Spalted Tamarind and Fir Tenor Ukulele - Custom Build-Sold
A Spalted Tamarind and Fir Tenor Ukulele? Yup, that’s what was requested. I think it must be a “dare to be different” thing. This is #2 of the the “Four” 100 year old Pier Piling Douglas Fir instruments–a standard tenor.
Chocholate brown 100 year old pier piling fir soundboard.
Tamarind wood exhibits a lot of interesting looks. I really don’t know too much about the tree but gather that it is not large in girth and the heart wood which is maroon in appearance doesn’t show up often. I do see a fair amount of spalt and a lot of bug holes. Fortunately the spalted areas, unlike Mango, are fairly stable. I think this is considered mostly junk wood although it occasionally shows up as furniture and I think it is great for art pieces.
Tamarind neck–check!
I went all the way with a Tamarind neck and head stock face. Why not?
Asian black palm backstrap.
The accent wood is Asian Black Palm. It goes well with the black and browns of the Tamarind Spalt.
Paua Abalone purfling with fuchsia/black accents.
Also requested is the Paua Abalone purfling and Fuchsia/black purfling accents.
Spalted tamarind head stock face.
I finished with an Ebony fret board and bridge and placed a small Paua Honu on the tongue of the fret board as well.
All of these instruments sound good. Yes there are some tonal differences but the Pier Piling Fir does command the quality of the sound in each–bright and articulate with sustain and depth of tone being altered only by instrument volume.
A Spalted Tamarind and Fir Tenor Ukulele? You betcha!
