I find that some of my best instruments are the ones where I take the wood’s natural tonal characteristics and find a way to enhance them, but not take it too far. In this case, I knew that spruce and maple will be naturally bright, which is good, but I also want to brace and carve the top so that it is still rich and warm. This time it really worked out! The Bearclaw figure spruce is old growth salvage from Alaska, the Spalted maple back and sides are from the Carpenter Ant stash in Portland, the fir neck is salvaged from a floor joist and the Pistachio is from California orchards.

“Dear Keim family,
This is just a quick note to let you know that #571 arrived safely, I’ve been playing it all day, and I’m very pleased. The sound is lovely and the craftsmanship is all I hoped for. I’m most impressed with the unique signature that you’ve brought to the design of your instruments - holding one just feels distinctive and special. I recently moved to the east coast after 20 years in the Pacific Northwest. This instrument exudes the woodsy flavor of the PNW that I fell in love with all those years ago. Thanks to you I’ll have a daily reminder of those days. Thank you!
- D. W. ”