Wood

The ukuleles I make are constructed from a variety of woods.  The woods traditionally used for string instruments have been chosen for their strength, looks and how they sound on a finished instrument.  Those considerations are still true today.

Soundboard - The top of a stringed instrument must be strong enough to withstand the pull of the strings (not too difficult on a Uke), and must transfer the vibrations of the strings through the saddle and bridge to the soundboard, yet light enough to vibrate easily and with a long sustain.  Violins and guitars have most often used Spruce.  I also favor Spruce, and use Alpine Spruce from Europe, Sitka Spruce from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and Adirondack Red Spruce from Canada.

Back and Sides - While still important for sound, the back and sides are often chosen for good looks.  Attention to the wood chosen allows the builder to fashion a beautiful instrument that stills sounds great.  Woods I have used, or have in inventory include the traditional Ukulele woods, Mahogany and Koa.  I also build with Walnut which has a rich sound, and can be plain or have beautiful patterns.  Readily available, this wood is sustainable.  Maple is traditional on a violin, and I also use Maple from Europe, the US and Canada.  Other woods in production will be noted as the instruments are finished.