Ukulele Prototype

During covid lockdowns, I got into building my own guitars. So far I’ve built 6 electric guitars. For a while now I’ve been developing ideas for acoustic ukuleles and guitars. When I saw the musical instruments competition, I thought it was a great opportunity to further develop and prototype these ideas. Some of these are things that would be difficult, if not impossible to do with traditional guitar and ukulele construction materials/techniques. For example I wanted to introduce a double-curvature into the sides, thinking that this would improve the ergonomics. Traditionally the sides of a ukulele are bent from sheet wood, which makes forming doubly-curved surfaces impossible. 

A few features of the prototype ukulele are: 

• An ultra-thin body with doubly-curved sides that make it far more comfortable to hold and play than traditional models
• A striking visual appearance, utilising the AMS to create binding style accents as well as a translucent soundboard, showcasing the internal structure
• It features a removable back plate, allowing full internal access for maintenance etc
• The neck is a bolt-on design, more akin to a Fender electric guitar. The fixings are hidden by the back plate. The fretboard and frets are integrated.
• The unusual bracing structure for a ukulele or guitar is based on a highly efficient I-beam, but adapted to suit 3d printing without supports.
• Only 6 3d-printed parts and a couple of purchased components.
• Also includes a stand, designed specifically for this ukulele as its so thin it doesn't fit properly in the stands I have.

I only finished assembly the prototype in the final 24 of the competition so my experience with it is limited. That said, I have strung it up and it is playable. Time will tell how well it lasts structurally, but I suspect it’ll be fine. So far it feels comfortable, looks great and sounds ok. 

Also worth noting that I used Elegoo's PLA Galaxy Purple but I think Bambu's will work just as well.