As I work on the Kingdom Era instruments, my connection to them grows richer and deeper. I enjoy the process more and I slow down a bit to savor the time spent open the hand tool work. I also think they are sounding better and looking cleaner as I improve. I am very thankful for the customers who have taken a leap by ordering one of these, I really appreciate it. This instrument is a four string tenor ukulele with a body shape based off traditional Hawaiian rajaos from the 1890’s. It is modernized a bit with a radiused fretboard, geared tuners, fluorocarbon strings, bone nut and saddle and wooden strap buttons. The customer added the handmade wooden case, made of Western Red Cedar scrap wood and kapa style cloth. The Myrtle comes from the Oregon coast, via woodfromthewest.com. The Cedar was harvested by luthier Jayson Bowerman near Bend, OR. The Walnut is a local tree I milled. It is wrapped up in shop made Walnut and Maple rope binding. This ukulele is for a very kind customer whose 3 grandparents immigrated from Madeira- such a special connection.
I look forward to more of these this year, thanks for your support!
“Hi Aaron and Nicole,
I’m in love! Thank you!
First, I was genuinely surprised by how much I adore the cedar case and the ukulele in person. My partner thinks they look great too, in particular the uke of course. It’s more special than I even expected, and I am already feeling connected to it. Love the shape, build, lightness, responsiveness, roping, etc. It’s beautiful in every way and feels so special in my hands. I think my grandma Tilly (Matilda Pontes who immigrated from Madeira and who I grew up with) approves! I feel it. And I’ve been playing it looking at the cedar trees in my back yard, feeling connected that way too.
...I’ve never played something so light and responsive. I love what I hear as a more open, woody, folky sound with lots of subtle, pleasing overtones. It’s whole new world for me, and feels quite different to play. It sounds really nice both finger picking and clawhammer: I think it’s great as a high G use.
It’ll be fun to share with my friends at the Bellingham Ukulele Group’s jam next Saturday!
With appreciation and copious gratitude for your art and passion,
-M.G.
”