Make Your Own Ukulele: The Essential Guide to Building, Tuning, and Learning to Play the Uke

The subtitle is truer than the title. It's only a vague guide that requires prior knowledge of tool use and instrument making (which I have). At least half the book is taken up by a wonderful gallery of ukuleles by established luthiers, the rest on playing and stuff that I haven't looked at yet as I'm more interested in building one than playing it. Even so, I would recommend this as a nice looking, helpful look at the instrument, and as a rough guide to building that requires supplementation with a book like Cumpiano's guitar book or similar, and also books on tool use - Ralph Laughton is a good start. Also, introductory classes with local luthiers are worthwhile.

Having read other reviews on this book, I had been put off ordering it for several months. There is however so little out there available, I finally took the plunge this week. My advice - ignore the bad reviews as this is a lovely book. Well illustrated, informative and full of snippets of other Uke related information. Pictures of some great looking ukuleles in the introduction section to inspire for future builds.There are plans for both the ukuleles that the builds are centred around. I have never made a musical instrument but could certainly make one from this book. It includes ideas for jigs and fixtures to aid the construction process- have already ordered steel pipe to make the bender for the sides. The only unclear section to me is how to make the binding, but I am sure after a few reads this will also become clear. Even if you never go ahead and make one, it is a lovely informative book to have and to broaden your knowledge. Get a copy now!

I bought the book to see how ukuleles are made, and it's really good for that. It really helps with those little restoration projects e.g. refinishing a old uke to a good standard. As to making one from scratch, I found the list of tools needed rather intimidating, so that's one for the future. Loved the chapter on luthier makde ukes though - a real inspiration.

Needs more information on different woods and their uses in ukulele making

I have read some excellent books on guitar building, there isn't much available for Ukulele building. An ok book but I wouldn't describe it as 'The Essential Guide'.

ok

What a beautiful book! This fully illustrated guide will teach you how to make two ukeleles. Starting with simple soprano ukulele you can make with hand tools using plywood for the box,pine for the neck and hard wood for the rest.The second project will make you a luthier!(as mentioned inside the book). If you are feeling more adventurous make a professional-grade solid wood ukulele. Color photographs show you the step by step construction method. Happy reading!

This is really poor. Some of the other Ukulele construction books out there are awful. I have signed up for a 5 day intensive Ukulele building course at the International School of Ukulele Building in North Wales. I must cease buying books unseen.