KaminTheWeaver
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2018
- Messages
- 222
- Reaction score
- 258
I thought I'd share my experience of being the lucky guy to receive Jay Lichty's final made-to-order instrument. For those who don't know, he announced his retirement from commissions and is now only building what he wants and when he wants. I first met Jay when I drove out to his shop so he could repair an existing instrument of mine. While there, we discussed his instruments and the philosophy behind his builds. During that conversation, I got the feeling he was nearing retirement, so a month later I reached back out to him to inquire about making a ukulele for me. He invited me to come out to discuss a build, which happened to be the day (or day after) he announced his retirement. While there, he watched me play and then went forward with recommendations for materials.
For the top, I originally had thought about Adirondack Spruce, but asked Jay to pick the set he thought would play best. After some tap testing, he recommended a set of Carpathian Spruce. Originally, we discussed the a granadilla body, but when I got there, he pulled out a Milo set that was labeled "Sacred Milo." After a lot of discussion, we decided the Milo was best. I wanted inlay markers that were different than dots, and his set of Martin-like markers were the same I had found online and was going to request. We also decided to go with rosewood fretboard, mahogany neck, bloodwood binding and a slotted headstock.
I am very happy with the final product! Jay is a world-class luthier and this instrument is no exception. The spruce top provides a crisp, yet deep sound. The Milo turned out to be the right choice. Jay paid special attention to keep some sapwood/ heartwood contrast on the sides as well as the back. Like Jay's other ukuleles, there is a certain bark that provides an edge to the warm attack. It's loud, yet clear as a bell all the way up the neck (I mean every single fret), and produces overtones for days. I think he saved the best for last!
Lichty U187
Top: Carpathian Spruce
Body/Back: Milo (w/ matching faceplate for headstock)
Fretboard: Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Binding: Bloodwood
Scale: 19"
Pickup: K&K Aloha
For the top, I originally had thought about Adirondack Spruce, but asked Jay to pick the set he thought would play best. After some tap testing, he recommended a set of Carpathian Spruce. Originally, we discussed the a granadilla body, but when I got there, he pulled out a Milo set that was labeled "Sacred Milo." After a lot of discussion, we decided the Milo was best. I wanted inlay markers that were different than dots, and his set of Martin-like markers were the same I had found online and was going to request. We also decided to go with rosewood fretboard, mahogany neck, bloodwood binding and a slotted headstock.
I am very happy with the final product! Jay is a world-class luthier and this instrument is no exception. The spruce top provides a crisp, yet deep sound. The Milo turned out to be the right choice. Jay paid special attention to keep some sapwood/ heartwood contrast on the sides as well as the back. Like Jay's other ukuleles, there is a certain bark that provides an edge to the warm attack. It's loud, yet clear as a bell all the way up the neck (I mean every single fret), and produces overtones for days. I think he saved the best for last!
Lichty U187
Top: Carpathian Spruce
Body/Back: Milo (w/ matching faceplate for headstock)
Fretboard: Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Binding: Bloodwood
Scale: 19"
Pickup: K&K Aloha
