As I work my way through the daily/monthly tasks of building instruments and running the business, it’s easy to forget how special these things are to our customers. For example, this is the second spruce and maple alto I built this month, it would be easy to just push it out and move on. But, to Jennifer this is THE Beansprout and it has to be as perfect as I can manage. The quilted maple is from the Carpenter Ant stash and matches Lizann’s uke from earlier in the month. The Oregon spruce top and hemlock neck are from Camp Westwind, one of my favorite places on earth. The pistachio comes from California orchards. It adds up to a lightweight and loud ukulele that has nice tone and sustain. I hope she loves it!

“This is truly a fantastic ukulele, and I could not be happier with it! I love the size and shape of the alto. It has a much larger, richer, and more satisfying sound than I get from the concerts and sopranos I usually play. The shape and size of the neck is supremely comfortable and it is now my favorite neck of all of the ukuleles in my collection. Overall, it is a very lively, lightweight, and resonant ukulele, and I feel the sound throughout the body and into the neck. The best way I can describe this uke is that it feels lived in and comfortable, like a favorite piece of clothing. It has just felt right from the first minute I held it. It is truly a joy to see, hold, touch, and hear. The Keim’s are wonderful to work with, and I hope to order another instrument someday! I will always treasure this ukulele, and I thank Aaron and Nicole for making it for me.
- J. L. ”