Stewart Baritone neck set

[Chris Vallillo]

I recently swapped some work for this Stewart Baritone Uke which needs a significant amount of restoration including a neck re-set. I've removed the neck (and the bolt that was holding it in place) and am trying calculate the proper amount material to remove from the heel to get optimal action.

I've got Dan E's neck reset DVD for guitars. With a guitar, as I recall, you set a straight edge on the fretboard and see where it meets the bridge. If it's correct, the straight edge will meet at the top of the wood of the bridge, which leaves about 1/8" for the saddle to get proper action. If it's off, you measure by how much and use that figure to calculate the amount of wood to remove from the heel.

Would that also be correct for a Baritone Uke with nylon strings? If not, what would the correct height above the wood of the bridge be? I have the original bridge and it currently comes to about 1/8" below the top of the wood. Thanks!

[Mark Wybierala]

I dunno. But in your position I'd just go to a music store and check a baritone uke and see what the alignment looks like on a uke that plays well. Just loosen the strings and pull out the hidden straightedge under your jacket.

I just re-glued a bridge onto a '60s Martin soprano uke and the alignment was maybe 1/32" shy of the top of the bridge and it worked out quite well with a 1/8" proud saddle. This uke was quite rigid with very little flex to string tension.

[Chris Vallillo]

Thanks Mark. Actually that's a very good idea. I got this from the local music store in exchange for repair work so I should be able to go and check out one of their's with no problem.