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Uke neck angle

Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2017 11:18 am
by Kary Karahadian
Do most build with no neck angle? The plans i'm working from have the neck and top co-planar. seems like i'll end up with a very thin fretboard if i shoot for 10-12mm off the top at the saddle and 2mm above the fret crown at the 12th.

Re: Uke neck angle

Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2017 1:53 pm
by Chris Reed
No neck angle for most of my builds.

2mm above the fret crown is rather low for nylon strings, as if you dig in at all you'll get buzz/rattle of strings on frets. For a beginner I'd give them 3mm, droppable to 2.5mm once they become a little more delicate in their playing.

This gives you fretboard height + 5-6 mm at the saddle, which is a saddle 9-10mm above the top. Pretty much perfect for a uke (soprano, concert or tenor) - I find the workable range for saddle height above the top is 6-12mm.

If this is your first uke then be suspicious that your plans will build it too heavy. Spruce/cedar tops should end up around 2mm, hardwood around 1.8mm or evenness if they are very stiff (this is particularly critical for a soprano, otherwise it's likely to sound flat and dull). Sides and back 1.8mm or less. Bracing as small as you dare!

Re: Uke neck angle

Posted: Sat Apr 01, 2017 2:57 pm
by Kary Karahadian
Thanks Chris!