I just had a thought. If you are ever inspired to make a version 2.0, you could stretch springs across the inside to give it a built-in reverb.

@StevDoesBigJumps

3 ай бұрын

and maybe use the bridge from an electric guitar

great work Making a Ukulele out of Aluminum without gloves 🧤😁😆

I love that you are experimenting with things you don't know how to do and showing all the uncertainties and mistakes along the way. So often, people just edit that part out but it's an essential and valuable part of the process. I'd never seen an aluminum ukulele before and now I have, thanks to you. That sort of intrepid spirit is what eventually leads to great innovations and real-world practical experience. I think it turned out great. Nice job!

I've been thinking about this build and it occurred to me that there will likely be galvanic corrosion where the brass nut touches the aluminum and also where the two chrome steel bolts tie the brass bridge to the aluminum body. Possibly a problem at the tuners as well. Another good reason to make a different saddle and nut out of traditional material like bone, tusq, or maybe even plastic. Since the aluminum is not anodized, eventually the ukulele body and neck will corrode from salts and acids left from contact with skin.

@domlaiso7034

Жыл бұрын

Wow that's pretty interesting, I didn't know galvanic corrosion was a thing. How long do you think before the corrosion becomes noticeable visually? Or damages the structural tegrity?

@patricklundquist9869

Жыл бұрын

@@domlaiso7034 Now that is a good question. Corrosion at the bridge screws and nut might create gaps which could create some buzz as things corrode and loosen. Since the bridge is under tension, corroded screws could break and the bridge go flying leaving broken screw ends that are nearly impossible to extract. Making another bridge out of aluminum bar stock and then using aluminum blind rivets instead of steel bolts would solve the bridge problem. Cherrylock rivets will draw tight, which makes them the best, assuming the bridge material in between can bear the load. Unless you have a friend in the aviation business with the proper installation tool, that could get expensive. Tusq nut solves the nut problem and might tame some of the tinny tones.

@dereksantavenere2172

Жыл бұрын

galvanic corrosion would take years … you can fairly easily mitigate w some oil and periodic cleaning - statue of liberty is covered in galvanic corrosion…. still standing fine

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

All of the screws are stainless and the nut has a coat of super glue holding it in place. Even so, I think it would have to be submerged in a tank of salt water for a few months for this to be an issue. A year and a half later there are no problems. It is an interesting thought though

@seanc8054

Жыл бұрын

@@domlaiso7034 if you get it wet it'll happen tomorrow lol

This is great - you really went deep. Shared the mistakes, the challenges, the design shifts and materials. I was particularly interested (as a musician) in the fretboard segment - very interesting. This is like a mini documentary! Well done.

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks dad! Glad you liked it

@PeterMcCartt

3 жыл бұрын

C'mon Tommy Guitar Watson! Play your rendition of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" on that beauty!

Who would have ever thought that watching someone make a ukulele could ever be fun? Interesting, yes. But this was fun too! Excellent videography. I love the way the ukelele music happened at the end. And was great, Kelsey, to hear you talk through some of your challenges. So cool that you're helping others see the pain and glory of this craft.

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! I definitely try to include the mistake and challenges as much as possible while still having the process make some sense to the viewer. This was a very experimental project for me and it was a lot of fun to work through the problems! That’s the fun part really, even when it can get frustrating at times 😅

It does sound "tinny". The level of craftsmanship you put into this build is off the chart. Great work!

@Bob-of-Zoid

Жыл бұрын

No it isn't! Anyone familiar with metal working would have known how to do it right! Is this how you think professional craftsman do things? I don't think so! That's not at all good craftsmanship, and it's only off the charts in ignorance for not doing the required research and honing of skills first!

@nobuckle40

Жыл бұрын

@@Bob-of-Zoid Then let's see you make one and teach us all how to "do it right"!

Wow, completely and utterly amazing. What a master you are. Fantastic !!!!

Wow! Very impressive. Beautifully done!

That. Was. AWESOME!! Brilliant on so many levels - thanks for the video!

The last comment is gold. As any woodworker knows, your output is roughly 1 part project to 2 parts jigs. I lost count of the jigs (not all successful) I have made for making ukes, but the fun is in the making (both instruments and jigs).

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

It is very satisfying to solve a problem with a good jig. It sometimes makes you want to do a little happy dance-in other words, the jig jig!

