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I've decided to build a tenor uke and have plans (from Don's plans) for one which show 12 frets to the body. When I google tenor ukes, most of the images show them with 14 frets to the body. Should I get a different set of plans?

Thanks,
Pat

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There are three kinds of people:

Those that make things happen,
those that watch things happen,
and those that wondered what happened.

Nothing wrong with 12 frets to the body, I have built all mine that way. I do like 15 frets total though, that 15th fret on the high string is handy.
12 is traditional and puts the bridge in a nice position on the body, but if you want to use 14 you can just modify the plan you have now.

12 frets to body, 18 total on mine, per GAL plan #43......

The plan from Hana Lima Ia shows both 12 and 14 fret bridge locations. Since he uses fan bracing, there isn't that much difference in the two other than bridge location and slight changes in the brace sizes. The few I have made were 14 fret and I like that, but I don't play much above 12 frets so it doesn't matter much.
Kent

Thanks guys - 12 it will be.

Pat

_________________
There are three kinds of people:

Those that make things happen,
those that watch things happen,
and those that wondered what happened.

maybe you should do one of each and see which you like better. One uke is never enough

Ha, you got that right - especially if you've seen the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britian. Check out their version of "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly":




That being said, this year's plan is two guitars and the uke which is more than enough and the reason I'm trying to get some done during the summer.

Cheers,
Pat

_________________
There are three kinds of people:

Those that make things happen,
those that watch things happen,
and those that wondered what happened.

Depends on what sound you're looking for as well. Generally, a 12 fret will probably place the bridge right in the middle of the lower bout, giving you a more "punchy" sound. Although its a Tenor, if you string it re-entrant, it will sound closer to that barky Standard size `ukulele, but not as brash. A 14 fret will usually give you more resonance and sustain. Since its a Tenor, if you string it low g you'll bring out a rounded 2 octave `ukulele. Local players like the 14 fret sound, mainland players usually gravitate to re-entrant tuning. Again, generally.

Of course, Rick Turner defies all with his Compass Rose - good stuff.

I do 14's, 20 total, low g tuning.

I did 14, 19 frets, High G

Michael