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

A rough guide to adjusting the height of string above fretboard of a Mahalo ukulele (There will be many ungrammatical moments -- sorry about that). Oh, and you'll need a ruler, too.

If you try this on some other brands of cheap ukulele, first check if the distance from the nut to the twelfth fret is the same as the distance from the twelfth fret to the saddle. If they are not the same (+/- 1mm) don't bother -- you have a uke-shaped toy, not a uke.

You might consider changing the strings to Aquila Nylguts too (or to some other brand of quality stRings, like Worth etc). This will improve the sound.

Background music played in an Ayers Ukulele -- "You made me love you", "Peg of my heart", and "Good Night Ladies". A bit of "Moonlight Bay" on the Mahalo to finish.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• how
• to
• adjust
• action
• mahalo
• ukulele
• DIY
• tutorial
• education
• instructional video
• musical instruments

[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]

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?)

[mediaevalguitartab]

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

[LStrachey]

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

[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 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!