For all you Koa affectionados, here’s a new tenor constructed entirely of Koa with the exception of the internal bracing. I have used Gotoh 4::1 tuners, and its new owner has the option of selecting amplification, strings, and case. It’s pretty nice, and I expect the sound to be on a par with most Koa […]
Here is a Hula Hips tenor–overall dimensions the same as the tenor except for the lower bout which is 10 1/4 inches. The result adds a ton of volume to the instrument, resulting in a lower pitch with more volume and sustain. I used a classic combination of curly Claro Walnut and a low density […]
Don wanted a double neck ukulele and was not going to take no for an answer. After extensive discussion, I folded. Here are photos of the result. Of course we used a combination of woods: the back and sides are Oregon curly Maple, while the sound board is Hawaiian curly Koa. Binding was India Rosewood […]
Here’s one of my favorite alternative woods–Oregon Myrtle. This is a decent tonewood, often used by Breedlove Guitars. I was lucky to score on some “odd” pieces that matched enough for a complete instrument. I haven’t had a source for Myrtle for years. Here’s a few pics of the most recently finished instrument: Myrtle all […]
Another tenor ukulele with a combination of my favorite woods. The back and sides are curly Oregon Black Walnut. The sound board is curly Hawaiian Koa. The binding is curly Oregon Maple. The accents are Indonesian Maidou burl. The neck is also Oregon Black Walnut. Finger board and bridge are Macassar Ebony. Tuners are […]
Suzie wanted a baritone, then Craig, and now Don. This baritone ukulele is constructed of Tasmanian Blackwood. Binding is Oregon curly Maple and it sports vintage purfling and chevron backstrip. I upgraded the tuners to Gotoh Mini’s. Accents are Indonesian Maidou Burl. After some string changes I decided on a high tension combination of D’Addario […]
After seeing OMG Suzie’s baritone, Craig wanted one as close to hers as possible. This instrument is constructed out of the same wood as Suzie’s, with East Indian Rosewood binding, and Oregon curly maple accents–no frills. The headstock is Maidou Burl. The tuners are Gotoh Mini’s in gold. I like making these instruments and consider […]
This client wanted the look of Madagascar Rosewood–sadly, no longer available or scarce. My go to alternative was Indonesian Rosewood. While not a true rosewood, this wood has the look of the older Madagascar or even Brazilian rosewood with a great color and some spider web figure–dense and with a bright and responsive tap tone. […]
Here is an ukulele just recently finished and made of Tasmanian Blackwood (Koa’s relative from the southern hemisphere). Although not yet strung up, I believe that this instrument will offer a crisp but full sound. The wood is a bit denser than Koa but with an excellent, bright tap tone and sustain. I have made […]
Paul, didn’t want the same old thing–that is, a tenor. Instead he opted for a concert, high “G” tuning with a variety of woods. Per his instructions, I have constructed a concert ukulele with East India Rosewood sides to accent a Koa sound board and back. Paul also wanted Oregon curly maple binding with paua […]
