In this instructable i am showing you how to make a Ukelele stand using only 51 KNEX pieces. This can be made in under 30 minutes and works out cheaper than buying a stand online.

Due to its minimal KNEX usage (55 pieces) i have decided to make 2, as i play my Uke in more that one place.

I imagine this will hold other small instruments but i have not tested this.

Step 1: Get Your Parts

Connectors:

1 Way : 6
Orange Ladder : 2
Yellow 5 way: 6
3D 2x 4 way : 2
3D 2x 7 way : 4
3D 4 way + 7 way : 4

Rods:

Green (16mm) : 10
White (32mm) : 4
Blue (54mm) : 5
Yellow (86mm) : 6
Red (128mm) : 4

+some form of spacer.
+optional padding (detailed in last step)

I used 55 knex pieces + padding

Step 2: Building the Base

Quite simple really. Follow the photo (same goes for the rest of the instructable).

Step 3: Building the Raised Platform

Easy step - make sure the 3d connectors are pointing the right way though, easy to miss that 2 are angled.

Step 4: Join Those Parts!

Connect the two parts that you have just made in this way:
Your main structure is now complete

Step 5: Back + Front Rests

In this step you are going to add the sections that hold the Ukelele

Step 6: Coming Along Good Now

connect the Parts made in Step 5 to your main structure in this way.
At this point the Ukelele should be able to stand in the stand, but i find the back rest too flexible, The following steps will make it a bit more rigid.

Step 7: Extra Rigid Pieces

Build these parts to gain some rigidity to the back rest. Attach them as they are in the 2nd picture.

It should now hold your ukelele firmer

Step 8: Ukelele Comfort

Personally i dont like resting my ukelele against hard plastic, So if you want to add some finishing touches at the contact points your ukelele can be padded.

On the side rails i have sewed some felt around them.
Where the ukelele touches on the front and back rests i have added some sticky backed felt pads, I have also put some on the base to make it softer and slightly grippier on floors.