When I see a piece of folk/functional art that excites me, it usually makes me want to look closer. From far away, the basic shape and design grabs me. With a closer look, I see some interesting details. When I take it in my hand I can feel the texture and see more subtle parts of the design. Lastly, I get to use it and test its functionality, finally completing the circuit between art, design and function. As a builder, it is easy to take all this for granted, but I am about to ship this instrument to a customer who trusted enough to order a thing that didn’t exist yet! Yes, she helped pick out some of the wood and has seen some pictures along the way, but nothing will compare to the first time she opens the case and takes it in hand.
The spruce top for this was cut for dulcimers in the 1960’s, the fir neck comes from a Portland floor joist and the pistachio comes from California orchards. Spruce and pistachio really shines as a wood combination that provides wide dynamic range and a sparkling tone. Easy playability and a comfortable neck seal the deal. Ready for music.
“Aaron and Nicole,
My new uke arrived today. I love everything about this instrument. In a previous write-up on another instrument you described your shop work in musical terms, feeling sometimes like a composer, jazz musician, conductor or copyist. With this uke I think you must have been feeling ragtime and jazz musician.
The fretboard is everything I was looking for. It’s a “standout” and it will show everyone that I’m playing a Beansprout. The Douglas fir neck with subtle cherry stripe has a beautiful grain. I really like the two-toned headplate and bridge and along with the fretboard they present that wonderful spruce top with brown streaks. I love the way the sides look with the lighter wood towards the back. And the back, what can I say, it’s gorgeous!
And on top of all the beautiful features, this uke sounds incredible. It’s bright, it’s lively and has good sustain. This uke and I are going to make great music together.
Thank you for sharing your talent and craftsmanship with me.
- L. H. ”