#991- Koa Tenor Ukulele

In some ways, this Koa ukulele is a very “normal” instrument: Koa body, Mahogany neck and the rich and zingy sound of a Koa tenor. But, some of my design ideas set it apart from the norm. First, I chose pieces for the body that are asymmetrical. Second, I used Pistachio from California orchards for the binding, fretboard, headplate and bridge. Third, the neck is made from Mahogany, which is normal, but this piece was salvaged from a retiring cabinet maker and built in the stacked style like an old classical guitar. Lastly, the rope rosette and endgraft look fresh, but traditional at the same time. I don’t use a lot of tropical woods, but when I do, they are always salvaged woods that I stumble upon. I don’t buy or import any new tropical woods for ecological, economic and human labor reasons. This Koa came to me when a local luthier moved away and literally left these boards on my porch! As always, I will donate to a Hawaiian non profit to give back to the place that grew this amazing wood. This is a stock instrument and is going to a festival with us this weekend. If you are interested in it, please email us info@thebeansprout.com.

#995- Cherry and Pistachio Mini Five String Banjo

These little banjos are so much fun for me to play! With an 8” rim and 17” scale, you wouldn’t think they could sound their best playing in the same range as the regular banjo,. but it works! (with special strings, of course). I appreciate the long sustain and slightly dusty tone that comes from the Cherry. This one is made from Cherry from the Carpenter Ant Stash in Portland and Pistachio from California Orchards. Check out the little Sprout inlay in the headstock, very cute!

#993- Oak and Walnut Four String Banjo

When I was growing up, my mom had an Arts & Crafts style Oak rocker. I have a lot of good memories of watching movies in the basement, sitting on that chair. This stain/finish is my attempt to recreate the look and feel of that Oak. (Maybe I will write more about the process over at my SubStack soon…)

The oak for this banjo is from Oak wine barrels from the winery up the road. I plugged all the holes with little Walnut dowels. The secondary wood is simple, local Walnut. It is an 11” rim banjo with a 20” scale, tuned gcea. It has a pickup, a goat skin head and an armrest. The final touch is a Welsh knot coin, inlaid into the headstock. Mwynhewch wneud cerddoriaeth, Rheinallt!

#999- Curly Port Orford Cedar and Curly Walnut Five String Tenor Ukulele

This instrument is for Jeremy, who has #333 and #666 and now #999. It has some unusual features that I am excited to show you. It is a five string ukulele, with a high and low g in a single course. That makes it play like a regular uke, but you get the high g and low g sound. To accommodate this, I used the old headstock shape I got from a Dias instrument in the Bishop Museum. This led to using Peghed brand geared tuners to complete the old fashioned look. When I do this, I can also curve the back of the headstock, like many of the original Madeiran makers did. At the bridge, the doubled strings are held in place with a little brass pin and some shallow slots in the bridge. I saw this detail on some old taro patch ukuleles. Jeremy likes to have clear plastic pick guards on the top, which are barely noticeable unless you are up close. It has a K&K pickup, ready for the stage. For the decorative details, I made a large rope rosette and matching engraft. This compliments the star inlays in the fretboard, which came from the classic tarot card drawn by Pamela Coleman Smith in 1909. The curly top, back, sides, fretboard and headplate all come from Oregon, courtesy of woodfromthewest.com. Thanks for your continued support, Jeremy!

#990- Cedar and Curly Maple Alto Ukulele

This is a stock instrument to take to an event this weekend in Astoria. If it makes it back here, it will go on the website for sale. (Or message me if you are interested.). The top is a piece of Western Red Cedar salvaged from some wall cladding. It is one of the best sounding ukulele top woods, although is soft to the touch and easy to scratch, which is why I added the little wooden pick guard. The back and sides are some curly Maple from the Carpenter Ant Stash in Portland. The neck is some Cypress salvaged from a factory tank. Lastly, the rest of the instrument is some grafted Pistachio from California orchards. It is loud, bright and rich at the same time, with plenty of sustain. A very useful, all-around small ukulele.

