There are already many designs for 3D printed ukuleles. Why another one? My goal was to design and build from scratch an instrument that I could then use to write my own original song.
It ended up taking a lot longer than I originally anticipated, and there were many mistakes along the way. Versions 1 through 5.2 never saw the light of day. But I'm pretty happy with out it finally turned out.
*Update - 2-22-26* : Check out my [new Soprano 2 ukulele](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7286011). Designed to print flat rather than standing up, to make it easier to print multi-color tops.
Sound demo and build instructions available in the video below:
I've designed [3D printed tuners](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6779545) to go with the uke:
The original video above provides instructions on the first model tuners I designed. However, the current model 3 tuners are far superior. The video below is a sound demo for my new [soprano guitalele](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6943916) and includes instructions on installing the model 3 tuners.
I've also designed a [mount to hang the uke from the wall](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6548335).
In addition to the printed parts, you'll need
- Strings for a soprano ukulele. I like [D'Addario Nyltech](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MB992Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1).
- [200 mm long, 5 mm diameter carbon fiber rod in the neck for strength. The rod is available from Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09XHJBN55/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1). If you don't want to use the carbon fiber rod, there is a version of the neck available without the rod hole.
- One Number 4, 1'' wood screw to screw the headstock to the neck
- 8 #2 3/8'' wood screws if using my Model 3 tuners
Change Log
Update 3/17/25 - I've added a new headstock for model 3 tuners with no inlay, in case you want to add your own inlay to it.
Update 2/11/25 - Need more strings? Try out my new design for [soprano and super soprano guitaleles](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6943916)!
Update 10/26/24 - I've added a version of the body that has been split into a lower half and an upper half for those whose printers can't accommodate the full ~240 mm height. Download Split Body - Lower half.stl and Split Body - Upper half.stl.
Update 9/26/24 - I've got a new and improved [Model 3 tuner design](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6779545). Check it out. I've added a new headstock designed to be compatible with them. Note that the video instructions were made when the tuners were first designed and it shows the first version of my tuners. The newest and much improved version of the tuners, model 3, no longer have the washers. The washers were fiddly and a pain to deal with.
Update 7/27/24 - Need something a little more flashy? Take a look at my new design with internal [LED lighting](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6697926)!
Update 5/29/24 - Want to crank up the volume to 11? Check out my new design for an [acoustic/electric soprano ukulele](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6638951)!
Update 5/6/24 - v5.5 On a couple of older prints I saw some delamination of the body underneath the bridge, so I added a little extra bracing under the bridge to prevent it.
jwnicholson
