Official Luthiers Forum!

So 98% of what you can find at a Big Box lumber store is unusable for instruments. Your best bet is to purchase Instrument grade wood from a reputable source. LMI, Allied, RC Tonewoods, Hana Lima IA. Before you start the process of buying wood you might consider doing some research on this forum and other forums as well to to get better acquainted with how most beginners start this love/hate process.... Good Luck I'm on #18 Ukulele.

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I've made several ukes out of lumber grade cherry and mahogany and they turned out just fine. I used the same wood for top, back and sides and neck. While there are many reasons to pick higher grade wood available, it isn't an absolute requirement. But pay attention to how green or wet the wood is you choose. Well seasoned wood is preferable. Then also, pay attention to grain direction. More information all over the forum about that.

The first thing to have is a plan and an instruction book. I would recommend the Hana Lima Ia book which contains the drawings for a tenor ukulele (hanalima.com). The book is the text book for their ukulele building course. There is enough detail for you to understand how to build the instrument and why certain things are done. I consult the book often even though I am on my twenty second instrument.
The walnut is probably acceptable for the back, sides and neck of a first instrument. The sound-board could be spruce or mahogany (my choice).

The first instrument takes a long time to build so understand what needs to be done before you start.

Good luck

Bob

Walnut would be my choice, followed by cherry or maple. I've never really used ash so I dunno. Ukes commonly use the same wood for the top as the back/sides. I've made ukuleles with walnut tops/back/sides and they sound very nice.
Spruce, cedar or redwood tops are also options....but I wouldn't use lumber grade softwood unless you really know what you're looking for in wood grain.
You'll be ok with your 60degree grain wood. It will still bend well and should be stable enough for the top/back. Not AS stable as 90degree quarter sawn wood but it plenty good for your first project.

I typed a reply to this the other day but I don't see it now. I probably forgot to hit submit. Anyway, it was basically what Quine said but worded more awkwardly. Post pics when you're done!

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Bryan Bear PMoMC

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