Adjust the action on a Mahalo Ukulele (DIY) -- if you dare

[ARMONIK4U]

hi,are the ukulele machine pegs smaller or lighter the the guitar one ?

[LStrachey]

@ARMONIK4U I think so

[Pinoyako11705]

instead of popping off the nut you can just unwind your string till they're very loose and just tape them to the sides off the nut

[LStrachey]

@Pinoyako11705 .. and file each slot down. Yep, that could be done too Thanks.

[mediaevalguitartab]

It's a Honu tenor by Big Island Ukulele. Very handsome wood and finish.

[mediaevalguitartab]

Thanks for posting this! I used your technique to optimize the action on my pricey ukulele. I was almost careful enough. I ended up having to file down slightly the first fret under the second string, which was buzzing after I had filed down both the saddle and nut. Still, my ukulele is more playable now. A rousing sucess, in fact!

[LStrachey]

@mediaevalguitartab You are a very brave soul. Pleased things worked out well. (May I ask what brand of uke?)

[paeataa]

I'm getting a Makala Dolphin off from Amazon. I'll check and see if I need to do action adjustment. If so, this is definitely a very useful video!

Thanks for posting :)

[LStrachey]

@paeataa Hi, I'll be very much surprised if you have to do anything to the Makala -- they seem to be very well set up from the factory, and ready to play. So far they are the best entry level uke I've seen. Enjoy!

[paeataa]

@LStrachey if that is the case for my Dolphin, I'm definitely thrilled :)

Thanks for making this video anyway. It's still very helpful to know. I have a Makai concert (spruce top), which I think it could get a little setup as shown in your video. (but I'm a little hesitant as it's more expensive to be my first victim :D )

[LStrachey]

@paeataa Please let me know how you like the Dolphin when it arrives.

[TerryUkes]

Nice and helpful one with great series of songs you perform!

I even shape the saddle of great quality ukes by myself though I don't recommend.

[LStrachey]

@TerryUkes Thanks (to tell the truth, I sometimes try it too, but not on ukes over $300 in value)

[LStrachey]

@TerryUkes ... but I definitely leave the hammer out of the equation with better ukuleles :)

[scx493x]

you can tell you have done this before by the speed your hand moves when filing.

I'm sure I have seen one of your adjustments that was not so tidy though.

[LStrachey]

@scx493x Every day in every way -- better and better (actually, the messy looking adjustment that you saw has resulted in impressive in-tune-ness on every string to the 12th fret -- long live mess, I say)

[Rouyome]

Excellent idea!

[LStrachey]

@Rouyome Thank you for the encouragement!

[josephhoh]

I would suggest that it would be a good time to change the strings too. The intonation on that uke is a beast!

[LStrachey]

@josephhoh The only thing is, the new strings will cost almost as much as the uke did (but the improvement in tone is probably worth it.)

[uke5417]

The tip about measuring for possible uke-shaped toys" is a gem. Thanks

[LStrachey]

@uke5417 Thank you too. I tried adjusting a friends cheapie, but after doing the nut and saddle is was still unplayable -- there was a 6mm difference in the two measures, nothing under the third fret made sense.

[drfrancov]

BTW, if the cheap plastic nut breaks I would say get a piece of corian and make one.

[LStrachey]

@drfrancov good idea

[drfrancov]

Nice guide for new guys trying to learn basic DIY fixes on their ukes. I am just not sure if taking the nut off that way is what I would call fine job!

[LStrachey]

@drfrancov I'm not sure either -- but (generally) it works.