How to make a Kite Guitar: Difference between revisions

Line 45:

Another possibility is to convert a 6-string classical nylon-string to 7 or 8 strings. The tension is low enough that an extra string or two won't break the guitar. The fingerboard is wide enough that it may suffice as is. If not, again the new fretboard can be slightly wider.

To add an additional [[wikipedia:Machine_head|tuner]] or two, the 3 holes on each side of the headstock that the tuner pegs go through can be filled and 4 new holes drilled. Or a ukulele tuner or two can be added at the top of the headstock. (Banjo tuners can work too.) Use the type of tuner that has the knob pointing backwards, not sideways (i.e. perpendicular to the headstock, not parallel to it). For ease of use, get one that is geared (via a [[wikipedia:Epicyclic_gearing|planetary gear]]), so that many turns of the knob equals one turn of the post that the string passes through. This [https://graphtech.com/collections/ratio-machine-heads-ukulele/products/ratio-tune-a-lele-machine-heads-pru-4004-bk set of 4 ukulele tuners from graphtech.com] is $33 plus shipping.

To add an additional [[wikipedia:Machine_head|tuner]] or two, the 3 holes on each side of the headstock that the tuner pegs go through can be filled and 4 new holes drilled. Or a ukulele tuner or two can be added at the top of the headstock. (Banjo tuners can work too.) Use the type of tuner that has the knob pointing backwards, not sideways (i.e. perpendicular to the headstock, not parallel to it). For ease of use, get one that is geared (via a [[wikipedia:Epicyclic_gearing|planetary gear]]), so that many turns of the knob equals one turn of the post that the string passes through. This [https://graphtech.com/collections/ratio-machine-heads-ukulele/products/ratio-tune-a-lele-machine-heads-pru-4004-bk set of 4 ukulele tuners from graphtech.com] is $33 plus shipping as of 2024.

[[File:7th tuner topside.jpg|left|thumb|banjo tuner, top view|301x301px]]

[[File:7th tuner underside.jpg|none|thumb|banjo tuner, bottom view|268x268px]]

Or one could use a standard guitar tuner as seen here:

[[File:Classical guitar headstock 1.jpg|left|thumb|263x263px]]

[[File:Classical guitar headstock 2.jpg|none|thumb]]

There will need to be new 1/16" holes in the tie block. One could drill at an angle, entering from near the upper edge of the back of the tie block. But it's better to go straight in with an extra-long bit, perhaps 6" long. Or you can use a bit extension. This type is good because it's magnetic so there's no chuck to get in the way: [https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-magnetic-hex-bit-extension-62691.html harborfreight.com/6-in-magnetic-hex-bit-extension-62691.html]. Make sure the bit is long enough to pass through both the guide block and the tie block. This one should be long enough: [https://www.harborfreight.com/titanium-hex-shank-drill-bit-set-13-piece-61621.html harborfreight.com/titanium-hex-shank-drill-bit-set-13-piece-61621.html].

@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 Another possibility is to convert a 6-string classical nylon-string to 7 or 8 strings. The tension is low enough that an extra string or two won't break the guitar. The fingerboard is wide enough that it may suffice as is. If not, again the new fretboard can be slightly wider.
-To add an additional [[wikipedia:Machine_head|tuner]] or two, the 3 holes on each side of the headstock that the tuner pegs go through can be filled and 4 new holes drilled. Or a ukulele tuner or two can be added at the top of the headstock. (Banjo tuners can work too.) Use the type of tuner that has the knob pointing backwards, not sideways (i.e. perpendicular to the headstock, not parallel to it). For ease of use, get one that is geared (via a [[wikipedia:Epicyclic_gearing|planetary gear]]), so that many turns of the knob equals one turn of the post that the string passes through. This [https://graphtech.com/collections/ratio-machine-heads-ukulele/products/ratio-tune-a-lele-machine-heads-pru-4004-bk set of 4 ukulele tuners from graphtech.com] is $33 plus shipping.
+To add an additional [[wikipedia:Machine_head|tuner]] or two, the 3 holes on each side of the headstock that the tuner pegs go through can be filled and 4 new holes drilled. Or a ukulele tuner or two can be added at the top of the headstock. (Banjo tuners can work too.) Use the type of tuner that has the knob pointing backwards, not sideways (i.e. perpendicular to the headstock, not parallel to it). For ease of use, get one that is geared (via a [[wikipedia:Epicyclic_gearing|planetary gear]]), so that many turns of the knob equals one turn of the post that the string passes through. This [https://graphtech.com/collections/ratio-machine-heads-ukulele/products/ratio-tune-a-lele-machine-heads-pru-4004-bk set of 4 ukulele tuners from graphtech.com] is $33 plus shipping as of 2024.
 [[File:7th tuner topside.jpg|left|thumb|banjo tuner, top view|301x301px]]
 [[File:7th tuner underside.jpg|none|thumb|banjo tuner, bottom view|268x268px]]
+Or one could use a standard guitar tuner as seen here:
+[[File:Classical guitar headstock 1.jpg|left|thumb|263x263px]]
+[[File:Classical guitar headstock 2.jpg|none|thumb]]
 There will need to be new 1/16" holes in the tie block. One could drill at an angle, entering from near the upper edge of the back of the tie block. But it's better to go straight in with an extra-long bit, perhaps 6" long. Or you can use a bit extension. This type is good because it's magnetic so there's no chuck to get in the way: [https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-magnetic-hex-bit-extension-62691.html harborfreight.com/6-in-magnetic-hex-bit-extension-62691.html]. Make sure the bit is long enough to pass through both the guide block and the tie block. This one should be long enough: [https://www.harborfreight.com/titanium-hex-shank-drill-bit-set-13-piece-61621.html harborfreight.com/titanium-hex-shank-drill-bit-set-13-piece-61621.html].