Peace Train
Well-known member
THE STORY:
I was recently told the story of a teacher who gave his students gifts at the end of his lessons. One year, no matter how advanced or inexperienced the student, each received a thorn with the teacher saying, "This is your most important gift to date."
The students panicked, and over the ensuing months contemplated what the teacher meant by such a 'gift.'
Upon returning the following year, the teacher presented each student with a flower. When questioned about the thorn, the teacher explained its purpose was to clear the self from all the feelings which would keep the students from experiencing the utter beauty of the flower.
THE BACKSTORY:
With most musical instruments, I found the search to be a personal one, even more so when commissioning a custom. I did my due diligence and knew what made my heart sing, but a year on the waiting list when I began questioning whether to go through with it (along with dilemmas of life in general) it was because I'd been holding a longtime thorn of my own. I just kept listening to the small voice urging me on, and I'm really glad I did! The creative process of getting this uke off the ground has been such a liberating and rewarding experience.
THE SPARK:
I sent drawings to Eric with the goal of keeping things simple and elegant to match the aesthetics of his ukes. He confirmed the inlay design I was already leaning toward, and guided me through the rest of the selection process. Even though we're both perfectionists when it comes to design, I can't say enough about Eric's patience and understanding. He's genuine and fun to work with.
Next time, I'm holding out for marble from the Taj Mahal...or maybe something more exotic.
THE SONG:
This uke could've been birthed from virtually any tonewood...as long as it's Koa. What can I say, the all-Koa sound really speaks to me.
I was recently told the story of a teacher who gave his students gifts at the end of his lessons. One year, no matter how advanced or inexperienced the student, each received a thorn with the teacher saying, "This is your most important gift to date."
The students panicked, and over the ensuing months contemplated what the teacher meant by such a 'gift.'
Upon returning the following year, the teacher presented each student with a flower. When questioned about the thorn, the teacher explained its purpose was to clear the self from all the feelings which would keep the students from experiencing the utter beauty of the flower.
THE BACKSTORY:
With most musical instruments, I found the search to be a personal one, even more so when commissioning a custom. I did my due diligence and knew what made my heart sing, but a year on the waiting list when I began questioning whether to go through with it (along with dilemmas of life in general) it was because I'd been holding a longtime thorn of my own. I just kept listening to the small voice urging me on, and I'm really glad I did! The creative process of getting this uke off the ground has been such a liberating and rewarding experience.
THE SPARK:
I sent drawings to Eric with the goal of keeping things simple and elegant to match the aesthetics of his ukes. He confirmed the inlay design I was already leaning toward, and guided me through the rest of the selection process. Even though we're both perfectionists when it comes to design, I can't say enough about Eric's patience and understanding. He's genuine and fun to work with.
Next time, I'm holding out for marble from the Taj Mahal...or maybe something more exotic.
THE SONG:
This uke could've been birthed from virtually any tonewood...as long as it's Koa. What can I say, the all-Koa sound really speaks to me.
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