This sort of stock instrument often comes about gradually, with different pieces of wood gathering in a cubby until it starts to make sense to me. In this case, it started with some Oregon White Oak harvested from our friend Larry’s property. It has great medullary rays, bold pores and some nice bug holes. The top is some crazy Port Orford Cedar I got from my neighbor’s estate. The neck is some Primavera/white Mahogany that I salvaged from the Rebuild It Center here in Hood River. The rest is Pistachio from California Orchards. For the neck and back, I added some black wax that fills the pores to add a nice color contrast and keep the instrument from looking too white. It has Walnut binding, wooden strap buttons and is strung with a low g. We can switch to high on request or add a pickup for $150. It is available for $2030 plus shipping, with a hard shell case.

***** If you are an international customer (outside of the US), you will be responsible for any customs fees or taxes imposed by your country. Additionally, we may have to add shipping fees depending on the rates we can get. Thanks! ******

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 uke has fluorocarbon strings, a radiused fretboard, bone nut and saddle, strap buttons and a K&K pickup. It comes in a hardshell case. Low G is available upon request. Price is $2300 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 or taxes imposed by your country. Thanks! ******

The best way to keep your instrument protected from swings in temperature and humidity is:
#1 Keep your instrument in the case.
#2 Don’t expose it to extremes in temperature.
#3 Keep a humidifier in the case.

This little device is easy to use because it hangs between the strings, is easy to maintain and won’t drip on your uke. * Please note, you need to use DISTILLED water on the sponge to prevent mold from forming * Check out the video below for more info.

Handmade by Aaron from vegetable tanned leather, this is a simple, rustic strap that look nice and does the job. Includes the Beansprout logo brand and leather lace to tie onto banjo hooks. 48” long. Note: color of strap may vary, ranging from light to dark depending on what leather is on hand.

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase strings, please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Add some more handmade flair to your Beansprout Instrument! These wooden case tags are made by Aaron and handwritten and wood burned by Nicole. The tag will include your name, instrument number and a Beansprout leaf logo.

Upon purchasing there will be a “notes” window that pops up- please make sure to enter the name you’d like wood burned on the tag and the instrument number.

Please Note: All new Beansprout instruments come with a complimentary personalized card stock case tag- this wooden case tag is an optional upgrade:)

Our arm rests are reproductions of vintage ones, suitable for most open back banjos. They are made to match an 11" rim, but can be carefully bent to fit other sizes (including banjo ukuleles and our mini five string model). Proudly made in the USA. Currently available in raw brass only. Please see the video below for installation instructions. If interested in placing a wholesale order, please contact us at info@thebeansprout.com.

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase an armrest please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Buy a sticker and we use the proceeds to plant trees through Friends of Trees.  You are supporting our business and helping the environment!  Sticker is 2"x7" and is super thick/high quality.

Based off of years of building instruments and performing live, these string sets reflect Aaron’s ideas about tone, playability and durability.   This set consists of all fluorocarbon strings and can be used for Soprano, Concert, Alto or Tenor ukulele.

String Gauges are:

#1a: .0224
#2e: .0260
#3c: .0291
#4g: .0244

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase strings, please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Based off of years of building instruments and performing live, these string sets reflect Aaron’s ideas about tone, playability and durability.  Our Low G Ukulele set consists of 3 fluorocarbon and 1 silver wound silk string.  It can be used on Soprano, Alto and Tenor ukuleles.

String gauges are as follows:

#1a: .0224
#2e: .0260
#3c: .0291
#4g: .030W

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase strings, please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Based off of years of building instruments and performing live, these string sets reflect Aaron’s ideas about tone, playability and durability.  Our Baritone strings use a mixed set of fluorocarbon and silver wound silk strings. 

String gauges are as follows:

#1e: .0260
#2b: .0319
#3g: .028w
#4d: .033w

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase strings, please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Based off of years of building instruments and performing live, these string sets reflect Aaron’s ideas about tone, playability and durability. 

Our mini five string banjo set uses a mix of fluorocarbon and silver wound silk strings. 

String gauges are as follows:

#1g: .0224
#2e: .0260
#3c: .0291
#4g: .030w
#5c: .0224

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase strings, please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Based off of years of building instruments and performing live, these string sets reflect Aaron’s ideas about tone, playability and durability.  Our mini five string banjo set uses a mix of fluorocarbon and silver wound silk strings. 

