If I needed to make one model that I thought could do it all, I think a spruce and walnut tenor might be it. Loud and sweet with good depth and sustain. Set with easy action and playability, it is ready to gig. I loved picking beautiful but simple materials for this one too: both the spruce top and walnut back sides were cut from one long piece to “force” a pseudo book match. It’s a thrifty way to use wood and makes for a subtle asymmetry that I like. The walnut is an orphaned wall panel from Goby in Portland and the spruce is old growth Sitka cut for dulcimers in the 1960’s. The pistachio is from California orchards and the mahogany neck is from the Carpenter ant stash.

“Dear Aaron and Nicole,

Thank you for this wonderful instrument! Arrived safe and sound in Hungary today. It is amazingly resonant and I really love the wood selection and that each part has a story.

Wish you all the best!
- Z. S. ”