I’ve had a lot of trouble lately with small shop problems overwhelming my mind/soul. I intend to make rustic folk art, but my desire for improvement, Nicole’s careful quality control and our customer’s expectations push me to a higher level. This higher level brings with it insecurities and doubts that stop me from appreciating the wood, the time in the shop and the joy of playing these things. For this instrument, the customer gave me free reign to create with an emphasis on Wabi-Sabi. I embraced neutral wood tones, natural flaws and imperfections and the honest wear of a useful object. When I strung it up and played the first song, I cried a little as it filled me back up enough to keep going for the day.

The western red cedar top is from a burned out snag on the Washington side of the Columbia that my friend Ben knows about. The curly cherry is from the Carpenter Ant stash in Portland. The fir neck is from a floor joist that my friend Chris saved from a dumpster. The pistachio fretboard/headplate/bridge is from California orchards, harvested and milled by my friend Kevin. I like being alone in the shop all day, but writing this reminds me of how much I miss those folks and would love to have them all here for a visit.

Always forward, friends. You matter and so does whatever you did today.

“OMG - the sustain is incredible! ...and the intonation, and the action, and the feeling of my first radiused fretboard, and the finish, and the craftsmanship and attention to detail.

I can’t decide whether to look at it or to play it. Hard to do both. I can’t believe how loud and resonant it is, but also how much easier it is to play softly. The lightest touches still produce tone! It practically plays itself.

Aaron, I knew I would be pleased, but I am ECSTATIC! This is such an amazing instrument, and so easy to play.
Thank you ever so much!

- E. J.
”