I had done a build in progress thread on this LfdM baritone. It is completed and I have been playing it for about a month. I would have done a NUD thread sooner but life got in the way, as did recording equipment issues. So I am sad to say I don't have a recording but just google LfdM baritone and HMS has a few sound samples up. Those guy do these instruments the justice they deserve.
To recap the details this is a large body baritone with a scale length of 22-1/4". It really has the tone of a small 4 string classical guitar, which is what I really like about it.
Bearclaw sitka spruce top
Bocote back and sides
Arm rest
Slotted headstock
Side sound port
Port Orford cedar neck with two bocote strips and a carbon fibre rod
Radiused macassar ebony fret board
Snake wood body binding, armrest, tall graft and fretboard binding
Zero fret
Macassar ebony 12 hole bridge
Snake wood and mother of pearl rosette
Black and white purfing
Mother of pearl side dot markers only
Comes with a custom made Ameritage hard case. Because this uke is so different in size and shape Luis gave Ameritage the dimensions and they build them to fit perfectly. All his baritones are sold with the case, yes it adds to the cost, yes it's worth it.
This instrument has exceeded all my expectations, simple as that. I have been lucky enough to play three other baritones Luis has made and they are all incredile instruments. Simon and Brenda have both played this and thought it was wonderful. Nice thing about both of them is you will get an honest opinion.
It is big and the neck is long so being "just" a uke player the extra size and stretch takes some getting use to. But it plays effortlessly, like my LfdM tenor and the balance is even better. LfdM can be a bit head heavy, just a bit, with the snake head design. This is why we came up with a diferent headstock design and used Port Orford cedar for the neck, mission accomplished. Sound preference is very personal but the only negative about owning this is all my other ukes are pale in comparison.
To recap the details this is a large body baritone with a scale length of 22-1/4". It really has the tone of a small 4 string classical guitar, which is what I really like about it.
Bearclaw sitka spruce top
Bocote back and sides
Arm rest
Slotted headstock
Side sound port
Port Orford cedar neck with two bocote strips and a carbon fibre rod
Radiused macassar ebony fret board
Snake wood body binding, armrest, tall graft and fretboard binding
Zero fret
Macassar ebony 12 hole bridge
Snake wood and mother of pearl rosette
Black and white purfing
Mother of pearl side dot markers only
Comes with a custom made Ameritage hard case. Because this uke is so different in size and shape Luis gave Ameritage the dimensions and they build them to fit perfectly. All his baritones are sold with the case, yes it adds to the cost, yes it's worth it.
This instrument has exceeded all my expectations, simple as that. I have been lucky enough to play three other baritones Luis has made and they are all incredile instruments. Simon and Brenda have both played this and thought it was wonderful. Nice thing about both of them is you will get an honest opinion.
It is big and the neck is long so being "just" a uke player the extra size and stretch takes some getting use to. But it plays effortlessly, like my LfdM tenor and the balance is even better. LfdM can be a bit head heavy, just a bit, with the snake head design. This is why we came up with a diferent headstock design and used Port Orford cedar for the neck, mission accomplished. Sound preference is very personal but the only negative about owning this is all my other ukes are pale in comparison.
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