When he lived in Hawaii, Peter Hurney made ukuleles when the surf was down. Now he’s in Berkeley, California, where the surf is always down. He still makes ukuleles, and also DJs a prime-time music show on the UC Berkeley radio station KALX and builds really cool automata sculptures in his spare time. Peter is also looking for an interested apprentice to share the knowledge with. His ukuleles and stuff can be seen on his website pohakuukulele.com.
▪ bio current as of 2019
2020
AL#141 p.34
Peter Hurney
▪ Here’s a direct and accurate real-world method for calculating the exact position of a uke bridge. The jig does all the work and considers all the variables. No math required!
2019
AL#137 p.64
Peter Hurney
▪ A thoroughly hot-rodded wooden clothespin becomes an evolved lining clamp.
2008
AL#95 p.68
Peter Hurney
▪ Using a laser level, available at Micro-Mark, to align necks to their bodies.
2004
AL#77 p.54 BRB7 p.186
Peter Hurney
▪ Hurney’s pantograph uses chain drive and a chainsaw carving attachment on an angle-grinder to shape ukulele necks. The scale of the machine can be adjusted for whatever size neck you wish to carve. There are 7 photos and a series of diagrams to help you along, but if you’re not already a mechanic you’d have to be pretty adventurous to build one of these without help.
1998
AL#56 p.32 BRB5 p.240
Peter Hurney
▪ Uke builder Hurney offers a description and plans for the Martin Tenor, as well as outlines of the Martin Soprano and Concert models. The plans are available as GAL full-scale Plan #43. With front and back photos of 3 sizes of Martin ukes.
1998
AL#56 p.34 BRB5 p.242
Peter Hurney
▪ A full-scale instrument plan. See the GAL website for a low-rez preview.