Quilt and Curl Super Tenor Ukulele - Sold
Aloha 2021! First of the year is this Quilt and Curl Super Tenor Ukulele.
I’m still exploring different possibilities here using some unusual compression curl Koa wood and some silvery, quilt Maple wood. You know I like them both.
The Sound Board
Last of this look of compression curl Koa from Hearne Hardwoods. This is an orphan top with no sides or back to match. What to do?
The Back and Sides
This is quilt Maple wood also from Hearne Hardwoods. This is Big Leaf Maple which grows in the Western US. A little spalt on the sides adds a bit of interest.
What’s new in Binding
This instrument was a bit of an experiment. I was going maple all the way and then made changes during the build. The Binding is actually stained curly Maple wood. I was going for a curly Koa look since that wood for binding is so hard to come by. This year I’m making up exotic bindings that are not commercially available.
The Finger Board and Bridge
I used Goncalo Alves for this part of the build. Interesting and different. I am also using a medium sized silver frets on all standard builds.
Here is the round-up. The sound on this instrument is good with good sustain, volume and voice. My staining of the binding looks good but is inconsistent in color. I need to vacuum stain the wood first. Oh, live and learn.
I personally like Maple wood. It can vary substantially in color, figure, chatoyanace and, if it’s clear, it can be stained for beautiful color results. Maple hasn’t been used much in big company builds yet and, therefore, might not have the acceptance that other woods have. You either love it, or hate it and it’s tough to find sound boards that match well. It does make for a nice sounding ukulele though. Personally, I’ve seen enough of the mystery “Acacia woods” and Koa substitutes.
This instrument is For Sale, as a second. If interested, please email for details and pricing.