Official Luthiers Forum!

I,ve done a fair amount of time online trying to hunt down
a plan for a bass ukulele, but have come up pretty well skunked.
Does anyone know of where to find one, either free or otherwise?

Thanks
Bob

I got mine from the MIMF but paid $$$ musical instrument makers forum

There's one based on a Martin at Dons Plans. http://www.donsplans.com/viewitem.php?productid=4

Edit: Sorry, I was thinking baritone. You're looking for bass. sorry, can't help you.

A bass ukulele ( U bass) is usually a baritone ukulele with silicone or PVC strings. It's like playing on spagetti.

Bob

Hi Fellows

Thx for the replies.

Ernie,
Since the MIMF had a changeover I find a few things not
functioning. When I click on anything that should lead me to the
plans it doesn't work. At any rate I believe this was a baritone.
I'm trying to find a plan related to building the uke version of
an acoustic bass.

Bob,
So do you feel that other than the obvious changes for scale length etc.
there is no need to beef up the bracing or add reinforcement to the neck?
I suppose if I could find out the specs on the strings in terms of pull, I could
compare that to standard baritone string pull.

Bob

Misread thought you were looking for baritone uke .

I might have a reference for you but will need to search at home.

Philip

_________________
aka konacat

If you think my playing is bad you should hear me sing!
Practice breeds confidence and confidence breeds competence. Unfortunately, I'm stuck in practice.

Hi Guys

No sweat Ernie.

Thanks Philip I'd appreciate that!

Bob

Bob,

Check out Owen Holt's web site. It looks like the site hasn't been updated lately but take a look. You can always contact him via e-mail. He would be a great resource for a bass ukulele.

http://www.roadtoadmusic.com/main.html

Philip

_________________
aka konacat

If you think my playing is bad you should hear me sing!
Practice breeds confidence and confidence breeds competence. Unfortunately, I'm stuck in practice.

Ernie:
You might check at "Just Strings" for the tension on the strings but if the total tension is less than 80-100 lb, I would not change the bracing from a regular baritone. The strings tend to be really floppy so I doubt that you have a problem. Like I said, its like playing on spagetti.

Bob

Hi Guys

Phillip
I ran across Owen's site. He is partnered with Kala ukes on their
U Bass line I believe. I may give him a shout. Thanks

Bob
Although I haven't found any definitive info on tension figures
( nothing I could find on "justStrings") , I'm beginning to think
you're right. Also I will email the manufacturers .

Thanks Again
Bob

Bob: (I got it right this time)
I emailed a friend who built one and he used three light fan-braces. He considers that more than enough for the string tension.

Remember that you will need a piezio pickup and amplifier to hear anything.

Bob

How about a source for the tuners? I believe that the ubass uses a tuning machine in which the string snaps into the post rather than thru a hole in the post. I assume this cuts down on the strings slipping. Any thoughts?

_________________
Kyle

Going on memory, I believe that the tuners are standard electric bass tuners. They may be filed to accept the large-diameter strings.

Bob

I've tripped across something interesting during this search.
In the mid 80's a builder and an electronics guy from the UK
developed a very small (18" scale length) fretless solid body
electric bass based on the use of silicon rubber strings and
a piezo pick up. It's called the Ashbory Bass.The claim, and
there's quite a few renowned bassists that support it, is that
it produces a tone very much like a double bass. This website
http://www.largesound.com/ has a wealth of information on it
and provides a very interesting read.
It also has a online store section where you can buy parts (tuners) and strings.
It's a similar application so I'm wondering if the tuners might suit
a U bass.

As a coincidence, after reading this site, for the heck of it, I thought I'd do a search
on Kijiji for a used Ashbory and low & behold I'm the proud owner of one, sans
tuners and strings. Updates to follow.

Type "ashbory" in you tube for some cool videos.

Later
Bob

The tuners found on the ashbory do look like the ones on the Kala. I'm guessing they would work also.

_________________
Kyle

So I stopped to check out a Kala Ubass on my way home from work today. Pretty cool instrument. The access on the back for the strings allowed me to see the top bracing. There was an x brace. no fan bracing which was what I was expecting, not sure how barritone ukes are normally braced. No UTB, just the X and the bridge plate. Braces looked like 1/4" x 1/4". Tuners are what I thought they were, like the Ashbory. Hope this helps. I think I may try my hand at one of these in the future.

_________________
Kyle

Hi Guys

Didn't notice the additional replies...sorry.

Thanks for the info on bracing and tuners.
I have ordered tuners from LargeSound.com.
I also ordered the fender strings normally used on the Ashbory
and another brand made by Aquila. These 2 should give
me a pretty good idea of the tension.
It sounds like it's a non issue really. it'll probably be awhile
before I try a bass uke out but in the meantime I'm looking
forward to trying out the Ashbory.

Ciao
Bob

After giving it some thought and playing around with the Kala at the local music shop I think I'm gonna give it a shot also. I will probably order tuners from Roadtoad. They are a bit more there but they have the 2 and 2 tuners whereas Largesound only had the 4 on one side tuners. My main concern right now is how to compensate for the strings. I think once I get the tuners and strings I'll do a bit of experimenting to figure it out.

_________________
Kyle