Replies

1. 
   stantheman | Jul 13, 2007 03:02pm | #1

   steve104c

   I had the same idea but could not find plans that were good enough to start from scratch, and the kits were too simple or missing critical information.  You might ask at the musical instrument makers forum http://www.mimf.com and get some good advice. 

   You can find small quantities of koa and other traditional woods through e-bay, often milled for guitar/uke purposes. 

1. 
   steve104c | Jul 14, 2007 08:28pm | #4

   thank you stanhteman

2. 
   Napie | Jul 13, 2007 04:27pm | #2

   There was segment on the “Antiques Road Show” about a ukulele company in Hawaii, it was very interesting.  I believe they used hot water to bend the sides.  They of course used a lot of Koa and the average price for one of their instruments was $1000.00.  Might be worth looking at their website for back episodes.

1. 
   steve104c | Jul 14, 2007 08:31pm | #5

   thank you napie

3. 
   forestgirl | Jul 14, 2007 06:58pm | #3

   If you'd like to have a guaranteed livlihood, learn how to make excellent quality lutes!  I heard an interview with a musician the other day who was saying that the wait for a lute is a year or more.  Wow.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   steve104c | Jul 14, 2007 08:31pm | #6

   and thank you forestgirl