Soprano Ukulele Concealed Worm Gear Tuners

thingiverse

Based on my previous headless gourd shape ukuleles, but instead of using off the shelf tuning pegs, I designed these 3D printable tuning pegs that is completely concealed. This design allows the unit to stand upright on its base like a vase, and no tuning pegs that will scratch the right arm while you play. The body and fretboard can be printed with a large FDM printer, while the worm gear tuning pegs should be printed with SLS nylon due to the high precision and strength requirements. Also instead of using my own printer, I use services like [TreatStock](https://www.treatstock.com/) and [3D Hubs](https://www.hubs.com/) to print the unit in the photos. If you decide to print this design, you will need a printer that can print 400mm in the Z-axis which is the length of the neck+body. Like my previous design, a rectangular carbon fiber rod should be used. In this design it is inserted into the body all the way from the tail into the neck. FYI I bought these rods from [Dragon Plate](https://dragonplate.com/ecart/product.asp?pID=749&cID=20). You should get a 24" long piece and cut it down to about 390mm. If you don't use a rod, the neck will bow under string tension.