6.
GENTLY
sand the frets
flush with the edge of the
stick. This is best done
with a flat sanding block
or stick. Be sure to work the sandpaper downward only.
You don’t want to lift the frets off.
Use the same downward strokes to bevel the ends of the frets
a little, as shown, by holding the sanding block at an angle. Test the feel of the string board by slid-
ing your hand along the edges. Everything should feel nice and smooth.
THE STRING BOARD
Time required for assembling the string board (steps 1-8):
approximately 30 minutes
1.
Use the Pattern Sheet at left to determine the location of
each fret. Fold the pattern sheet as shown, and tape one
end to the string board, lining it up with the slot for the nut
(near the angled peg head).
2.
Use a pencil to mark the wood for each fret position.
Just make short accurate marks on each side of the pat-
tern sheet. Your frets will be glued across the width of the
board, connecting these marks.
Ukulele Fret
Chart
cut paper pattern
Tape
both
ends
to keep
pattern
from
moving.
Mark
wood
carefully
on both
sides of
pattern.
P
A
T
T
E
R
N
S
H
E
E
T
nut
bridge
3.
Use small amounts of Elmer’s Wood Glue to fasten the
toothpick frets on the top surface of the string board con-
necting each pair of marks.
We like to squirt a small pud-
dle of glue onto a scrap of
paper or cardboard and use
one toothpick as an applicator
for spreading glue evenly onto
each toothpick fret.
Spread the glue onto the widest
surface of the toothpick. Be sure
to avoid any “dry” spots. You
will glue the flat surface of the
toothpick to the string board. Let
the thin end hang over the edge
of the board, as shown.
4.
When all the toothpick frets are in place (or if you take
a break part-way through the process), turn the string
board over on a flat table and put a heavy weight on it to
press the toothpicks evenly against the board. Allow at
least 15 minutes for the toothpicks to dry.
5.
When dry, hold your thumb on top of a fret and
break off the excess length of the toothpick by pushing
down, not lifting up. Do this for each fret.
downward
motion
NUT
1st Fret
12th Fret
