T005 Tenor UkuleleMaterials and Preparation

The T005 Tenor Ukulele will be made using Black Walnut for the body and neck, which was purchased from Hana Lima ‘Ia in Honolulu. The Black Walnut pieces have a mid brown colour, with darker purple hues and contrasting creamy streaks. I selected a pre-slotted Ebony fretboard, and a pre-cut Ebony bridge for use with this ukulele. The Ebony that Hana Lima ‘Ia provide is almost pure black, and gives instruments a clean and high class appearance.

Bookmatched Black Walnut back, and soundboard plates

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End matched Black Walnut sides, and pre-slotted Ebony fretboard and bridge

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Black Walnut neck blank

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In keeping with the relatively simple aesthetics which will be achieved by having an all Walnut body, this ukulele will have a basic Black/White/Black rosette, and flamed Maple bindings which have a smooth cream colour. The bracing and patches for this ukulele will be high grade Engelmann Spruce, while the kerfed lining strips will be profiled Honduran Mahogany. The fretboard will be inlaid with mother of pearl marker dots.

The T005 Tenor Ukulele will have a slotted classical style headstock, with high quality Gotoh SEP700 open geared tuners. These are premium tuners and will maintain the aesthetic beauty of the instrument while ensuring stable tuning is maintained.