Normally, all of my banjo ukulele family instruments have an 8” rim, but I have made a few tenor banjo ukes with a 10” rim instead. The extra mass, larger head, longer string length and different bridge placement produce a different sound and feeling. It is deeper, richer and louder and somewhat differs from the sparkling, chiming, charm of the smaller banjo ukes.

All the wood for this instrument comes from the Carpenter Ant stash in Portland, courtesy of our friend Lizann. The Cherry has a nice, dark color and some big curls in it, as well as some dark streaks, which I really like. The board was likely a reject from a cabinet making project, as it would have been too unique looking for a 1990’s kitchen. The fretboard and headplate is Dogwood, which was milled from a tree at Lizann’s house. It is dense and hard, perfect for fretboards, with a subtle, red color that will darken with time. Thanks for the repeat order, Peter!