It can be a problem when new builders hang out a shingle. I'm all for encouraging beginning builders but the simple fact is that they don't have the depth of experience that inspires confidence. In short, I don't think I'd ever buy a "custom" without hearing the builder's work beforehand unless said builder had earned a solid reputation through years and years of delivering instruments that sound and play as good as they look.
There is a distinct difference between a master wood crafter and a master luthier...both will build very attractive instruments but the luthier knows how to bring sound to the table, too.
Now, I'm not saying this guy doesn't build good sounding instruments...the unadulterated sample was so brief I think it's fairly useless in judging the real sound of the instrument. That said, when the rubber meets the road if one buys a custom that doesn't sound significantly better than a decent factory uke they've basically purchased a decoration...
John