String gauges are as follows:

#1d: .0260
#2b: .0291
#3g: .028w
#4d: .033w
#5g: .0260

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase strings, please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Based off of years of building instruments and performing live, these string sets reflect Aaron’s ideas about tone, playability and durability.  Our five string banjo set uses plain and wound nickel strings.  

String gauges are as follows:

#1d: .011
#2b: .013
#3g: .016
#4d: .024w
#5g: .011

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase strings, please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Based off of years of building instruments and performing live, these string sets reflect Aaron’s ideas about tone, playability and durability.

Our non-steel five string banjo set uses plain fluorocarbon and one wound steel/nylon string. Fluorocarbon is thinner than nylon or Nylgut, stretches less and offers a truer tone and pitch. If you banjo already has steel strings, this set will require adjustment to your bridge and nut.

String gauges are as follows:

#1d: .0244
#2b: .0291
#3g: .0319
#4d: .028w
#5g: .0224

*** If you live in the UK or your country is a member of the EU, unfortunately we’re unable to ship to you from this site because of VAT tax restrictions. If you’d like to purchase strings, please send an email to info@thebeansprout.com, and then we’ll make a custom listing for you on our etsy site instead. Etsy collects and submits VAT on our behalf, so it makes it much easier for us. Thanks and sorry for the extra step ***

Getting Started with Clawhammer Banjo is the perfect book for beginning banjo players. There are 4 main lessons which include: The Basic Clawhammer Stroke, Reading Tablature, Using Other Strings and Embellishments. The book also includes a basic history of the banjo and clawhammer style, plus 12 songs to play. Each lesson and song is accompanied by a link to a YouTube video in which Aaron explains, clarifies and demonstrates the concept or song.

10 Tabs for Two Finger Old Time Banjo teaches "two finger" style for five string banjo, with ten tunes and songs tabbed out for you.  It includes links to videos demonstrating the pieces at tempo and slowed down.  This style of banjo picking is often called “the missing link” between clawhammer and bluegrass.

For over 15 years, we (Aaron and Nicole) have made a name for ourselves teaching ukulele, banjo, singing and old time folk music. We are now happy to offer these instructional books here to add to your purchase from Beansprout. All of our books have accompanying Youtube videos that demonstrate the lessons, adding the important aural component to your education. They feature Nicole’s unique handwriting, folk art and layout, easy to read and beautiful. There are seven to choose from. Here are the basic details of each book:

-Ukulele Handbook ($25): Great for beginner/intermediate. The book you should have started with. Maybe you should grab it to fill some holes in your ukulele education?

-Fingerstyle Ukulele ($25): Starts you at the very beginning of finger picking melodies and accompaniments. Quickly progresses to some solo finger style pieces that are great for intermediate and advanced pickers.

-Clawhammer Ukulele, 2nd Edition ($25): Clawhammer is a banjo style that also works on the ukulele. This is great for fans of old time folk and fiddle music. This book is great for players who need to start at the beginning and learn the basics

-10 Tabs for Clawhammer Ukulele ($20): This is a follow up to our Clawhammer Ukulele 2nd edition book and is geared towards intermediate/advanced players. There is no instruction here, just 10 tunes to enjoy and play.

-Folk Song Garden ($20): Chords and words to many of our original songs and our favorite folk songs

-10 Etudes for Fingerstyle Ukulele ($20): A more advanced collection of finger style music.

-10 Old Time Tunes for Baritone Ukulele ($20) : An intermediate/advanced collection of old time music, just how Aaron plays it.

We (Aaron and Nicole Keim) have been making music as The Quiet American since 2010, writing popular instructional books and traveling the world teaching American folk music. We are also known for building musical instruments, making art, and living a hands on life.

"Let the Work I Do, Speak For Me" is a book and CD that combines all parts of our careers- celebrating labor, struggle and family. Not just the type of work that pays the bills, but also on our relationships, community, craft, art, and environment. The book includes lyrics and chords for every song as well as tablature to match the instruments played on the CD. Some tabs are written for Ukulele, others for Baritone Ukulele or Banjo. We’ve included You Tube links for all of the songs, including source recordings.

Here is a sample track to enjoy: https://youtu.be/R_J6356pNo4

Aaron and Nicole have been recording music together since 2005. Add one of these cds of folk and string band music onto your Beansprout order, you won’t be disappointed.

