ukuleleden
Well-known member
Yesterday (Friday), I took a short drive to visit the Magic Fluke company in Sheffield Massachusetts. What a nice surprise it was to find such a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you could see and play their many ukuleles on display. I was greeted by the very friendly staff and eventually met Phyllis Webb, wife of Dale Webb, the creator of the fluke ukulele. Phyllis' interview by Aldrene at the NAMM show can be seen on YouTube. For those who may not know, Phyliss is also the sister of the well-known Jim Beloff who has authored many ukulele publications as well as performs at many ukulele festivals and get-togethers and also can be seen in many videos on YouTube.
Aside from just visiting their headquarters, I had in the back of my mind the idea of purchasing a Tenor Fluke. After spending some time sampling the many flukes and fleas on display in their store, Phyillis had approached me and asked if there was anything in particular I was interested in. I expressed that I was pondering the idea of a Koa Tenor Fluke with a hardwood fretboard. Much to my delight, Phyllis offered to bring a handful of Koa tops from their build shop for me to choose from along with several different hardwood fretboard woods. So there I was at their headquarters hand selecting the woods to be used for what would turn out to be a custom built Tenor Fluke ukulele. I was able to choose a wonderful Koa top that stood out among all the others. In addition, I opted for the optional peghead tuners and went with the Walnut neck and a beautifully grained wood fretboard that nicely complimented the Koa top. The final accessories I added were a set of grip strips for the back and one of the magic fluke gig bags to safely store and carry the fluke around in.
My selections were sent in to the build shop, and I was told it would be about 10 days for the construction to be completed. This was a very fun and exciting experience and I cannot wait for the fluke to be completed.
I must say if you can do a road trip and visit the Magic Fluke headquarters, it's a great and fun experience that will well be worth your time.
Aside from just visiting their headquarters, I had in the back of my mind the idea of purchasing a Tenor Fluke. After spending some time sampling the many flukes and fleas on display in their store, Phyillis had approached me and asked if there was anything in particular I was interested in. I expressed that I was pondering the idea of a Koa Tenor Fluke with a hardwood fretboard. Much to my delight, Phyllis offered to bring a handful of Koa tops from their build shop for me to choose from along with several different hardwood fretboard woods. So there I was at their headquarters hand selecting the woods to be used for what would turn out to be a custom built Tenor Fluke ukulele. I was able to choose a wonderful Koa top that stood out among all the others. In addition, I opted for the optional peghead tuners and went with the Walnut neck and a beautifully grained wood fretboard that nicely complimented the Koa top. The final accessories I added were a set of grip strips for the back and one of the magic fluke gig bags to safely store and carry the fluke around in.
My selections were sent in to the build shop, and I was told it would be about 10 days for the construction to be completed. This was a very fun and exciting experience and I cannot wait for the fluke to be completed.
I must say if you can do a road trip and visit the Magic Fluke headquarters, it's a great and fun experience that will well be worth your time.