Ukulele Eddie
Well-known member
I actually received this uke at the end of April, so I've been delayed in doing my NUD post. I will try to add a sound sample in the next day or two.
At UGH 2017, I had the pleasure of playing two of Kevin Mason's baritone ukes and they really impressed me. They were very well executed and were particularly favorable to me on playability. I knew then and there it was only a matter of time before I commissioned one. And so I did in very late 2018.
We discussed a few different wood options and he set up looking for some good sets. I fully expected it would take awhile, but that very evening he found a remarkable set of ziricote and I said, "Oh, heck yes!". That was so easy.
For the top, we decided to use torrefied spruce. I pretty much let Kevin run free on this. I did ask for a nice 12th fret marker. I think the only other decision was tuners, and I selected Rubner given their bang-for-the-buck.
Scale: 19.5
Tuning: Linear Bb
Top: Torrefied sitka spruce
Body: Ziricote (a stunning set, I might add!)
Finish: Shellac
Fingerboard: Macassar ebony
Bridge: Macassar ebony
Headstock: Slotted, with Macassar ebony plate
Tuners: Rubner
I evaluate ukes across four dimensions, and here are my thoughts on this particular uke.
I love the tone. I have it tuned linear Bb, which is where Kevin also ended up on the other 7 baritones he has made. The tone is very rich. Clear. Clean. Really great sustain.
Playability is top-notch, but that's not surprising as Kevin has played guitars and lutes professionally for many years. It is super comfortable to play. I did lower the action a bit and may lower it a tad more, but haven't fully decided.
Aesthetics: Even better in person. In the photos I had seen I loved many things but the front often seemed a little "washed out” that had me a little worried I would not be floored by the aesthetics. Maybe it was something about the pics because in person it looks great. And what a gorgeous set of ziricote. I also love the ebony fretboard. It’s unique. And the 12th fret marker is perfect. Just a splash of style. The tuners look fantastic, too. So, super happy!
Build execution. Kevin's work is very clean. Definitely punches above his weight class in terms of how clean his build is vs. his price point.
Yes, so I am very pleased with this uke and I definitely recommend Kevin. He's also a joy to work with.
I'll share a few photos below, but here is a link to all the photos:
https://flic.kr/s/aHskKG6DBm
At UGH 2017, I had the pleasure of playing two of Kevin Mason's baritone ukes and they really impressed me. They were very well executed and were particularly favorable to me on playability. I knew then and there it was only a matter of time before I commissioned one. And so I did in very late 2018.
We discussed a few different wood options and he set up looking for some good sets. I fully expected it would take awhile, but that very evening he found a remarkable set of ziricote and I said, "Oh, heck yes!". That was so easy.
For the top, we decided to use torrefied spruce. I pretty much let Kevin run free on this. I did ask for a nice 12th fret marker. I think the only other decision was tuners, and I selected Rubner given their bang-for-the-buck.
Scale: 19.5
Tuning: Linear Bb
Top: Torrefied sitka spruce
Body: Ziricote (a stunning set, I might add!)
Finish: Shellac
Fingerboard: Macassar ebony
Bridge: Macassar ebony
Headstock: Slotted, with Macassar ebony plate
Tuners: Rubner
I evaluate ukes across four dimensions, and here are my thoughts on this particular uke.
I love the tone. I have it tuned linear Bb, which is where Kevin also ended up on the other 7 baritones he has made. The tone is very rich. Clear. Clean. Really great sustain.
Playability is top-notch, but that's not surprising as Kevin has played guitars and lutes professionally for many years. It is super comfortable to play. I did lower the action a bit and may lower it a tad more, but haven't fully decided.
Aesthetics: Even better in person. In the photos I had seen I loved many things but the front often seemed a little "washed out” that had me a little worried I would not be floored by the aesthetics. Maybe it was something about the pics because in person it looks great. And what a gorgeous set of ziricote. I also love the ebony fretboard. It’s unique. And the 12th fret marker is perfect. Just a splash of style. The tuners look fantastic, too. So, super happy!
Build execution. Kevin's work is very clean. Definitely punches above his weight class in terms of how clean his build is vs. his price point.
Yes, so I am very pleased with this uke and I definitely recommend Kevin. He's also a joy to work with.
I'll share a few photos below, but here is a link to all the photos:
https://flic.kr/s/aHskKG6DBm
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