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PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2019 4:25 am 
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Walnut
Walnut

Joined: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:34 pm
Posts: 6
Hi, I'm planning to build a copy of Martin Style 1 circa 1920 - 1930, or maybe a Gibson from the same era if information is more easily froth coming. I've got plenty of general information, such as is used to date those ukes; and thanks to the internet there are no shortage of photos. What I'm after is construction details, dimensions, type of bracing and bracing material used, kerfing etc. I don't need plans per se but are happy to buy them if they are available, what I don't particularly want is a design that looks a bit like a martin on the outside but built with modern techniques. Any recommendations on where to look for information would be appreciated.

thanks,
Smithy


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2019 5:29 am 
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Cocobolo
Cocobolo

Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:10 pm
Posts: 272
First name: Chris
Last Name: Reed
City: Stowmarket
State: Suffolk
Zip/Postal Code: IP14 2EX
Country: UK
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
There's quite a decent plan based on a 1940s Martin here:

http://www.grellier.fr/en/downloads

But there's general agreement that the soundboard bracing is too beefy.

1920s Martins were definitely lighter built.

The best information you'll find is to go to the Ukulele Underground site and search for posts by Ken Timms (Timbuck). He builds better Martin sopranos than Martin currently does, based on dismantling and measuring a 1920s model. He has posted about getting the dovetail right, arching the back ... you name it!



These users thanked the author profchris for the post: Smithy (Thu Jun 20, 2019 4:46 am)
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 4:46 am 
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Walnut
Walnut

Joined: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:34 pm
Posts: 6
Thanks!, exactly the sort of information I needed


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PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 1:25 pm 
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Cocobolo
Cocobolo

Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:10 pm
Posts: 272
First name: Chris
Last Name: Reed
City: Stowmarket
State: Suffolk
Zip/Postal Code: IP14 2EX
Country: UK
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
Good luck.

Ken is a very nice man, so he might well answer any questions you have once you've researched some more.

PS, the last Ken Timms Style 0 uke sold via eBay fetched over US$1,000 a few days ago, so I'm not exaggerating when I say how good they are. I own one, and it's a keeper.


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PostPosted: Sun Jun 30, 2019 8:07 pm 
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Contributing Member
Contributing Member

Joined: Sat Sep 14, 2013 9:46 pm
Posts: 755
Location: Napa Valley
First name: David
Last Name: Foster
City: Napa
State: CA
Zip/Postal Code: 94558
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
Ken Timms is great he contributes a lot to the Ukulele community. And what Chris said head to Ukulelel Underground. there is a builders forum.

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