Black White and Tamarind Ukulele - Custom Build-Sold

Black and White Ebony all the way. Well Almost.  This is the Black White and Tamarind Ukulele and it’s a looker.

It’s All About the Wood

Body:  Asian Black and White Ebony.  This is the last of my stash of black and white ebony.  It was passed over many times in favor of the straighter patterns, but I”d say this is my favorite look to date.

Sound Board:  This is figured Port Orford Cedar.  I think that I’ve made about 5 instruments now using this wood and it really makes for a fun look and a great sounding uke.

Neck:  Ahhh!  What can I say.  This is spalted Tamarind wood.  I just wish it was more readily available and dry. The finish is sanded to 2000gt (the reason for the dull appearance) for a real smooth and soft touch.  Carbon truss rod included.

Finger Board and Bridge:  It’s a black and white thing, so I went all the way on this build with the same wood.  I had to cheat a bit because my stock was not thick enough for either but laminated with ebony and with some good epoxy I was able to overcome the obstacle.

Accent Woods:  Again, Black and White ebony for the works.

Binding:  Ebonite with maple black/fiber purfling.

The Rest of the Build

Head Stock:   More black and white ebony with stars in white MOP.

Tuners:  Gotoh UPT.

Strings:  Pepe Romero flourocarbon with wound low “G”.

Case:  Crossrock Fiberglass.

Amplification:  Mi-Si.

And

Black and White ebony is not an easy wood to cut, cure and work.  It’s very prone to splitting before, during and even after the build.  I believe that most suppliers and wood workers will agree.  This instrument is fun to look at and sounds, in my opinion, very nice.  The Port Orford Cedar is a warm wood which is easy to play–something like red cedar but not quite as crisp.   It’s got a lot of punch, though, probably because of that hard and reflective ebony back.

Black White and Tamarind Ukulele done.