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.