Oh hey, I can solder and braze, I never thought to use that for making a metal body.... Now I have ideas!! Thanks for sharing!!

Lovely work.

Absolutely gorgeous Ukulele! It's amazing how you crafted this out of aluminum. Great video too!

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mom!

Incredible! Couldn't stop watching! Beautiful result.

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! ☺️

Just Freaky Fantastic! Excellent Job, Mr. Kelsey! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! 🙂

Fantastic fantastic job!!!

Pretty cool! Thanks!

Yep! I am completely amazed. Good job.

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching! I really appreciate the comment ☺️

Whoa....warm and gentle and uncanny valley all at once, cool timbre. Now I want a metal ukulele lol

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

It definitely has a unique sound! If only there was a rational way to manufacture them 🤔 The world needs more metal ukes

Nice work setting up and dressing those frets.

absolute work of art Kelsey

Thanks for showing us this! At first I was like "great idea, I want to make one." Then I watched all the work you put into it and I went "nope". LOL

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

It's a TERRIBLE idea! Thanks for watching!

Good volume, resonance, and tone. Well done.

Very challenging, and Satisfying

As a former Travis Bean guitar owner I can comment on using aluminum in a stringed instrument. The longer you play, the sharper the tuning will get! A little thing called the coefficient of thermal expansion.

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

I was not familiar with this make, very cool! Thanks for sharing!

I am impressed.

You know you can polish up that whole thing to mirror/chrome finish! Nice build!

wow its take a long time to make it! wow looks amazing !

Amazing!

This is brutal man . I love it

WELL DONE

I have never seen a flush-cutting bit hit that hard.

hey man, congratulations, a real artist's work.

I do a lot of metal shaping and was thinking of making an ali ukulele, but wondered what it would sound like. You have shown me, thank you.

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

DO IT! the world needs more

@davidhamer8333

Жыл бұрын

@@kelseywatson1974 It will be my next project. I have to finish the aluminium fuel tank I am making for a motorbike first. I may be pestering you for info. Incidentally do you know the weight of yours? and is the weight an issue? Cheers

@pico2623

Жыл бұрын

Any updates on it?

Great work. Love the Crafnation shirt too. It's got a very unique sound to it, like you made a new kind of instrument.

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

Crafnation represent! Yes, I really had no idea how it would sound while I was making it. Between the resonance of the aluminum and the mass it definitely has a unique sound that I was really happy with. Thanks for watching and commenting!

Sound really good. From this side of cyber space it almost sounds like a tenor!

I used to make classical and flamenco guitars. I kept thinking, "Well, what's he going to do now?" Good job! I was intrigued by what it would sound like. Tiny Tim would be impressed :) Cheers!

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Means a lot from a real luthier! "I do what i like just what I like and how I love it"

if you're ever going to do this again (maybe you have and I haven't looked lol) I really recommend looking into getting a small slip roll. its mainly used for ductwork but it would work perfectly for forming the body's curves, although you would most likely have to two piece it. anyways great work!

It's possible (But a pain in the ass most of the time) to calculate the springback of material, and how much to overbend. The Engineering Information, Conversions and Calculations site has a great calculator for it, which I use fairly often if material is running low. I liked this a lot, my two favourite things, metal work and the ukulele.

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! I'll have to check that out next time I try something like this. I'm trying to be a little more precise these days

Damn, that's cool. It would probably look like a brand new car with a glossy clear coat.

Beautiful work and workmanship the sound will come as you two lear

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching! I really appreciate it

Very nice attention to detail and craftsmanship!!! A+. Great job!!!

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

that was awesome! Massive respect!

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

Fun project. Even if the sound is iffy, it’ll look great hanging on your shop wall.👍

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

That it does! Is been hanging on the wall ever since 😂

This is great! Nice Video, enjoyed watching that.

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching! 🙏🏻

That’s pretty cool man.

really enjoyed watching

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching

Great job brother! It’s not the destination but the jigs you make along the way…

Loveve your way of thinking . .

I am amazed that this actually has a lot of resonance! Well done man :)

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Tons! Thanks for watching!

Buddy this is a really well put together video!

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I would definitely buy one of those very cool

Super cool!

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Much appreciated 🙏🏻

That's something you don't see everyday, nice work

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

Because you would have to be out of your mind to make one! Thanks for watching! 😃

Congratulations po

Cool!

great job!

