Blond and Blue Tenor Ukulele - Sold
This is my latest “Builder’s Choice” instrument. I’m calling it the Blond and Blue Tenor Ukulele. This is a standard tenor shape.
That’s some heavy Bearclaw.
The Woods
Back and Sides: Central American Primavera. This is a new wood for me. I’ve been intrigued since I first saw it about 15 years ago. This is the first time, though, that I have seen the wood with grain and figure. It’s pretty easy to work and almost without pores. It also has a very bright tap tone.
Figured Central American Primavera.
The Top: Alaskan Sitka Spruce. I picked this particular set of spruce because of it’s low density (note that the growth rings are pretty far apart) and it’s very strong “Bearclaw” figure.
Low density Alaskan Bearclaw Spruce soundboard.
The Neck: another billet of Asian, Spalted Tamarind wood. I mean, what do you match the Primavera with anyway? Always with the large carbon fiber truss/tone rod. It’s has a sanded finish for smooth action.
Amboyna Burl backstrap accent.
The Binding: American Sycamore. I saw an instrument that I made many years ago with Sycamore binding and it looked absolutely great. The flecks in the wood had darkened a bit giving it almost a herring bone appearance. I just had to try it again.
The Purfling: Dark Blue and Turquoise for the top and back strip, while the sides have dark blue and black.
The Accent Wood: Asian Amboyna Burl.
The Headstock: I think I’m going to keep this pattern for some of my builds. I like the offset Gotoh Tuners a lot. I think the tuners are actually easier to access than the standard headstock shape. It’s a thought to go total Fender but I’m thinking that would be just a bit long in the tooth?
This head stock shape allows for easier tuning.
A snug fit in this blue Crossrock case.
And the Final Word
Not bad. I think my opinion might be a bit conservative because this puppy really puts out some sound. I think it’s the low density top; but, without multiple instruments with similar woods I cannot say for sure. I’ve always liked alternative looks and Blond and Blue makes for a real head turner.
