Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

There seems to be a bit of a run on these Baritone Ukuleles at the moment. While I really enjoy the challenge of doing a commission, one from a returning client is rather special, and after some settling in so I can check that everything is as it should be, it will be shipped off down south.

Specifications for this build were to be Blackwood with a bit a flash of heart wood on the back. This was the last set I had to meet that criteria. Was from about 10 guitar sets I bought from Bob some time ago now. Baritones chew up a lot of that wood in a set, but I can usually squeeze a smaller uke out of the off cuts.

A guitar like finger picking sound was also a specification, and for me that says Red (Adirondack) Spruce. The rest was up to me. I always like that part. Lets me pick through the stash and get creative.

As well, Paul wanted to tune this instrument in C as a regular ukulele. No problem there as the South Coast Linear string set I have for Baritones fits the bill. BTW, the South Coast strings are the best strings I've ever heard and will be the standard for all my ukuleles from now on.

So enough of the preamble. Specs are as follows.

Back and Sides - Blackwood
Top - Adirondack Spruce
Neck - Spanish Cedar with CF truss rod
Bindings - Figured Blackwood
Fret Board - Ringed Gidgee
Bridge - Ringed Gidgee
Head Plate and Back Graft - Ringed Gidgee
Rosette - Koa and black dyed maple veneer
Finish - Mirotone 3220 gloss over Boat Coat epoxy pore filler
Tuners - Grover Sta-tites 14:1
Strings- South Coast Ukulele linear set

Nicely done Allen, if you like Southcoast strings you should also try Ken's Living Water Strings.
It is similar with SC tonally, but I think LWS is more balanced in other areas.

Very nice uke Allen, production seems to have slowed a bit you must be getting more sleep. Wayne

Have a class of 5 students doing scratch builds right now. It's taking up an awful lot of my time, but I do have about a dozen instruments on the go. Just got to get some time to devote to them.

Very nice Allen, which frankly, is to be expected.

Beautiful striking colour in the blackwood and the ringed gidgee suits as well.

Always a nice compliment to get return customers...

Jeremy.

Absolutely beautiful, Allen. Another work of art.
Haven't heard the South Coast Strings yet but am trying a set of Living Water strings on a tenor. Price is very agreeable and postage very cheap. About $NZ35 for 2 sets of strings including postage - arrived within a week. Bright, crystal clear sound, well balanced across all strings and settled down very quickly.
Miguel

Very very nice. Looks like you've changed the shape a bit. I like it a lot!!