Firefly Myrtle Baritone Ukulele

Here’s a new instrument which has been named the Firefly Myrtle Baritone Ukulele by it’s owner. This is a good example of tiger stripe myrtle wood from the south coast of Oregon. I’ve made some instruments before out of this unusual and rare look of myrtle–each one showing a different pattern and appearance. According to my supplier, this appearance is only seen in trees that have fallen down hill. Go figure! I’m just repeating what he has told me. It is not something that you see often, that’s for sure. Most of his stock was purchased a few years ago by McPherson Guitars and has slowly been offered up to customers at substantial cost. I think I have the rest. One thing I have noticed is that no two sets are the same. Some sets show strong curl and flame while others with no figure, show very unusual patterns of the black accent. It’s also a tough wood to match tops with. I’ve used a matching top of tiger stripe myrtle here, but a port orford cedar or engleman spruce top would have been nice as well.

Additional requests on this instrument were the Ziricote finger board and bridge. I added black/yellow purfling accents to the India Rosewood binding, a paua abalone rosette, black palm accent woods, and a black walnut neck with black/yellow fiber stringer.

I’ve been pretty happy with Pepe Romero’s suggestion of his soprano/concert string sets for these baritone instruments. The balance is good and the smooth brass wound low “G” is not overbearing. Over all, this instrument plays and sounds well–with bright notes and definition.