I just started my ukulele journey last summer 2021 and I haven't done well at all. Just when I think I've got the UAS killer, the next irrational beauty pops up that starts the internal rationalization! Maybe we should have all the single uke owners be sponsors that we can call in times of weakness!
for some odd reason, I think I'd lose their number.
I had JUST received the UAS killer, Ono tenor, back in late September. I
even listed my 1-in-1-out in the marketplace!... and that's where it started. I got a trade offer for a thin-line cedar/padauk Kinnard that I was strongly considering. Even this consideration went against the spirit of the 1-in-1-out model. I spiraled into my research and listened to as many sound samples as I could of the uke in consideration and other Kinnards of all sorts, sizes, and statuses. You can imagine where this is going.
It eventually turned out that the cedar/padauk trade wasn't for me, but the UAS was already in full swing. There were 4 other thin-line Kinnards available online. In the first moment of weakness, I reached out to Kevin at Kinnard for sound samples of three available ukes. I studied these sound samples and ogled over the pictures, trying to fight the UAS and all the accompanying rationalizations* for about three days until I finally succumbed and pulled the trigger on this gorgeous cedar/palo escrito:
View attachment 145261
The rationalization:
- Of course I needed a thin-line!
- I could use this for travel to be a little smaller than a standard tenor (I did research for a thin-line hard case, to no avail).
- Looks amazing.
- The wood selection and grain is unique (my first time hearing of/seeing palo escrito and my only instrument with sapwood).
- The headstock is unique (a little shorter with no Kinnard signature at the top).
- John's work is impeccable. I watched an interview where Kevin mentioned that John uses jewelers glasses while he builds, so he sees every tiny imperfection.
- Sounds amazing.
- I was able to select this one out of five available thin-lines with sound samples.
- I've developed a love for cedar.
- Palo Escrito is also known as Mexican rosewood.
- The cedar/rosewood combination on the thin-line body creates a crisp attack with good brightness, clarity, and note separation while maintaining warmth.
- I could afford it at this time and use it for my lifetime.
- I would go on to list another 1-in-1-out (listed!).
- Said lifetime is short (memento mori).
Irrational aspects:
- It's a pretty penny.
- The prior 1-in-1-out has yet to sell.
- (I'm completely OK keeping this for as long as I need)
- I JUST got an Ono tenor a month prior.
- I have too many ukes (according to my better half... and other non UAS sufferers).
- I already have two other cedar top tenors (that both still have their unique sound and feel).
The decision becomes pretty obvious, right?
Right?!? Right.
I'm afflicted.
See item 4.2 above.
