Acoustic-Electric Ukulele

Have you ever wanted to own an Acoustic-Electric Ukulele, but without spending hundreds of dollars on a pre-made one? If so, here's an easy guide on how to make your own. This only requires a small investment, a few hours of time, and some basic tools.

The only item I purchased was this product for $15 on Amazon. I already had a ukulele and amp.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017CKCM4M/ref=o...

Step 1: Remove the Strings From the Ukulele

Usually you can just unscrew the strings at the top and then untie the strings at the bottom, so you don't need any tools for this. You can reuse your strings later or get new ones if you'd like.

Step 2: Remove the Saddle From the Bridge

This will be where the pickup for the amp goes. It fits in under the saddle (the white piece). I removed it with a pocket knife fairly easily.

Step 3: Measure and Mark the Tone Controls

This just needs to be somewhat accurate, because you can aalways either cut a larger hole or glue extra space. I made the hole too small at first and made it larger when I was cutting it. I also tested the connections of the kit to make sure everything was correct.

Step 4: Cut the Hole for the Tone Controls

I used an X-ACTO Knife to cut the hole because the wood for the ukulele is usually very thin and easy to pierce.

Step 5: Drill the Hole for the Jack Input

This step sounds easier than it looks. First, you drill the hole (it can be anywhere you want, it just had to reach the tone controls). Screwing the top onto the jack took some effort, and I did it by holding the inside part down with a screwdriver while I screwed the top on.

Step 6: Drill the Hole for the Pickup

I used a small drill bit to drill the hole. The pickup fit right into the space where the saddle goes on my ukulele, but if it doesn't fit yours, you can sand down the edges.

Step 7: Check the Wiring Inside the Ukulele

I recommend checking that all of the wires are plugged into the tone controls. You can hold down the wires with tape or glue if you want, but I skipped this because it's not really necessary.

Step 8: Glue the Tone Controls and Jack

I used some hot glue to keep these pieces in place, which I highly recommend doing. Any glue should work but thicker glues will work better.

Step 9: Tie the Strings Back on

The next step is to tie the strings on. You can use whatever knots you like, just make sure the strings fit over the saddle.

Step 10: Insert Batteries and Plug in

The final step is to insert the batteries into the tone controls and to plug into an amp. Then you're all set!