Recent content by Doc_J

It has arrived. 😁 I am very pleased! The craftsmanship and feel are outstanding. Very comfortable and playable. Looks even better in person. Sound is great as well. It has GHS 100 black nylon and phosphor bronze wound basses. Usually, nylon trebles aren't my favorites, but I like how...

It's getting closer to being shipped. Gotoh UPT's and strings are installed. Strings are still stretching out.

French polish finish is complete and the bridge is on. It just needs tuners and strings. Looking forward to playing it.

The first coat of French polish really made the figure of the cocobolo pop!

My understanding is that the back bracing used in this build contributes to the overall sound box vibration. So, it makes the back more "active". "active" is how the luthier described this back bracing. The more interesting bracing design on this uke is the V-Class style top bracing. I...

Thanks Jon. Builder’s decision on the 9th vs 10th fret marker. I mostly just use the 7th and 12th markers. Favilla baritones have a 9th marker instead of 10th. Guess the difference is if a player or builder is primarily a uke or guitar player.

Another step closer to a finished uke. Daryl, completed the bridge. It fits well with the overall design. This bridge will have through holes for a clean look and good structural attachment.

My 2 dogs were adopted from local rescue organizations. Vivienne was rescued as pup because she was born with a hernia (expensive operation). Oreo was adopted at age 8, after her first owner got Alzheimer’s.

I have played 3 different Kepasa ukes, a mahogany Josephine soprano, a spruce top Middlesex concert, and a Gypsy Rose (Selmer-Maccaferri style) tenor. All Very nicely built ukes with a quality sound. I’ve been eyeing his grand baritone ukes for a while. I hope Kevin is well and continues to...

Frets are installed, ready for leveling, beveling, and polishing. Daryl got the fret work completed. There’s still some neck carving/profiling and bridge making to be done before the final sanding and finishing can be done.

The fretboard and head plate are Macassar ebony.

Curly mango fret markers are in.

Curly mango binding, cocobolo heel cap and cocobolo sapwood end graft.

Ready to be bound.

Body is just about ready for binding.