-Songs From A Rocking Chair- Lots of old time duet singing. All acoustic, with a few of our favorite original songs.

-Wild Bill Jones- A “folk opera” based on the three characters in the famous murder ballad, Wild Bill Jones. Some lo-fi and electric touches.

-The Quiet American Vol 2- Mainly Aaron and his Colorado friends with Nicole singing on a few tracks. Good folk music with some darker/electric sounds to modernize it a bit.

-The Junebug Boys- Aaron’s old time string band from Hood River, OR. All acoustic string band music with some bluegrass, fiddle tunes and a waltz. Nicole sings on one track.

We (Aaron and Nicole Keim) have been making music as The Quiet American since 2010, writing popular instructional books and traveling the world teaching American folk music. We are also known for building musical instruments, making art, and living a hands on life.

"Let the Work I Do, Speak For Me" is a book and CD that combines all parts of our careers- celebrating labor, struggle and family. Not just the type of work that pays the bills, but also on our relationships, community, craft, art, and environment. The book includes lyrics and chords for every song as well as tablature to match the instruments played on the CD. Some tabs are written for Ukulele, others for Baritone Ukulele or Banjo. We’ve included You Tube links for all of the songs, including source recordings.

Now you can enjoy a slice of Beansprout for the holidays! Our ornaments make great gifts and are perfect for those who love natural, earthy decor. Choose from our plain leaf logo ($18), or select the Customize option to add a name of your choosing ($20). [Click on images to the left to see examples].

About the Ornaments: This year’s ornaments are oak from our firewood pile and are varied in size, color and texture. They were sliced and sanded by Aaron and wood burned by Nicole.

The rounds measure approximately 3” X 3”, with some slightly bigger or darker than others.

Made from the offcuts of ukulele wood, so an eco-friendly option for home decor and gift giving!

• Approximate size of cutting board is 8” X 4.25” X .75”

• Each cutting board is unique and rustic!

• Finished with food grade wax and oil (handwash only)

• May include any combination of Oak, Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Mahogany, Poplar, or Myrtle

• This listing is for US shipping only. If you’re out of the US, please email me at info@thebeansprout.com to make the purchase and I’ll send you a special invoice. Shipping to Canada for this item is $23USD and to everywhere else is $28USD.

• Please note, if you order multiple wooden items, we may need to send you an additional Paypal invoice to cover extra shipping charges, or if you’re overcharged for shipping, we’ll send you a refund. Sorry, sometimes these things are hard to calculate!

Set of 4 Handmade wooden coasters. Made from the offcuts of ukulele wood, so an eco-friendly option for home decor and gift giving!

• Each coaster is unique and rustic! Made from combinations of different woods- colors and layout will vary. Size is 4.25” x 4.25”

• This listing is for US shipping only. If you’re out of the US, please email me at info@thebeansprout.com to make the purchase and I’ll send you a special invoice. Shipping to Canada for this box is $23USD and to everywhere else is $28USD.

• Please note, if you order multiple wooden items, we may need to send you an additional Paypal invoice to cover extra shipping charges, of if you’re overcharged for shipping, we’ll send you a refund. Sorry, sometimes these things are hard to calculate!

• Join us on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 to celebrate Aaron building his 1000th Beansprout Instrument! There will be trivia, prizes, musical performances and the grand reveal of #1000.

• Special guest performances by: James Hill, Avery Hill, Steve Varney, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, and Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel

• This event will be held On Zoom

• The party is from 9am - 11 am Pacific Time
  10:00am - 12:00pm Mountain Time
  11:00am - 1:00pm Central Time
  12:00pm- 2:00pm Eastern Time

• The cost is on a sliding scale from $5 - $40. Please pay what you can. If you are unable to pay but would still like to join us, please email us and we will make sure you have access to the party.

• The event will be recorded. We’ll send you a link to the video afterwards so you can watch it at a later date if you are unable to join us on the 10th.

  You will receive the zoom link via email a few days before the event. Please check your spam folder if you’ve paid but haven’t received it. The email will come from info@thebeansprout.com. If for some reason you don’t receive it, please email us at the same address or text Nicole @ 720-254-6814.
  

We’re really looking forward to this!
Please email us if you have any questions.

Best,
Aaron, Nicole and Henry Keim