I don't know why the algorithm decided to recommend me this video for days now, but I'm glad it did. 👍

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! I'm curious who it sends here. Do you ever watch DIY/maker videos, or more music related stuff?

Lo hizo con tanto cariño....fue un éxito el resultado

Frikkin badass! Makes me want to take up a ukulele again after more than 4 decades without!

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Do it! its a beautiful instrument

Looks great!!!

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Really enjoyed watching your build. Well done

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and commenting, it is much appreciated 🙂

wow, just wow

Great job loved it and great look

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I really appreciate it 🙂

This would be great for clawhammer. It sounds similar to a resonator uke.

i love it the sounds great

You've done a great job! I love how it turned out and I hope you find this as a decent feedback. try to assemble parts together and grind them simultaneously. bending forms has to be smaller than the final object and better to be sectioned into multiple bends to achieve a perfect radius.

THIS IS SO COOOL! AMAZING. LOVE IT.

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

Thanks much for this video! An aluminum neck. I’ve periodically wondered how to make an aluminum Bass Guitar neck. Great stuff! 😎

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

That would definitely weigh a ton if you made it like this! But it would be awesome 😎

@mccypr

Жыл бұрын

@@kelseywatson1974 I believe Kramer made Bass guitars that had Aluminum necks back in the 70’s/80’s. Really neat IMO! Collectible. 😎 kzread.info/dash/bejne/oqKuzq-JdZOYj9Y.html

Good editing keep up the hard work, you should be getting millions of views my guy

omg so ein tolles instrument habe das video noch nicht zu endegeschaut aber bin voll konzentriert bei der sache und breit mach weiter so bist mein lieblingsukulelengestalter😀

Watson Ukuleles is an awesome name to roll with for this build! Way to kick off your brand =)

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting! I'm not sure what the market is for aluminum ukuleles but you saw it here first 😂

So happy this showed up in my feed! I really enjoyed the way this video was arranged and you've definitely earned a sub from me!

nice decor staff )))

Great work video is excellent.

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated 🙏🏻

It`s physically coolest guitar in cool space. Coz heat transfer is pretty cool.

Wow! Chur to that bro.

Шикарная работа . Спасибо . Очень хотелось услышать как она звучит , но это конечно не главное . Главное процесс)

Here's to eyeballin it... But my absolute favorite is braise them ribs baby Hahahaha... Talk about a old school auto body trick, I was waitin for a washer weld somewhere... Excellent video.. I had to subscribe after this

Nice job!

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

"Sounds tinny" was exactly the joke I had in my mind.

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

Great minds 😆

Aluminum is such a cool material.

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

It is! Space age stuff

wao this ukelele is amazing

"a bit tinny" hehe, awesome

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

😎

Interesting project well done.

@kelseywatson1974

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It was a fun one

Man! Awesome job!

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Much appreciated 😌

good job

Nice t-shirt collection

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

You know I try 💁🏻‍♂️

Just Franch in WW2: omg we can build 10 tanks from this guitar!

to make the perfect bend you need to surpass the normal form measurment by at least 0.3% so when it springs back will get to approx where you want it

Very cool! Now do it again but make it Resophonic!

You could start a whole new 'light metal' genre with this 🤓

It doesn't sound tinny. It sounds aluminuminny. Cool project. Great job.

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

😂 Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

Stunning work! The ukulele looks and sounds amazing!! Great job, love the video editing too.. Subbed

@kelseywatson1974

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! It means a lot ☺️ Watching your 2x4 Uke video years ago inspired the whole project 🙌🏻

@saintjaredmichael

Жыл бұрын

it definitely looks amazing, saying it sounds good is pretty big lie

Ebony grows slowly and is a very hard/dense wood. The dark colour is one of the reasons for it. Carbon fibre might be a modern alternative but I don't know if thats environmental.

Super trabajo me gusta fino acabado te felicito 👌

verry good

wat you could try against the springback is measure the amount of springback and exadurate the shape of the buck to overbend the aluminium , not sure how mush you need to exadurate the buck but starting at the amount the aluminium lifts away from the buck should be a good start as for the pockethole : drill straight down first to make a sport for the drill to center against so it grabs the center of the drill before hitting the metal with the sides of the drill

this is great!

@kelseywatson1974

Жыл бұрын

thanks!