> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kms104.gitbook.io/3d-printing-ukuleles/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kms104.gitbook.io/3d-printing-ukuleles/master.md). # Overview A few months ago in a fit of COVID-19 craziness, I got an idea to see if I could download a 3D printable ukulele model and maybe learn how to play it. This ended up with two custom ukulele designs. ![These pages address the concert-sized ukulele (3rd from the left) and the two tenor-sized ukuleles on the right with the cool wave inlay logo.](https://966603259-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MSV3Je-C2kTZTVekW9s%2F-MS_Ka4FULqLvkcEvgaA%2F-MS_Q3wyW_T4tsTv_e0k%2FDSC_2200.JPG?alt=media\&token=bb2a4a52-4b77-429c-b155-c77eb66e1d72) ## 2020 Christmas Ukulele (Concert-Sized) This was my first ukulele design that got a "limited production run" of 6 ukuleles that my family and I used for some fun Christmas-time learning and playing. This design sounds good * Good sound Made from PLA for easy printing and stiffness * Standard-sized fretboard and frets for easy of playing * Inexpensive tuning mechanisms * Swappable Bridge and Nut for tuning and customizing the action * Removable neck for modularity and customization without reprinting the entire instrument * Slightly quieter than a wooden ukulele making it good for apartments and small spaces ### 3D Printing Overview As of February 2021, I have printed 6 complete concert ukuleles on my Prusa i3 MK3s. It can take 30+ hours to print all the parts. If your printer is dialed-in and you are comfortable with 12 hour prints, you should have no problem printing the pieces. ### [Parts and Materials Needed](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md) | <1 1 km Roll of Filament | Recommend PLA, Carbon-fiber PLA | $25 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --- | | [Ukulele Tuning Mechanism (4)](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md#gold-plated-wave-mod-1-1-2-design) | | $9 | | Strings | | $7 | | [Neck to Body Bolt](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md#mounting-screws) | 5mm x 50 mm | | | [Fretboard Bolts](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md#mounting-screws) | 3mm x 5 mm, 3mm x 7 mm | | | [Carbon fiber stiffener rods](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md#neck-stiffener-carbon-fiber-bars-2mm-x-10mm-1000mm) | [2mm x 10mm](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KXJ2P96/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8\&psc=1) | | | Super glue | favorite brand | | ## 2021 Wave Ukulele (Tenor/Baritone-Sized) This is the current latest design that incorporates lessons learned from the 2020 Christmas Ukulele and is specifically designed for my XL-sized hands and fingers. * Longer tenor-sized fretboard to provide easier playing for larger fingers and hands and beginners * Larger body for more volume and resonance * Cool shape for more coolness * Good sound as a tenor ukulele with standard tuning * Sounds really good with either baritone or octave (down) ukulele tuning - like the baritone tuning for learning the blues * Customizable body and head inlays * Swappable Bridge and Nut for tuning and customizing the action * Removable neck and fretboard for modularity and customization without reprinting the entire instrument ### 3D Printing Overview As of February 2021, I have printed 2 complete Wave ukulele prototypes on my Prusa i3 MK3s. It can take 40+ hours to print all the parts. If your printer is dialed-in and you are comfortable with 12 hour prints, you should have no problem printing the pieces. ### Materials Needed | 1 km Roll of Filament | Recommend PLA, [Carbon-fiber PLA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078J5BYSJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8\&psc=1) | $25+ | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | | [Ukulele Tuning Mechanism (4)](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md#tuning-mechanisms) | [Gold color](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQ252NS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8\&psc=1), [Chrome color](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQ2ABD4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s02?ie=UTF8\&psc=1) | $9 | | Strings | Tenor, Baritone, "Octave" - Favorite brand | $7 | | [Neck to Body Bolt](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md#mounting-screws) | 5mm x 50mm | | | [Fretboard Bolts](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md#mounting-screws) | 3mm x 5mm, 3mm x 7 mm (recommend titanium used in drones) | | | [Carbon fiber stiffener rods](/3d-printing-ukuleles/material-details.md#neck-stiffener-carbon-fiber-bars-2mm-x-10mm-1000mm) | [2mm x 10mm](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KXJ2P96/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8\&psc=1) | | | Super glue | favorite brand | |