#989- Figured Koa Scout Ukulele

These Scout ukuleles are made from shop scraps when I find the time. The waiting list keeps getting longer, so I hope to devote more time to them this winter. Usually they are rather humble, but I went a little farther this time with some special touches. The body is asymmetrical, figured Koa that I salvaged when a wood dealer moved away from my area. The neck is salvaged Mahogany from a cabinet shop. The Fretboard/headplate/bridge is some local Walnut. I was inspired by a Santo ukulele I saw in Shawn Yacavone’s collection that even had rope binding around the bridge. Even though mine isn’t that fancy, I added more rope than I would usually do on a Scout. Geared Peghed brand tuners, bone nut and saddle, fluorocarbon strings, wooden strap buttons and a nice gig bag. It goes out to the Scout waiting list today, you can join up by emailing us, info@thebeansprout.com.

#988- Curly Cherry and Curly Walnut Short Scale Banjo

I first started making these short scale banjos for smaller customers or folks who have a physical limitation. As I get older and my hands fail me, I appreciate the design even more. It still has a normal size pot, but a 20” scale and shorter neck compared to the more normal 25-26” scale. I also like the tone that comes from the Cherry block rim and non steel strings: just the right mix of punchy and warm. The lightly curly Cherry from this is from the Carpenter Ant stash in Portland. The Curly walnut for the rest of the banjo comes from a tree milled in White Salmon, WA by Chris at Yodel Boy Woodworks. It has a K&K pickup, an armrest and a sun inlay on the headstock. Thanks for the repeat business, David!

#986- Yellow Cedar and Curly Myrtle Tenor Guitar

I think I have made a dozen or so of this design and I am really settling into it. I have been trying to lean in on what makes my instruments unique instead of following others and I think it pays off. This design in particular uses a flat top, floating bridge and tailpiece. A bit strange for a tenor guitar, but normal for banjo and mandolin. I settled on this feature after studying the old Regal tenor guitars, but have worked hard to tweak it to suit modern tastes and my experience. For instance, this customer asked for GDAE, which is lower pitch and higher tension than the original was meant for. I compensate for this with a truss rod in the neck and better bracing and it pays off. All of the wood for this instrument, except for the salvaged Mahogany neck, comes from woodfromthewest.com. I believe that the yellow Cedar top is made of orphan slices from when Kevin cut a batch for a big guitar maker. (I’ll take those scraps, any day.) The mix of punch brightness and rich sustain with this top is a winner. The back and sides are curly Myrtle, the fretboard/headplate is Pistachio from California orchards and the shop made binding is Maple and Walnut.

#987- Curly Mango Alto Ukulele

Sometimes it feels good to keep it simple and let the natural beauty of the wood shine through. In this case, I wanted to feature some curly Mango that I salvaged from a piece of furniture. Mango is a tropical wood that is common as a ukulele wood in Hawaii. It is a good, medium density wood that is suitable for top back and sides. I think it is a little brighter than Koa, with a nice mid-range sound. The neck is some salvaged Mahogany and Walnut. Everything is some local Oregon Walnut that I milled. No binding, inlay or other decoration needed!!

#981- Builder’s Choice Cypress and Quilted Maple Tenor Ukulele

This is a builder’s choice instrument, made from all NW wood! The top is Leyland Cypress, which is a common fence line tree around here. It was cut from a property near here, thought to be planted around 100 years ago. The maple back and sides are scraps from our friend Paul at Arrow Guitars. I really like the black bug holes! The neck is Alder, scrap wood from a cabinet shop. The rest is local Walnut that I milled, with more bug holes! This uke is loud, bright and present. I would love to hear it in a loud jam session, floating above all of those guitars. It has fluorocarbon strings, radiused fretboard, bone nut and saddle, strap buttons and a hardshell case. Low G or a pickup (+$150) is available upon request. Price is $2100 plus shipping.

