This may be one of the prettiest instruments that I have made. I had some rather light colored koa and I thought an Englemann Spruce top would set it off well, Besides, I really like Englemann for its tight grain and yellow/white color and the mellow tone it produces.
I found a nice top with bear claw in my stash of wood and when pondering the mix decided to do an Alaska Cedar neck. The top and the neck are almost the same color and that sets up a nice counterpoint balance. An Ebony fret board would have been out of the question but I have some lovely Honduran rosewood that blended perfectly with the color scheme. The Koa rosette made of the same or selected lighter koa Pieces also works nicely and the binding is really nice figured Australian Blackwood which is repeated in the tail strip.
I found a nice top with bear claw in my stash of wood and when pondering the mix decided to do an Alaska Cedar neck. The top and the neck are almost the same color and that sets up a nice counterpoint balance. An Ebony fret board would have been out of the question but I have some lovely Honduran rosewood that blended perfectly with the color scheme. The Koa rosette made of the same or selected lighter koa Pieces also works nicely and the binding is really nice figured Australian Blackwood which is repeated in the tail strip.
I selected an especially light colored piece of spalted maple for the tuner head plate and with my new G logo in Honduran Rosewood it makes for a really harmonious look. The frets are gold Ivo. I am still debating whether to use Peghed tuners which are jet black, or to use gold Gotah geared tuners. I really like the traditonal look and modern action of the Pegheds but gold tuners would really fit the color scheme. The bridge is matching Honduran Rosewood and of course the saddle and nut will be American Bison, (buffalo). Oh by the way the fretboard is radiused as are all the Tenors of this build and the dots, top and side are gold hued mother of pearl
This Blonde is still looking for a nice home and someone to love her. I think she will sing really sweetly and I can guarantee that you won't tire of looking at her. Here is her backside, Light in color, moderately figured and very shiny.
The heel plate is Honduran Rosewood.
She should be ready to travel in two weeks. I think I will put red Aurora/Aquila strings on her with a wound low G. They ought to really set off her good looks. If you are into naming your ukes and don't like "The Blonde" I might suggest "Marilyn"
The heel plate is Honduran Rosewood.
She should be ready to travel in two weeks. I think I will put red Aurora/Aquila strings on her with a wound low G. They ought to really set off her good looks. If you are into naming your ukes and don't like "The Blonde" I might suggest "Marilyn"
