Toon is an Australian wood that is an invasive species in Hawaii. I was given some by Casey, one of the caretakers of Ho’oulu ‘Āina, a 100 acre nature preserve dedicated to food, medicine, housing and community on Oahu. Toon is also called Australian Cedar or Australian Mahogany and I think it works and sounds like a combination of the two. It makes a lightweight, resonant and beautiful ukulele that is a good alternative to Koa. Since it is invasive, removing it helps the native forest and building from it is a responsible choice. There are many bug holes in this board, including a prominent one between the sound hole and the bridge, which I think adds character to this unique instrument. I paired the Toon with a scrap wood Mahogany neck and some local Walnut. A portion of this sale will go to Ho’oulu ‘Āina. I will add some pictures below of forester Bart Potter, who first started milling these logs on Oahu.
“Hi Aaron and Nicole!
The ukulele arrived today in perfect condition. I was absolutely blown away with the beauty of this instrument when I opened the case! It sounds utterly incredible, so warm, punchy, balanced, and rich. The playability is off the charts too, it practically plays itself. It’s so easy to finger even complex chords.
I particularly love playing fingerstyle and this instrument is so touch sensitive and dynamic, it really responds like no other to light, medium, or harder playing. I love that! My wife plays piano and was completely floored by the quality of sound that comes out of this little guy. We love it. I’ve owned more instruments than I can remember including guitars, basses, drums, etc. and this ukulele is the best of them all, at least in my hands.
This one will be passed down to my kids when the time comes. You guys are at the top of your game and the sound, build quality, and uniqueness of your instruments is unmatched. I truly appreciate you and what you do.
BTW: How did you get it to smell so wonderful? It smells like some kind of flowers to me.
Thank you again!
- C. T.
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