***** If you are an international customer (outside of the US), please note we may need to charge you additional shipping fees depending on your location. You will also be responsible for any customs fees imposed by your country. Thanks! ******

#983- Fir and Myrtle Kingdom Era Soprano Ukulele

This is one of my instruments inspired by my research into the first ukulele makers in Hawaii. I got a grant from Mortise & Tenon Magazine to allow me to travel to Hawaii to visit museums and collectors and try to recreate these instruments from the 1880’s. This customer wanted all of that tradition, but with a few modern upgrades, which I understand. The top and neck are old growth Douglas Fir, salvaged from an old house and the back and sides are figured Myrtle that I got from my neighbor’s shop when he retired from making flutes. The rest is Walnut from a local tree I milled. This ukulele includes geared tuners, bone nut and saddle, radiused fretboard, strap buttons and a pickup. But, the customer asked for sheep gut strings, like the originals had! It gives a warm and textured sound, with a little built in scratchiness that I like. To say thanks to the generous people of Hawaii, I will give back some of our profits to one of our favorite food/forestry/craft non profits, Ho-oulu ‘Aina.

#985- Curly Port Orford Cedar and Walnut Alto Ukulele

This customer has a Beansprout tenor already, but wanted an alto with a low G as well. We started with a curly Port Orford Cedar top from Kevin at woodfromthewest.com. We paired it with some colorful and rich Walnut from a local tree. To finish, we dressed it up with some beautiful ombre purling. It is resonant and sweet, with a lot of tone for a small ukulele. Thanks Mary!

“I’m really liking my new Alto (not only because it is another beauty hanging on display in my dining room, it clearly is going to be played a lot). It’s a great addition to my Beansprout collection, covering all the bases.
I had no problem adjusting to its fretboard size and I’m so happy with its clear voice and resonance up and down the neck. My fingers much appreciate your expertise and fine set ups in your builds.
Joe and I are both very happy with the whole experience of picking out the woods, waiting “patiently” for updates, making the journey to the shop to pick them up, hear them sing out, and take them home with us. We feel great about the whole experience, especially, supporting a wonderful familiy.
- M.S. ”

#982- Cherry and Walnut Baritone Ukulele

This baritone is for a repeat customer who needed a baritone tuned GCEA. We started with Nicole’ baritone as a starting point, with top, back and sides from local orchard Cherry. It is a medium density wood that is suitable for the whole body, with plenty of visual character. The neck is Mahogany, salvaged from a cabinet shop. The rest of the instrument is local Walnut. It is lightweight but solid, with a cheerful tone that I appreciate.

#960- Port Orford Cedar and Curly Maple Scout Ukulele

Another little friend is rising from the scrap heap to make music for you! Port Orford Cedar top, curly Maple back and sides, salvaged Fir neck and Jatoba fretboard/headplate/bridge. It has fluorocarbon strings, geared tuners, bone nut and saddle and strap buttons. Soprano scale. Comes with a nice gig bag. Message us to get on the Scout list so you know when these are available. info@thebeansprout.com

#984- Bearclaw Spruce and Spalted Maple Tenor Ukulele

This instrument is for our good friend Erin who wanted a bright and clear sound. She chose Spruce for the top, which is always a winner. For the back and sides, we decided to use the spalted Maple that we harvested from another friend’s house last fall. It was from a big leaf Maple tree that was rotting and too close to the house. By the time I got there, most of it was cut up for fire wood, but we split off some good chunks and dried it. It includes curl, color and some spalting, very nice! Erin also dropped off a chunk of Redwood from her parent’s property in California. Unfortunately, it was too far gone to use for a top, so I cut it up to make an abstract endgraft and heel cap. The thin Maple lines are supposed to look like a tree and like the stairs up to her parent’s house. The neck is salvaged Mahogany from a Portland theater and the rest is Pistachio from California orchards. Overall, I like the loud and sweet sound and the pinkish color palette. A special uke for a special and deserving person!

