This is certainly one of the loudest and sweetest Scout ukuleles I have ever made and I’m quite proud of it. Oregon spruce top from my friend Chic, old growth hemlock neck salvaged from a barn and oak everything else. The oak pieces are all scraps from the Carpenter ant stash and I’m not sure of the species, but it does the trick, pairing with the spruce to make a vibrant sound with a little “dust” in it.

“First of all, it looks fantastic. The lines of color all throughout. The beauty marks. Even the nail holes. It is just a gorgeous piece of art. You can really see how much care was put into fashioning this Uke.

Then there is the sound. Y’all can probably do a much better job of describing the uniqueness of the sound. It’s got so much boom to it for such a little thing. It sings real pretty.

Then there are all the little things. I love how this round body seems to throw the sound right back in my face. I love how when I play it, the small body really centers the vibration on my chest.

I hope this doesn’t sound too silly, but there is certainly a feeling that this oak scout just wants to be played. It just comes across as a friendly, approachable thing. For the past month it has become the most played Uke I own, which surprised me because it is also the only soprano sized ukulele that has managed to hold my attention.

There is no doubt that Aaron is a true craftsman, but I also think there is something more than skill at work here. I think the positive nature of how y’all view the wood and run things, and the handwritten notes and sheets added to the shipment go a long way to making this Uke not just a fine instrument, but a thing of joy.

Cheers,
- B. T. ”