This is Dave (Kawika) posting an introduction blog to uke geekiness.

First off the factors that make a ukulele accessible to players also apply to its construction/ repair. The size, geometry, and cost. are usually less intimidating than other stringed instruments.

My personal introduction to repair and construction was a dictated by opportunity. I was given a Treholipee; unfortunately the top and back were coming off. This instrument is built like a hollow core door with plywood and square side members. I was able to glue the top on and cut out a new back from some paneling I had. Next I cleaned and polished a sticky tuner on my first ukulele. After an expensive and time consuming bridge relocation by a luthier. I started researching repair and found many resources at the library and on line.

With more confidence than knowledge, I started to get inexpensive ukuleles form eBay or fleamarkets. I was hoping to discover the mythical “noname player” in restorable condition. If not that at least make a pork roast out of a sow’s ear. After some clumsy glue jobs I learned refinishing and I am currently teaching myself how to do bindings.

Current and future projects are:

Partial head replacement and refinishing of a flamey Mahogany1930 Regal Concert

Back replacement, binding and brace modifications to a Duke Kahanamoku Soprano

Bridge replacement, crack repair and refinishing a VitaUke

Side crack through the heel block on a 1960s Kamaka Soprano

Reassembly, refinishing, and nut rebuild of a 1930s TrueFret Soprano

R&D on the UFOlele flying saucer ukulele

Twenty or more in a holding pattern.

Each project is different so and has its own solution sometimes to be put on hold till the right tool is made or discovered. Sometimes a solution will present itself by chance or in a dream. I tend to day dream.

A ukulele out of the rescue room, strung up and played is a wonderful payoff; I also am consumed by the rescue process. Well that and strumming with the UFOs. Kawika