What is a Can-U-lele?
A Can-U-lele is an easy to build ukulele like instrument. I made this as easy to build as possible using materials found around most homes. It is tuned like a ukulele (CGEA), but sounds a little like a banjo.
Here is a sample of what it sounds like:
Here is a sample of what it sounds like:
fender_canulele_sample.mp3 | |
File Size: | 545 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |
How long will this take to build? I can't wait to make some music.
All told, it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.
I'm in. What do I need to build one?
I'm glad you asked that question. Here is a list of materials and tools that you will need:
Al
- 1 - Tin can. It can be any size. The can should be wider than taller, although any can will do.
- 4 - Wood Screws. I'm using drywall screws, because that's what I had around.
- 1 - Popsicle stick (or any piece of wood that's about as large
- 1 - Wooden stick ( 1 1/2" x 3/8" x 18"). Wider or thicker is fine although it might not be as comfortable to play.
- 14 round toothpicks
- Fishing line (80lb, 50lb, 25lb is ideal).
- Fret Pattern
- Tape
- Screwdriver
- Drill and drill bits
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Knife for marking
- Metal ruler
- Cross cutters, scissors or nail clippers
Al
OK, I have all the materials, how to I build it?
Download and print the fret pattern. When you print it ensure that it is printed actual size. You can double check the measurements with the ruler.
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Measure 2 1/2" from the end of the stick and then draw a diagonal to the corner as shown below. Cut along this line as square as possible.
Glue the cutoff triangle the the opposite side of the stick. You will need to flip it over. While you have the glue gun warm, glue a ring around the top of the screws. Just plaster it on. This will create some friction for the string to grab onto.
Cut out the fret pattern and discard the rest (this pattern is borrowed from the Basic Sq'Uke project). Lay the fret pattern on the fret board with its corner on the INSIDE corner of the fret board. Tape just the top onto the fret board. Using the ruler and knife, cut on each line starting at the bottom. This will mark the frets.
Mark the tuner holes by drawing a line down the middle of the angled part of the fret board. Measure in 3/8", 3/4", 3/4", 3/4". You should have 3/8" left.
Cut a hole in the tin can about 1/4" from the bottom of the rim to that is the size of the stick. This may take some fiddling. I used a cardboard can and used a knife. A dremel works well on tin (I forgot to take a photo, but here's one of a tin can from the www.instructables.com/id/3-String-Tin-Can-Erhu/ project. You want to leave some distance from the top of the can so that it can vibrate.
Using a 1/16" drill bit (or the smallest you have, drill 4 holes in the fret board where they are marked with an X from the pattern. Drill holes for the tuners. Choose a drill bit that is just a little smaller than the screw. These can go all the way through. The first time I didn't drill them too deep enough and split the wood when inserting the tuners.
Hot glue the toothpicks on the fret board as marked with the knife cuts. This is easier if you use a pen or pencil to draw lines. Once the glue is dry, snip the toothpick ends off using cross cutters or scissors or nail clippers.
Hot glue the toothpicks on the fret board as marked with the knife cuts. This is easier if you use a pen or pencil to draw lines. Once the glue is dry, snip the toothpick ends off using cross cutters or scissors or nail clippers.
Screw the tuners into the tuner holes just so they hold. You're all done and ready to string it up!!!
To string it up, cut a toothpick into 4 pieces. Thread the string from the top through the tin can. Grab it from the bottom and tie a piece of toothpick onto the end. Pull the string taut from the top and pull the string over the frets back through the holes. Tie the strings to the tuners around the hot glue ring.
I'm all done, now what?
Fist you need to tune your instrument. Goto Tuning a Sq'Uke for tuning information.
There are several resources on how to play Ukulele. You can check them out on YouTube,
But also I have a How to Play page for some basics to get you started.
Enjoy Making Music!!
There are several resources on how to play Ukulele. You can check them out on YouTube,
But also I have a How to Play page for some basics to get you started.
Enjoy Making Music!!