How to make a Kite Guitar: Difference between revisions

Line 44:

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.

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

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

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].

On the tie block, divide the distance between the outer holes by 6 and draw 5 lines for your 5 new holes (or for an 8-string, divide by 7 and draw 6 lines). Fill the inner 4 holes with toothpicks. You can thin the toothpick down by putting it in a drill press (or even a hand drill) where the bit would go. Then run a bit of sandpaper against it as it spins. Squirt some runny superglue on it and shove it into the hole. Cut off the excess with a razor blade. Squirt a bit more superglue onto the exposed end.

@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 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.
+[[File:7th tuner topside.jpg|left|thumb|banjo tuner, top view]]
+[[File:7th tuner underside.jpg|none|thumb|banjo tuner, bottom view]]
 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].
 On the tie block, divide the distance between the outer holes by 6 and draw 5 lines for your 5 new holes (or for an 8-string, divide by 7 and draw 6 lines). Fill the inner 4 holes with toothpicks. You can thin the toothpick down by putting it in a drill press (or even a hand drill) where the bit would go. Then run a bit of sandpaper against it as it spins. Squirt some runny superglue on it and shove it into the hole. Cut off the excess with a razor blade. Squirt a bit more superglue onto the exposed end.