Spalted Koa Tamarind Tenor Ukulele

Ok Dan!  This is  Walt’s Spalted Koa Tamarind Tenor Ukulele.  As usual, or as unusual, I try to bring something different in wood  to the build each and every time.  This unusual set of Koa Wood came from Hearne Hardwoods and is another one-of-a-kind.  It has an unusual spalt accented by bug holes which gives “eyes” and streaks combined with some curl and a rich color.  The comination works.

Spalted Koa Tamarind Tenor Ukulele

Of course, I stewed over the choice of neck wood until I happened accross a solid piece of Tamarind with exactly the same color as the Koa Spalt.  The Tamarind also showed much of the same Koa appearance with numerous streaks and bug holes.  Just too much fun.  Well, I decided it was going on the ukulele whether Walt wanted it or not.

Spalted Koa Tamarind Tenor Ukulele
Spalted Koa Tamarind Tenor Ukulele

He requested the blue paua purfling and blue paua turtle for accents.  Blue and black fiber was added as well.

Spalted Koa Tamarind Tenor Ukulele

I had problems playing it because all I wanted to do was look at the neck.

Maybe not a look for every taste, but it was a fun build and that has been my motto for years.  Oh, I forgot to mention that Walt has a difficult time putting it down and has been banging on it since delivered.