits in front of the music desk and controls how high the jacks will ascend when a key is pressed and the string is plucked. Consider this diagram, where … Continue reading →

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Case Mouldings for a Harpsichord

Posted on November 1, 2014 by npcarey

I’ve been working on the Harpsichord’s case mouldings for the past two weeks. At 1/4 x 1/2 inch they are rather small and delicate, and all have to be routed. The routed profile is only ~ 9/32 of an inch, … Continue reading →

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Back to the Bench . . .

Posted on May 20, 2014 by npcarey

Literally and figuratively. I’ve been away for quite a while for a lot of reasons, but I’m back at the bench now. And as it turns out I’m working on the Harpsichord bench. I’ve done most of the important parts, … Continue reading →

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Filling a split

Posted on April 15, 2014 by npcarey

A few months ago I discovered that the harpsichord case had developed a split in the bottom. Although it sounds more awful than it really is, it was somewhat alarming at the time. I knew I would have to fix … Continue reading →

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‘Uke #11 (Flamenco) Progress

Posted on June 14, 2013 by npcarey

I’ve made some progress on #11 these past two weeks. The neck has been profiled, shaped, sanded and the headstock has been profiled. Here are a few pictures of what it looks like so far. The next step will be … Continue reading →

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A ‘Uke for College? Number Five

Posted on May 11, 2013 by npcarey

This one was a gift for my son Jeremy. Everyone who goes to college should have an ‘ukulele, right? The headstock sports his name and the University logo. I hope that it will inspire him to play music in his … Continue reading →

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‘Ukulele Four – almost like Three

Posted on May 11, 2013 by npcarey

This walnut and spruce tenor ‘ukuele was also begun in the summer of 2006 along with ‘Ukulele #3. My daughter and I weare making these almost matching ‘ukes together. These ‘ukes were made with mahogany necks, spruce tops and walnut … Continue reading →

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‘Ukulele Number Three

Posted on May 11, 2013 by npcarey

‘Ukulele Number Three (my personal ‘uke which I play regularly) was begun in the summer of 2006, again using the Hana Lima ‘Ia construction method with Spanish heel. My daughter and I made these almost matching ‘ukes together. These ukes … Continue reading →

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‘Ukulele Number Two

Posted on May 10, 2013 by npcarey

I decided to build a tenor ‘uke in the summer of 2005 as a prototype instrument using the Hana Lima ‘Ia construction method with a Spanish heel, like in a classical guitar. This unconventional ‘uke was made with a mahogany … Continue reading →

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