The New York Minute Tenor Ukulele
Since this instrument went to New York, I’m calling it The New York Minute Tenor Ukulele. It’s new owner asked for a little bit of everything. For starters, the sound board and body have a highly figured and colorful set of Koa.
Crazy Koa Wood
I understand that this particular Koa was imported from the Big Island many years ago by a high end cabinet/furniture maker in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since he downsized his shop and is looking toward retirement, a lot of wood for future projects was stored. I have now idea how old this wood really is. Fortunately, a good friend of mine sourced this out last year and sent me a few sets from one of the billets he was able to procure. The wood is not perfectly quarter-sawn but “wow”, what color and curl. So much for traditional looks!
Spalted Tamarind Wood Neck
Lots of bling. It did go to New York after all.
Starflower Finger Board Inlay, Paua Purfling and Rosette
To add to the build, I used spalted Tamarind for the neck which was a good match for the spalt in the Koa. The fret board was inlayed with Starflowers in white mother-of-pearl and abalone. The accent wood is Maidou Burl. And, there’s also a Mi-Si pick up.
Too much curl? Not enough curl?
I’m glad that I have clients that are willing to go down some alternate pathways to traditional builds. The New York Minute Tenor Ukulele was definitely a trip.
