This instrument is part of a project I have going with Tyde Music from Lake Tahoe, CA. We each sent each other a box of wood and are making ukes from each other’s stash. This alto is made entirely from salvaged wood: mahogany from a dock, cedar from a fence post and jatoba from a furniture project. I kept several nail holes, of course. I have to admit, this project has gotten me excited about cedar tops again. They are soft, but sound so good! If you are a hard strummer you may want to place a pickguard on it. I also am excited about the jatoba fretboard. Also called Brazilian cherry, it’s commonly imported for furniture and cabinets. I wouldn’t import it myself for ecological reasons, but to find it from a salvaged source I would use it. Stay tuned to see a second instrument I have coming for this project and to see what Tyde music is working on too.