This stock instrument has been in the works for several months, inching its way to completion like a seedling reaching for the sun. I started with some Japanese Elm/Zelkova that Chris Riedl harvested from the Japanese Gardens in Portland for the back and sides. I chose the design of the rest of the instrument based on the Japanese aesthetic concepts of Shibui (subtle, simple, playful) and Wabi-Sabi (imperfect, natural, rustic). I chose yellow Cedar for the top and neck, as it is closely related to the Japanese yellow Cedar that temples are often built from. The rest is Pistachio from California orchards, offering a wild, natural look and color palette. It is loud and sweet, with good sustain for a soprano. The finish is thin and natural, allowing the textures of the different woods to be felt.