#969- Myrtle Taropatch Ukulele

This is a prototype instrument and I am very pleased with it. A “taropatch” is a nickname for a concert scale ukulele with 8 strings. Martin first did this in 1916, although I believe there was precedence for this in Hawaii before that. If you are interested in my research into historical instruments, follow my Substack blog here: https://substack.com/@aaronkeim768722

This one has a Myrtle body, Port Orford Cedar neck and the rest is Pistachio. It has a carbon fiber rod in the neck for longterm stability. The tuners look like old violin pegs, but are geared Peghed brand tuners. They are light weight, which is important when there are 8 of them, and they work well. Features include a radiused fretboard, bone nut and saddle, fluorocarbon strings and strap buttons.

If you would like me to build you one in the future, please email info@thebeansprout.com.

#977- Curly Cherry, Walnut and Dogwood Mini Five String Banjo

This little banjo is just a charmer. When it sits in my lap, it draws me in and inspires me to play. Before I take notice, a half hour is passed and I am supposed to be writing this instead! After my hands get used to the smaller size, I just love playing these mini banjos. All the wood for this one comes from The Carpenter Ant Stash in Portland. The Cherry and Walnut are cabinet making scraps and the Dogwood was milled by Ken from their front yard! Dogwood is more subtle and muted in appearance than my usual Pistachio, but it is quite hard and well suited for a fretboard. This banjo is tuned to open G, with a goat skin head, arm rest and darkened brass hardware.

#979- Curly Mango Baritone Ukulele

Mango is a great medium density wood, suitable for top, back and sides. It has a similar tone to Koa or Mahogany, but with its own mellow sweetness. It is one of the few tropical woods I use, but only when I salvage it or get it from Hawaii. In the case, the customer (Perry Stauffer) gave me some mid century furniture that they didn’t want. I recognized it as Mango and we sliced it up for ukes! Salvaging wood like this has served me well in the past, but it really is a tremendous amount of labor. I am glad that it yielded some nice wood. Perry is one half of Starlight Ukes and as a duo with Dani Joy. We have known them for a long time and always valued their educational mindset and solid musicianship.

This baritone has a 1/2” nut width and a generous neck shape. It is tuned DGBE and has a K&K pickup installed. Besides the Mango, it has a salvaged Mahogany neck and local Walnut everything else. It has been a lot of fun to play today as I get to know its unique tone. I am happy to make more Mango ukes, don’t hesitate to ask for it when you order.

#978- Mahogany and Walnut Tenor Guitar

This instrument started as a beam of Mahogany that we salvaged from a Tacoma boat shop. It is very similar to the old Mahogany that I see on instruments in the 1920’s-30’s by mainland makers like Martin, Regal and Washburn. It makes for a lightweight and vibrant sound, which goes from mellow and sweet to honking loud with no hesitation. The second wood for this guitar is some local Walnut, harvested by Chris at Yodel Boy Woodworks. The customer asked for a low tuning, GDAD, close to an octave below mandolin tuning. It is simple and attractive, but is not showing off, just the way I like it.

““The guitar arrived yesterday, and I love it. It sounds, looks, and feels just amazing. I so appreciate the care and craftsmanship, and the beautiful woods you used.”
- M.A. ”

#970- Port Orford Cedar and Walnut Scout Ukulele

These Scout ukuleles are little soprano ukes made from scrap wood. They are based off of the old Lyon & Healy Camp Ukes, made in the 1920’s. They go out to an email list of folks waiting for one. (Join up here info@thebeansprout.com). I haven’t made as many in the last year, but I hope I can get back into it. The Walnut back, sides and binding is from a local tree. The Port Orford Cedar top is from the Oregon coast via woodfromthewest.com. The Douglas Fir neck is scrap wood from an old house. The rest of the wood is Jatoba/Brazillian Cherry, a wood that was imported as a tough flooring product. It is great as a fretboard. Happy Summer!