Jumbo Bwana

This is the first out-of-the-mold jumbo tenor ukulele.  This shape is a conglomerate of  patterns from my original Hula Hips tenor to a more classic jumbo guitar shape.  It is not as thick as my current instruments but is 10 inches in the…

The Whole Enchilada

Another curly, spalted maple uke but with a Sitka sound board.  I used a vintage style back strip and rope purfling to accent.   The client also wanted  the asymmetric sound hole with side concert sound hole.   Additionally,  he  selected…

Maple Tenor Ukulele

Here's a new Maple Tenor:  center sound hole, and side concert sound hole.  Really nice Maple back and sides with a Sitka top.  I did finger board and bridge in a new wood from Mexico called Guanadillo Negro--probably Granadillo but more…

Back in the saddle again–yee haw!

So with multiple moves and all I  haven't been get'in with it lately.  Still been busy though.  Here's a new custom instrument for a client that wanted only California woods.  The back is Monterey cypress, the sides are Sycamore, the sound…

My Favorite Wood???????????

I get this question about what wood is my most favorite.  Answer:  Don't have one.  Every wood and every wood combination provides different flavor to the instrument and it is difficult to get into the ears and eyes of every individual.  Yes,…

How many sound holes: Part 3

OMG!  My client wanted an alternative sound hole arrangement for his new 6 string ukulele.  Who am I to say no!  Not only did he request three sound holes for his left handed uke,  but he wanted all the possible wood combinations he could…

San Diego Ukulele Festival 2011

It's almost time for San Diego Ukulele Festival 2012.  Last year's first ever event in SD was a big success.  This year the event will be moved downtown to one of the Piers.  Great location and a great line-up.  Check it out at:  www.sandiegoukulelefestival.com.…

Mango Me Baby More!

Yowza!  Here's another mango tenor uke--same wood as in Mango Me Baby.   Asymmetric sound hole, side concert sound hole, good figure and color in the mango but with my plumeria sound board inlay.  It's interesting, but I really think that…

Mmmmmm More Maple

I have this "no rules"  ukuleles thing.  Here I've got some great spalted, curly maple but didn't have a real strong feeling about what the sound board should be made of.   I used some of my unmatched Koa for a top on this instrument.  Actually…

Mmmm Maple

I think I told ya'll that I was getting tired of looking at brown.  Now, don't get me wrong, I love the Koa, but I was just getting tired of all the "brown" instruments.  So, other than Mango, I'm on a Maple kick.  Got some really nice stuff…