Yes, another cedar and walnut alto uke this month! It was fun to have two similar models next to each other in line, they really turned out nice in their own ways. I only recently started to using Western Red Cedar again, I was waiting to find dependable old, strong stuff. This cedar is salvaged from some old water tanks and even has some interesting Bearclaw figure, which I’ve never seen in cedar before. I really love how red cedar sounds. It is warmer sounding that Port Orford cedar but still plenty loud. The curly walnut is cut from a Claro walnut gunstock blank, which ended up looking great. The fretboard, headplate, bridge and pickguard are all made from pistachio from California orchards. The neck is some old growth Douglas Fir salvaged from floor joists. Overall, the instrument is light weight but feels solid, with a rich and sweet tone.
“I am thrilled with my new Beansprout ukulele! It is stunning and perfect in every regard, but one of the things I love the most is knowing that it is made from woods that have a history, a unique origin story, or are local and sustainable. Too much in our world is cheaply made and disposable, and I feel like this piece of functional art, handmade especially for me by a skilled craftsman and artist, is the exact opposite. We need more things like that in life, and holding a Beansprout ukulele always reminds me of the beauty of striving for that goal in all aspects of life. I also love the respect for imperfection that is intrinsic to the Beansprout brand in their celebration of bug holes, knots, and other elements many builders would avoid. It just feels right to honor and even celebrate these things as features, and reminds me to do the same in my life when plans go awry or something bad happens. Strengthen that nail hole with some filler and be proud of it for making you a bigger person for having survived whatever it is! I am so honored to have this ukulele and my other Beansprouts (#368 and #436) that Aaron made for me and will treasure them forever. Thanks to Aaron and Nicole for creating such an honest brand, staying true to your aesthetic and values, and blessing the world with such fine instruments! You definitely have a lifelong customer in me.
Thanks!
- J. L.
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