This started off as a stock instrument, mainly as an excuse to use this beautiful Port Orford Cedar top. It came from my neighbor, who retired from flute making and sold me some amazing Port Orford Cedar boards. This board includes some strange dark marks that I love but am not able to explain what caused them. Trees have their own agendas, I just get to celebrate what I find. The back and sides are curly maple from a standing dead tree that Ben Bonham harvested and shared with me. It had ants living in the tree, which I think created the black tunnel marks on the back. I decided to contrast the light colored woods with Texas Ebony fretboard/headplate/bridge, including a simple leaf inlay with some wood burning from Nicole. It sounds bright, full, resonant and detailed, ready to make music.