I often wonder what our business would look like if we didn’t have the internet to supply us with customers. In this case, James is a local, so his experience might give a little insight. To begin with, this instrument was bartered for, which is hard to do long distance. Also, he came over to the shop and picked out wood, which can’t happen with every customer. Lastly, if it ever needs repair or adjustment, he can just drop by instead of having to ship it. But, if I only built banjo ukes for locals, I have a feeling I wouldn’t get to build as many!

This lightly curly walnut is urban salvage from Goby in Portland. The beautiful green/gray/brown pistachio is from California Orchards.