Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

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Allen
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Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

Post by Allen » Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:35 pm

I've used Babinga a few times and while it's beautiful to look at, it has to be one of the most difficult and hard woods to work that I've ever come across. And the pores are just gigantic, so it takes a lot to fill them.

Client is really fond of figured and pretty wood, so after quite a lot of photos of various sets I had available, he settled on this combo, with me to choose the trim as best I saw fit.

Top - Bear Claw Sitka
Back and Sides - Babinga
Neck - Spanish Cedar
Head Plates - Red Gum Burl
Rosette - Spalted Mango and Paua
Bindings - Australian Blackwood
Fret Board and Bridge - Ebony
Tuners - Grover
Strings - Worth
Babinga & Spruce Tenor_2014March12_006.jpg
Babinga & Spruce Tenor_2014March12_021.jpg
Babinga & Spruce Tenor_2014March12_009.jpg
Babinga & Spruce Tenor_2014March12_012.jpg
Babinga & Spruce Tenor_2014March12_013.jpg
Babinga & Spruce Tenor_2014March12_018.jpg
Allen R. McFarlen
https://www.brguitars.com
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Cairns, Australia

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martintaylor
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Re: Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

Post by martintaylor » Wed Mar 12, 2014 8:30 pm

As always, inspirational. Would love to hear some sound samples.

Martin

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kiwigeo
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Re: Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

Post by kiwigeo » Wed Mar 12, 2014 10:32 pm

WHOA!!!!
Martin

Gazm
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Re: Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

Post by Gazm » Thu Mar 13, 2014 12:33 am

Really enjoy this work of art Allen...Well done!!

Gaz

maurie
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Re: Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

Post by maurie » Fri Mar 14, 2014 1:44 pm

Babinga may be difficult to work but well worth the effort. Beautiful, and I love the different rosette.
Maurice

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soulman
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Re: Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

Post by soulman » Mon Mar 17, 2014 11:07 am

Beautiful work as always Allen. How much are the strings Worth? :lol:
O.K. I don't care how much they cost, just thought it was funny.
Ive been using Aquilla strings with good results but haven't tried these. Could you give me your view on how you choose your strings. Thanks. Ross

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Allen
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Re: Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

Post by Allen » Mon Mar 17, 2014 11:14 am

I really like a couple of brands.

South Coast Ukes for a harder brighter sound. More piano / harp like. There are a few others I've tried that have a similar sound. Worth clears for instance.

Worth Browns to give a warmer more tone. Easier on the fingers. Far more expressive. And the comments that I get most often is that you can hear the wood.
Allen R. McFarlen
https://www.brguitars.com
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Cairns, Australia

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soulman
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Re: Tenor in Babinga and Sitka Spruce

Post by soulman » Mon Mar 17, 2014 12:44 pm

Allen wrote:I really like a couple of brands.

South Coast Ukes for a harder brighter sound. More piano / harp like. There are a few others I've tried that have a similar sound. Worth clears for instance.

Worth Browns to give a warmer more tone. Easier on the fingers. Far more expressive. And the comments that I get most often is that you can hear the wood.
Thanks Allen. I'll have to give them a go.

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