Mini Pocket Ukulele

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Introduction

A mini, pocket ukulele, perfect for taking along with you, when you travel! A fully playable, 75% scale, soprano ukulele. Only 15 inches tall, 10.2 inch scale length, and super cute.

 

Update - 01-10-2026 - I've removed the tuner files from this project and moved them to their own project - the Mini Ukulele Tuner.  The design has been updated to be stronger.  These are in a separate project now as I am using them in other new upcoming ukulele designs.

 

Click the video below for a sound demo:

 

Print Settings

• Rafts: No
• Supports: None of the parts require supports
• Resolution: 0.12 mm
• Wall loops: 5
• Infill: 50%

For the fretboard, I paused the print at the top of the fretboard to change filament colors, so that the frets print in a different color than the fretboard

 

All parts were printed with 5 shell layers and 50% infill for strength. No supports, rafts, or brims required for any part.

Parts needed

You'll need

• Body
• Neck and Headstock
• Bridge
• Center ring
• Fretboard
• 5 fret markers
• Saddle
• Strap pin, if you want to use a strap

The saddle is a compensated saddle. When placing it in the slot in the bridge, pay attention to the orientation. The peaks in the middle part of the bridge should be further from the top of the uke, and peaks on the edges of the bridge should be nearer the top.

 

For smaller printers like the A1 mini, there is a split version of the neck and headstock.  For this, print the split neck and headstock - upper half, split neck and headstock - lower half, and split neck screw hole cover.  Use superglue and a number 2, 3//8'' wood screw to connect the neck upper and lower half.

 

In addition to the printed parts, you'll need 8, Number 2, 3/8'' wood screws for the tuners.

 

I used a 150 mm long, 5 mm diameter carbon fiber rod in the neck for strength. The rod is available from Amazon.

 

Stringing and Tuning the Uke

For the strings, I use regular soprano uke strings. I like D'Addario Nyltech.     There are many instructions on Youtube available for stringing a uke.  Search for how to string a slotted bridge uke. 

 

The Mini pocket ukulele can be tuned to GCEA like a regular soprano and sounds great.  However, I often also tune it higher to CFAD.  At this tuning, the string tension is similar to a soprano tuned to GCEA.

Tuners

Use my Mini Uke Tuners with the Mini Pocket Ukulele.  That page also has instructions for installing the tuners

 

Building the Uke

For details on building the uke, see the video I put together for my full size, soprano ukulele.  Ignore the instructions on tuner in this video, though.  Use the instructions in the video on the Mini Uke Tuner page. 

 

I use Gorilla brand superglue gel for glueing. If the bridge isn't glued properly, it can pull off. I found lightly sanding the bottom of the bridge really helps. I also apply pressure using clamps for 10 or 15 minutes to make sure it is strongly attached.

 

Update 10-28-24: A split version of the neck and headstock has been added to allow for printing on smaller printers like the Bambu Lab A1 mini.