Even after all this time, I still consider the Soprano to be one of the most challenging designs. It has to sound full and rich but retain the volume and charm of the old instruments. Myrtle is one of my favorite woods for this, because when I get it right it sounds familiar but unlike a Mahogany Martin or a Koa Kamaka. This Myrtle is from the Oregon coast via woodfromthewest.com. The neck is Spanish Cedar and the rest is Texas Ebony, both woods were salvaged from a builder’s estate. I chose a headstock shape from an 1890’s Santo instrument. It has a flat fretboard, bone nut/saddle, fluorocarbon strings, an endpin, a strap button and dots at 5/7/10 frets. It comes with a hard shell case. The cost is $1650 plus shipping.

“Hi, Aaron and Nicole.

The myrtle, Spanish cedar, and Texas ebony soprano showed up as scheduled today. It is a beautiful, light, and easy to play instrument. The curly myrtle tonewood shimmers in the light. The bound Texas ebony fretboard and Spanish cedar neck balance the body perfectly. It’s clear that you put a lot of craftsman sweat into the details on this instrument. I really like the historical reference in the Santo headstock that truly fits the soprano tradition. The endgraft is a finely detailed grace note to the whole! As someone who doesn’t waste wood, I really appreciate the beauty marks left by the branch nodes in the headplate.

Your Youtube comment on getting it all right is right on! The sound is warm, sweet, and clear when played softly and stays that way when you dig in. It plays very loud without distortion. The sustain is the longest of any soprano that I have ever played. My wife was astonished that such a light instrument gave such a rich sound!

Many thanks for your work on this soprano. It will be a delight to play this one for years to come.

Best regards,

- D. H. ”