Winter Build Off 2026 - Yewkulele!

[Bonkersville]

Great that it all worked out. I'd like a rubber stringed bass uke. My son has one, but lefties don't work that well for me.

Do you have it in standard tuning? If so, how's the string tension and tuning stability? I would not have thought even short scale strings work that short. But then again my experience in the matter is quite limited.

 

[smart51]

Great that it all worked out. I'd like a rubber stringed bass uke. My son has one, but lefties don't work that well for me.

Do you have it in standard tuning? If so, how's the string tension and tuning stability? I would not have thought even short scale strings work that short. But then again my experience in the matter is quite limited.

It has Ernie Ball 45 - 105 short scale strings tuned to EADG. String tension feels fine. It needs slight tuning from time to time, where my solid body basses rarely need anything.

Inharmonicity is caused by the strings being too stiff, so rubber strings might be a good option. I've never played them so have no idea what they're like.

 

[Bonkersville]

I like the feel and sound of those. But I don't know how long scales those are made for. I've only ever sen them in the 20 inch range.

 

[smart51]

Right, that's it, I'm calling it done. The finish has been polished on the back, I've made new sound hole covers. The relief hasn't changed in a couple of weeks, it's finished. Interestingly, the spruce sound hole covers are lighter than they yew ones and the tone is a bit clearer as a result.

 

[Why Nautilus‽]

Looks great!

Can we get some more pics?

 

[smart51]

When we next have a sunny day, I'll take the beauty shots for the submission post.

 

[Flamingo21]

You can build and submit two more basses.

 

[smart51]

This is my entry into the scratch build category of WBO 2026 - Yewkulele

Aims

To build a small bodied acoustic bass that I could just pick up and play without having to plug it in.
To use native timber wherever practical.
To build something that couldn't just be bought from a shop.

Specs

635mm (25") scale 4 string bass ukulele
One piece yew body
single piece yew neck
Laburnum fretboard
Spruce top
42mm nut with 11mm string spacing
13mm string spacing at the bridge
Semi-circular neck profile
1,997g (4lb 6.3oz) finished weight

Results

The finished instrument is slightly smaller than a Les Paul 6 string and is very comfortable to hold. I love the feel of the semi-circular neck profile. It is very comfortable to hold and feels consistent when moving hand position between low and high strings. I did wonder how loud a small body would be, and it's pretty good. It would keep up with a few ukulele players but might struggle against a dreadnought guitar. It's plenty for solo practice or playing along with recorded music.