Hi Stan. Lovely to hear from you!
I have decided to stop making backpackers, after the current crop.
My reasons are slightly convoluted, but essentially:
Since I started making them, almost every backpacker has gone overseas, mostly to the US and South East Asia. On the other hand, almost every standard ukulele has been sold here in NZ. I have enough orders to keep me going with just standard ukuleles.
The timbers I use are incredibly precious. Not in terms of money - you simply can't buy most of the timbers I use - but in terms of rarity. Most kiwis have never seen or even heard of half the timbers I use.
I have always been a little uncomfortable about sending native wood instruments overseas. Perhaps it is difficult to understand for most people, but you may know what I mean, as a Hawaiian. Maori people use the word Taonga to describe the 'treasures' belonging to this land. Perhaps you have a similar concept, which could include Koa, and everything else which has been unsustainably stripped from your lovely island for the 'benefit' of others.
Anyway, I digress. I have decided that:
1. I'd rather be making normal ukuleles than backpackers.
2. I'd prefer the majority of my instruments to stay in this country, as 'artifacts' of our rapidly dimishing native flora (being stripped so that we can supply milk to other parts of the world)
3. I simply don't have time to do both. I'm a one man operation, with about 2.5 days a week at best to make instruments. My kids are young (3 and 5) and I want to hang out with them as much as possible.
Now, I am still happy to make normal ukuleles for overseas customers. This is simply about adjusting the balance.
I will obviously be happy to sort any problems that may arise from the backpackers I've made. I don't want any unhappy customers out there.
Thanks for the email Stan. Always nice to hear from you.
Hope all is well with you.
Mahalo, Bevan
Aloha Gang, Bevan Ukes sound amazing...most all my friends who have played it will not put this uke down....and when then come back, they ask to play it...
that says alot...considering I have alot of ukes to choose from....perfect intonation and good volume.. crisp tone....just lovely to play....