This instrument started when I got a stack of tops from Kevin at woodfromthewest.com. The idea was to try to come up with some descriptions of different top woods to help builders and customers pick more easily. I think Fir has nice volume, almost as loud as spruce, but with a slightly darker, woody snap to the sound.

This has Myrtle for the back and sides, which is another wood from the Pacific NW that has a sweet and bright sound. It adds a little subtlety to the Fir sound that I find charming. The fretboard and headplate are Black Locust, a very hard local wood that I got from Chris at Yodel Boy Woodworks. I chose some salvaged Mahogany for the neck. The binding is Myrtle, with some multi colored ombré purfling and the headstock has a little leaf inlay with carved details.

It has our shop made beeswax and linseed oil finish. It is lighter and thinner than lacquer, but is easy to touch up and is made from renewable resources, which we love.

“Hi Nicole and Aaron!
The baritone arrived yesterday and is absolutely magical! It’s very warm, rich, and sustaining. I love how it’s quieter and mellower than the tenor. The open G chord just sounds so full! This size of instrument fits my hands the best and I can’t stop playing it. The woods are so unique looking and I love the leaf inlay.

I don’t know how you keep improving these instruments and they are all special but this one is the pinnacle of your work in my humble opinion. I’m so honored to be its caretaker!

Thank you for this playable art piece.
- C. T. ”