Maple is the first wood I ever built banjo ukes from and I still love the sound. Bright and loud but also precise and sweet. This extra curly western big leaf Maple is from the estate of luthier John Sullivan. The small pieces passed through a few different hands till they got to me, perfect for these little banjos, The gray/green Pistachio is from California orchards and presents a nice contrast to the Maple. Big leaf Maple is softer than eastern Maple, which I think makes a softer and more balanced tone.