Ukuleles are four-stringed instruments most commonly associated with Hawaiian music. They were brought to Hawaii from Portugal in 1879. The ukulele or uke is also known as a chordophone and is a member of the guitar family. Ukuleles come in four pitch sizes: baritone, tenor, concert and soprano. Like any other stringed instrument, ukuleles occasionally need repair. One of the more common problems appears in the instrument's bridge, where the nylon strings stretch over the soundhole to the neck.
- Ukuleles are four-stringed instruments most commonly associated with Hawaiian music.
- One of the more common problems appears in the instrument's bridge, where the nylon strings stretch over the soundhole to the neck.
Unstring the instrument. Unwind the strings using the tuning keys on the headstock. Remove the strings from the ukulele.
Remove the bridge from the body. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the bridge from the ukulele's body. Gently sand the discoloured area aligned under the bridge to remove any splinters or unevenness with fine grit sandpaper. Do not sand any other portion of the body to preserve the finish.
- Remove the bridge from the body.
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the bridge from the ukulele's body.
Wipe the bridge area clean with a polishing rag. Align the new bridge where the damaged bridge was fastened. Press the new bridge to the body and drive in the fastening screws into the existing screw holes.
Restring the ukulele. Replace the four strings on the instrument and tune it. Play various notes along the fretboard to test the intonations.