Synth-Ukulele

 

Being a ukulele and synth enthusiast, I had the idea to integrate eurorack modules inside an electric ukulele to create an experimental instrument. The instrument embeds two rows of 1u 42 hp racks. The project is named synth-ukulele (codename synthélélé).

Before investing hours in building a costly instrument, I went step by step and plan my build. First goal: create a prototype from a store-bought ukulele by simply cutting through the body and screw a eurorack synth on place.

For the ukulele, I went for the biggest possible: baritone ukulele. It can be seen as a small tenor guitar since they share the same tuning D-G-B-E. My choice went for the Flight Pathfinder Ocean Blue Baritone.

Besides the ukulele, I planned a first patch with modular grid to get sizes of modules and power consumption.

 

Once the ukulele and rack + eurorack modules were in my possession, I could start my prototype.

I disassembled the ukulele carefully, taking note of every screw, every hole in the uke. After it was fully disassembled, I cut a hole in it and screw the rack in it.

I tried to play with it and the result was really promising. I was able to play the ukulele easily without being disturbed by the synth knobs and cables. Furthermore, I could even interact with the synth, for example the Force Sensitive Pad (FSR 1U from intellijel).

Those tests made me confident enough to open Fusion 360 and design the final body of my future synth ukulele.

 

After the whole design done, it was time for machining. For the body, I chose maple wood. It’s pretty light and easy to work with and since it’s a really light wood, it would be easy to tint it the colour of my choice.

For the production of this wood body, I had precious help from a friend with a lot of knowledge in wood working.

He helped me with programming the CNC from my 3D design. He machined the main body of the ukulele and also the pick guard plastic sheet and back panel in MDF.

 

Once the body done, I went through many steps to create the final ukulele:

  • add a binding (white plastic strip) around the whole body

  • add a black tint to the body

  • varnish the whole wood body

  • add coper tape to shield the whole instrument

  • insert the synthesizer

  • do the full wiring of the instrument, ukulele and synth part

Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list, but with that you get the main idea.

The result is above any of my expectations starting the project, and I’m happy to possess now the first synth-ukulele aka synthélélé!

Demo videos coming soon…