The ukulele design process
Would you like your ukulele to reflect your own style?
This is how I work to produce a hand painted design that is perfect for you.
Step 1
Design on paper
You give me an idea of what you would like on your ukulele and I try out different styles and ideas on paper which I show to you.
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Choose a version, or ask for elements of different drawings to be put together ...basically we work together to find a design that is just right.
Step 2
Transfer design to ukulele
In this case the client changed the colour of the tree and background and added a moon. With this annotated, revised drawing I am ready to start preparing the ukulele for painting: removing the strings, protecting the parts not to be painted, and lightly sanding the surface.
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If you want me to use a ukulele you already have, I can. Otherwise I will paint onto a new Mahalo ukulele.
Step 3
Painting!
As I paint the design onto your ukulele I will send you photos to keep you updated on progress.
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After the design is complete it is sprayed with several coats of varnish to ensure durability.
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The whole process takes about a week because of drying times between stages.
Step 4
Ready to post
When your ukulele is painted, varnished, and dry it is ready to wing it's way to you.
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All ukuleles are sent Royal Mail Tracked 48 as standard in the UK, and Parcelfore Worldwide for the rest of the world.
A finished product (with new ukulele) is usually in the £80 - £120 range, depending on complexity of design.