Myrtle. Wow. This stuff looks and sounds amazing. I am so lucky to get to use such a fine material that is also harvested in my region in a sustainable way. This set looks like it has scorch marks in the grain, so I continued the theme by picking other parts that hinted it at as well. The fir neck comes from old floor joists, the Myrtle and pistachio are from woodfromthewest.com.

“Aaron,

I just wanted to let you know that my ukulele arrived yesterday and was in perfect condition. Wow, I couldn’t be more pleased with this instrument.

First, I appreciate your philosophy of primarily using local and salvaged wood in your instruments. The care and thought that you give to each of your instruments shows in all the details and the quality of your work.

Visually, this instrument is stunning. The master grade myrtle that you matched for the front and back with the dark grains going up the face immediately catches the eye. I also appreciate the contrast of how the sides are darker, which is similar to the look of my Beansprout baritone. From the headplate down the pistachio fretboard, through the body, the lines give this instrument personality. Even the little racing flame on the fir neck and tying in the bridge to the body with the dark grain helped tie everything together.

Most importantly I was captivated by the sound of this instrument. Of all the instruments I have played, including some really high-end tenor ukes made in Hawaii, this immediately captured me. The first thing I said to my wife after playing it was, ”this is the sound I’ve been looking for”. I don’t know what specific elements caused that, but I want to say thank you for all the thought and skill you put into this instrument.

This instrument captured not only the visual esthetics of my eyes but captured my soul through the sound.

One last thing, it feels really nice to hold. Very balanced and light weight. This didn’t translate to a light or thin sound. The sound and its overtones are by far richer and more robust than any of the other tenors I compared it to.

I feel very fortunate and honored to have this new Beansprout myrtle, pistachio and fir instrument as well as the baritone and tenor banjo in my collection. I look forward to continuing to make music and sharing these instruments with others.

Thank you also Nicole for your part and artistry in creating Beansprout instruments.

Aaron, Nicole, and Henry, take care, stay safe and stay well.

- D. B. ”