Koa and Myrtle Wood Combo Tenor Ukulele
Here’s another of my “mix and match” ukulele. This Koa and Myrtle Wood Combo Tenor Ukulele turned out pretty nice. I could have used Sitka or Cedar for the top but most of my clients prefer hard wood instruments. I was dying to use this orphan Koa Wood top on something. Althougth it is not super curly, it had a lot of great colors and character. When re-arranging my wood supplies and came upon this silver blond/brown and very curly Myrtle Wood back and side set, I knew I had a match.
Good contrast with myrtle wood back and sides and chocolate brown koa top
This Myrtle Wood is from Southern Oregon and supplied to me by a gentleman that has been in the business for well over 25 years. His expertise in wood selection and his sawyer skills are unparalelled. I would have used the same wood for a top but the back and side set was all that he had of this particular look. The Myrtle Wood just glows!
Silver/blond myrtle with brown highlights
I added a small Paua Abalone Makau inlay to the tongue of the India Ebony fret board–something new that I have been working on to add some visuals to the instruments.
Paua Abalone Makau inlay
The rest of the build was kept somewhat conservative just because the woods keep the eye really busy. I used Asian Satin Wood Burl for the accent woods and Black/Yellow fiber for the purfling accents. The neck is Honduran Mahogany with carbon fiber truss rod. The binding is India Rosewood.
Asian Satin Wood Burl accent woods
I delivered this instrument to Hale Ukulele in San Diego just before Ric’s Fourth of July break and so I assume that it is still there. Still havin’ too much fun–go combo’s!
