This instrument was ordered by a customer who already has several nice ukes, including some traditional Koa ukuleles made by Hawaiian makers. He said he wanted something different and he got it! The rich earth tones, asymmetrical figure and small wabi-sabi surprises certainly make it unique. The port orford cedar is from the Oregon coast and the pistachio is from California orchards, via woodfromthewest.com. The myrtle is from the same board as Nicole’s ukulele, discovered by us at a roadside stand in Manzanita. The fir is from a salvaged floor joist. It really has a sweet voice that only needs a gentle touch to speak out. I’m quite pleased with it.

“Beansprout 585 is beautifully built. I’m tempted to hang it on the wall as a piece of folk art (not to worry Aaron, I keep it in the case!). I do not regret taking the “plunge” into a little wabi-sabi. The one-piece, asymmetric wood was a “first” for me, and it looks great. Aaron’s choice of a walnut bridge and binding was excellent and ties everything together. It definitely looks different from my other ukes! Aaron mentioned in his video that the uke has an “earth tone vibe” and I agree. For me, it is classic Pacific Northwest. It looks like an instrument with an old soul and stories to tell. It’s very cool to know there is not another one like it in the whole world.

The sound of the instrument is definitely different from my traditional ukuleles, which is what I wanted. At first, it was hard for my ear to “place” the sound - definitely ukulele, but also “dirtier” or “smoky”... with some guitar thrown in. The tone of the uke has “opened up” with time, too. It is a unique voice in my ukulele collection. Intonation is great all the way up the neck. I find the instrument especially sings when I am picking, which makes me wish I was a better picker (on my “to do” list!).

Thanks again for checking in with me and for making such a beautiful instrument.

Best wishes,
- F. Q. ”