CARP – They’re easy to play (probably) and as it turns out, easy to build as about eight people, young and less young, took the opportunity to create their own custom ukuleles last Thursday (Aug. 22).

Gambit Music Academy’s Jennifer Johnson hosted the evening workshop from her Carp studio as a fun way to get people more involved in music.

Those who signed up for the workshop were able to build, paint and even play their homemade, custom ukulele by the evening’s end.

“I’m guessing about two hours,” Johnson told West Carleton Online from her Carp Road studio at the Village Station about the time needed to complete the project.

Johnson spent an hour putting the main pieces of the ‘ukes’ together as the gluing process could take more than an hour to dry. But after that, the work was handed over to the DIY’ers.

“The end result isn’t going to be professional, but they will play like a ukulele,” Johnson said.

Johnson says the uke is often a young musician’s first instrument.

“I started on a uke before I started playing guitar,” she said. “It’s a good gateway instrument on the way to rock and roll stardom.”

The workshop featured two young kids, one teen and about five adults all adding their own personal touch to their new ukes.

“Basically, all you need is a screwdriver, wood glue and whatever paint you want to use,” Johnson said.

Johnson says she plans to host another workshop at the end of September.

“I have a lot of people interested, I just don’t have a lot of space,” she said.

When West Carleton Online asked the DIY’ers how many can play the uke, whether it be shyness, or lack of ability, not a hand was raised.

“That’s the next step,” Johnson said.

Hopefully, Payton Muis returns to the Constance Bay Community Market this season for her ukulele lessons booth.