Mahogany Tenor Ukulele by Michael J King made in Cheltenham

http://www.michaeljking.com
http://www.ukulelefestival.co.uk
This is the Starting Model of my Tenor Ukuleles, other ones will follow with binding/rosettes, spruce and cedar tops, I plan to have a selection ready to show at the upcoming Ukulele festival of Great Britain here in Cheltenham, June 2010.

African Sapele is used in this example but I will be using a true mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) in the future unless requested otherwise, as this is plantation grown and sustainable.

Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Ebony headplate, spanish Cedar neck,


I have been a big Ukulele aficionado since I was a teenager, back then the Uke was my ideal travel instrument whern not playing my guitar. I designed all sorts of Ukuleles while I was still at school, teardrop electric and acoustics, though it wasn't until after university I made my first Soprano acoustic uke on my kitchen table!! I had always been a soprano uke persion, that changed when I saw videos by Ken Middleton and Jake Shimabukuro on Youtube a few years ago.....I bought myself a cheap mahalo Tenor and realized I didn't need to play the guitar ever again!!
Special thanks to pete Howlett whose generosity to share his methods and philosophy has been a guiding light, There was a time when I spent literally months to make a soprano ukulele, with dovetailed neck and individual lining blocks like a miniature guitar, now I build them light and simpler, and they sound louder and more like a ukulele for it!!

The majority of my work are lyres and early music/folk instruments and getting this Tenor designed and made in between my commissioned work was harder than I thought, It is like the Chicken and egg scenario, if I dont have a tenor Uke made no one will commission me to make one!! This Tenor Ukulele was made in 2008, but needed just 3 days to complete and it took me until now to complete it!! It is just for me this one, I am not selling this example.

I designed this tenor to follow my soprano Ukuleles, simple staid appearance, minimal in "bling"

In the video the strings were still settling in( as aquila strings tend to do) I am also using wooden pegs which i am fond of, but pegheds will be offered as a more practical alternative. I have just started learning a few pieces, so my rhythm is a little off in places, I have no nails at the moment so I am using my fingertips alone. I think I prefer fluorocarbon, (worth strings)for playing without nails as they make the sound less percussive, but Nylgut are very sweet in tone.
http://www.michaeljking.com
http://www.ukulelefestival.co.uk

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• tenor
• ukulele
• uke
• cheltenham
• luthier
• michael
• king
• mahogany
• ice
• cream
• sapele
• soprano

[Ukelilli]

That's a beautiful Uke, Michael! (That dulcimer was pretty sweet too, wowie.) Thanks for finding me!

[michaeljking]

@Ukelilli Thanks very much! I heard your "Doctor Who" Song via myspace and now I am a fan....

[V0udka]

Can somebody explain to me how (I suppose they are) chords work on a Ukelele? I like the sound but stringwise I can't seem to put my finger on it..

[michaeljking]

The chords are the same patterns as used on a guita(5 frets up though), the key difference is the high tuned 4th string that makes strumming so nice. This re-entrant tuning was actually the main characteristic of the guitar until the baroque period and the change in focus, aided by better low strings no doubt!

[MrRandomWritings]

Michael - how do you emboss your logo on the headstock? Trying to think of a way to personalise my creations in the future. Lesley suggested burning but I wouldn't know what to use

[michaeljking]

I use a custom made brass plate stamp that I hold in place with a jig and then put the headstock into a metal vice and clamp, like a press...

They can make any design, any size,

I can email you the details(and anyone else who wants the info!)

[1viva]

Magnificient! :-)

[alsner73]

Seriously love the sound of that Uke, stunning instrument Michael, it is gorgeous and I'm going to have to have a look.

[MrRandomWritings]

Thanks Michael - and for the email - I will look into it

[michaeljking]

My family informs me it is very loud!! ;) I was 4 feet from my video camcorder, too close maybe considering the percussive side of the sound but otherwise it is as it is. It It will be a month before the varnish hardens, and the instrument plays in, I think it will sweeten up a little, I will do some more videos when I have practiced! Thanks for your comments!