I have made many tenor ukuleles. During my time at Mya-Moe, something like 75% of what we built were tenors. Since then, it’s probably closer to 50%, but you get the idea. You would think with all that experience, that I can’t be surprised and delighted anymore, but you would be wrong. This one grabbed me. Sweet and cheerful, but also substantial and rich. Maybe like good BBQ? I don’t know, words and metaphors don’t really help, just listen to it. The curly POC from the Oregon coast and the pistachio from California orchards is courtesy of woodfromthewest.com. The cherry back and sides and fir neck are salvaged from the Carpenter Ant stash in Portland.

“My ukulele got here yesterday, and I stayed up way too late playing it.

You know, when a child gets overwhelmed by emotion, adults tell them to use their words. But I am overwhelmed by emotion, and it’s taken my words too. This ukulele is so beautiful. And sounds so amazing. Here are are few words to try and describe my feelings. But understand that they are an inadequate description.

First, the wood. The sum is so much greater than the parts. The curly Port Orford Cedar is magnificent. And I know the wood will only get richer looking over time. The pistachio fretboard blends so well with it. I like the feel of pistachio. But didn’t want too much color, and this fretboard is perfect. The cherry back and sides are detailed and have character. Just what I wanted. The Douglas fir just brings home that this ukulele is made from Northwest wood.

It’s hard to describe the sound. It’s bright, but at the same time it has depth. How does that happen? And it has a sustain that is wonderful to hear on fingerpicking and campanella. At the same time, the strumming is clear and resonant. I’m just starting to explore what it can do.

I anticipated getting a great ukulele that would be fun to play. I didn’t expect anything this wonderful in look and sound. Enough words. I have to go play my ukulele.

Thank you for this wonderful instrument.

- S. S.”