The Aroma of Ukulele

Rllink · Oct 22, 2019

BuzzBD said:
Actually, both POC and AYC are not cedars, they are closely related members of the cypress family. And their aroma is most prominent when freshly cut. The best quality of them is their stability vs. humidity changes. I need to bring some over here to Kauai, climate control is a big issue here.
Brad

That is interesting. Something that I do not remember ever being discussed here. It is always just solid woods are prone to cracking and laminates are not, a blanket statement with nothing in between. I'm going to have to research that a little more.

AQUATOPAZ · Oct 22, 2019

Jarmo_S said:
There has been also sweat (sometimes tears) and cheap labor behind our ukes, all the troubles people have when they are exploited.

The smells can be nice, but there are woods, I hope still for most of us where we can go and have a smell, sigh.

You don't know that people were exploited in the making of our ukes. That would depend on the brand and factory. Cheap labor in comparison to Europe or US doesn't necessarily mean exploitation wages as the cost of living is also a fraction of ours.

Swamp Yankee · Oct 22, 2019

I know Martin often uses Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata) linings in their guitars...maybe they use it in their ukes as well. It’s the same highly aromatic wood used to make cigar boxes. I used to have a Martin 000-17SM guitar that was so aromatic it would fill a room with that cigar box scent.

Nickie · Oct 23, 2019

Jerryc41 said:
I thought my Cocobolos might smell like Cocoa. Nope! They smell like nothing.

Jerry, send them all back! Something is up! My cocobolo smells distinctly like cocobolo. I don't know, maybe you should see your ENT Dr!

Jerryc41 · Oct 23, 2019

Nickie said:
Jerry, send them all back! Something is up! My cocobolo smells distinctly like cocobolo. I don't know, maybe you should see your ENT Dr!

Maybe I can buy some powdered cocobolo and put it in each one.

Uncle Rod Higuchi · Oct 23, 2019

one might also carry around a piece of Cedar (or any other desired aroma) and simply sniff that
instead of 'creating a scene' by lifting one's uke to one's nose periodically.

just my 2 cents

Strumdaddy · Oct 24, 2019

Uncle Rod Higuchi said:
one might also carry around a piece of Cedar (or any other desired aroma) and simply sniff that
instead of 'creating a scene' by lifting one's uke to one's nose periodically.

just my 2 cents

I have some vintage ukes that still smell sweet after 90 odd years - and I don't have to embarrassingly lift them to my nose; as soon as I open the case I am enveloped in sweet aroma.
One is a 20's Regal made mahogany "Glee Club" soprano in flamed mahogany, the other a Gibson tenor - mahogany back and sides and spruce top.
Opening the case and getting that smell triggers a lovely strum session for me.
There's something about old mahogany....

The Aroma of Ukulele

Rllink

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AQUATOPAZ

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Swamp Yankee

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Nickie

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Jerryc41

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Uncle Rod Higuchi

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Strumdaddy

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