This project started when my friend Hunter dropped off some scraps from a trim carpentry shop he was working at. It was old growth, quarter sawn Hemlock, but it had been torrefied to make it resistant to moisture and bugs. Torrefied wood is cooked in a special kiln, which dries it out and changes its cell structure. I don’t fully understand the science, but I know several luthiers using torrefied spruce and maple with good results. I sawed one of the boards into tops and decided to try it out. I paired it with some very curly Myrtle from the Oregon coast, some local Walnut and a salvaged Fir neck. I like how the Hemlock is darker than normal, almost the color of Cedar. It sounds warm and rich with full sustain, but a nice bright edge to it. I look forward to working with it again. This Uke is off to our friend Billy in the UK.

“Hi Aaron and Nicole.
I just wanted to thank you properly for the beautiful ukulele. I have had a chance to play her a bit now and I think she is the nicest so far! I love the rich tone but the torrified hemlock also has a crispness which you said it would have. Truly beautiful instrument again!
The Ver Players had our Beatles gig last Saturday and I played the new uke for two numbers.
Thanks again and keep up the good work. Love from us both.
- B.P. ”