Ukulele Course

[dennisclyde]

Hi Everyone!

I purchased the classical guitar course and have built a couple of them.  I am considering building a ukulele and purchasing a ukulele online course.  I see two courses offered.  

I have bought a few ukulele building books and looks like there are tons of variations on how to build them.  I like the idea of using the classical guitar style neck instead of the bolt on.  Do either of the online coursed feature the classical guitar style neck?

Does anyone have some advice on which ukulele course to purchase?  

Thanks!

Dennis

[Robbie O'Brien]

Dennis,

Heidi's ukulele course shows the traditional Spanish heel neck to body joint. It is the same that I use in my classical online course. Jay's advanced ukulele course uses a bolt on neck design.

https://lutherieacademy.com/courses/ukulele

https://lutherieacademy.com/courses/advanced-ukulele

Happy Building,

Robbie

Lutherie Academy by O'Brien Guitars lutherieacademy.com Keep track of the changes going on now at O'Brien Guitars by signing up for my newsletter

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From: obrien...@googlegroups.com <obrien...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of dennisclyde <dennis...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 08:54
To: Robert O'Brien Guitar Building Forum <obrien...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Ukulele Course

 

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[Ted Dodds]

Hi Dennis,

I purchased Heidi's course for my first ever build which was a concert ukulele. The course example is a tenor uke but all the principles are the same as far as I can tell. 

I found the course to be an excellent guide to the planning, preparing, building, and finishing of an instrument. I was very happy with how my instrument turned out for a first effort. It's worth noting that Heidi's course includes a simplified version of Robbie's FP course (which I subsequently purchased and found extremely helpful) relying on sawdust-and-shellac as the sole form of pore filling. From what I recall without going back to check, she does not bind the body. The instrument still looks good. 

I am only answering part of your question as I can't compare it with the other course. But I will add that Heidi's course, Robbie's FP and fretting course (the Kent Everett version) plus the Cumpiano book were the instructional sources for my first guitar build: a steel string with bolt-on neck, the result of which, given my novice skill level, I am happy with.

Hoping this information is helpful to your decision making. ...Ted

[dennisclyde]

Thank you!  This is very helpful.  Can't wait to get started on this next adventure.

Dennis

On Monday, September 15, 2025 at 9:11:16 AM UTC-7 Robbie O'Brien wrote:

[Roger Pierce]

I have used Lichty’s course and can highly recommend it. I like that it includes cutaways, arm bevels, ducted sound ports and other goodies. You might be able to adapt the neck to a Spanish style using what you learned from Robbie’s Classical course, and still enjoy the extra’s in Jay’s course.

Either way, best of luck.

Roger

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/obrien-forum/26bf61ac-c093-490f-ba9a-b9bb267268d4n%40googlegroups.com.

[Joe Shuter]

Absolutely use a Spanish neck if you feel like it. I built a tenor ukulele using Lickty's course. It turned out great. I used all of the building techniques except the sound port. I am not a fan of them. All of my other ukuleles have been Spanish necks. I think a bolt on neck is a more practical option for guitars. Scooter 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/obrien-forum/61609585-1FDC-4E1A-AB86-2A1B7EFC0430%40icloud.com.

[Marcello Codispoti]

I used the Spanish neck design on my very first ukulele build & it came out great. 

My only dislike was during the finishing process how tedious it was sanding the neck to body area. If it was just a one time process it would not have bothered me but after the preliminary sanding in preparation for the finish and all the sanding in-between applications & working up to the polishing stage took its toll on me. 😛

For me the bolt on neck eliminates all that. I still get excellent neck to body fit so I’m happy. 

Marcello 

On Sep 19, 2025, at 3:19 PM, Joe Shuter <jwsh...@gmail.com> wrote:



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