LAST EVENING the urge to start another build cycle came over me and I found myself sorting through my stacks of wood selecting what I want to use for the three concerts I have been thinking about. I have about decided to use some of my Australian Blackwood for backs and sides. It is an acacia, related to koa and reputed to provide a nice tone It has quite a bit of figure and is very attractive wood. I think I will make two "blondes" with Alaskan Cedar necks and spruce tops. The third will be a dark uke with cedar top and maybe a walnut neck.
Here is a close-up look at one of the Australian Blackwood backs. Nice bit of figure, ought to be pretty with the Englemann Spruce I picked out of my wood supply. I found a lovely tight grained piece that even has some pretty good bear claw and is large enough to cut two tops out of it.
I am going to get daring with one of these "blondes" I was given a small piece of lacewood a while back. I think it might make a really charming fret board. I will at least fret it up and get it ready to go and then decide if I like it. It is pretty wild stuff but really pretty in its way and the color ought to be a great match. Here is the lacewood not yet sliced up. What do you think?
