Considering a Custom Myrtle and Port Orford Cedar Concert

Larry U

Larry U

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I've finally gotten to the point where I'm considering ordering a custom-built ukulele from a luthier.

In a conversation with a builder, we were thinking about a concert-size instrument with an Oregon Myrtle back and sides and a Port Orford Cedar top. I'm primarily a fingerpicker and chord melody player and won't be using this for strumming and singing accompaniment, just solo instrumental playing. Music styles are varied; everything from classical, jazz standards, folk tunes, ragtime, blues, to whatever.

Does anyone have experience with this wood combination? Do you think it would be a good choice for my playing style?

(ADMINS: I hope this forum is the right one for this question. If not, please move it to the appropriate forum.)
 
Yes I do. I have exactly that ukulele. It is an Ohana 85 series with solid Port Orford Cedar top, solid burled Myrtle sides and back, and mahogany neck. Concert size. They were limited production and Ohana is showing them as no longer being produced, but I see them around for sale. Anyway, I love that uke. It is very pretty and I like the sound I get out of it with the sugar strings. It also has good volume, and that is number one with me. It is my number one ukulele and I play it everywhere for everything with a few rough and tumble exceptions.
 
Rllink said:
Yes I do. I have exactly that ukulele. It is an Ohana 85 series with solid Port Orford Cedar top, solid burled Myrtle sides and back, and mahogany neck. Concert size. They were limited production and Ohana is showing them as no longer being produced, but I see them around for sale. Anyway, I love that uke. It is very pretty and I like the sound I get out of it with the sugar strings. It also has good volume, and that is number one with me. It is my number one ukulele and I play it everywhere for everything with a few rough and tumble exceptions.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that input. I've seen photos of the Ohana 85 and I was wondering how it performs. Glad to hear that it works well for you. I'm pretty sure this is going to be the route I'll take but I want to cogitate on it a little more.

I just checked and I see that Mim has a CK-85 currently on sale. It looks nice but I'm really ready for a custom build.
 
Here's an update. I placed a deposit with the luthier for a concert ukulele with a Port Orford Cedar top and Myrtle back and sides. We picked out the wood last week and he received them yesterday. He just sent me some pics and they look amazing! He's moving quickly on this so I suspect this build isn't going to take too long.

I'm taking a little bit of a risk by working with a fairly new, young builder, but he's been great to work with so far and from what I've seen of his instruments, he definitely knows what he's doing. The luthier is Peter Morande of Morande Instruments (https://www.morande-instruments.com/) located in Vermont. I could have gone with a more-established builder but I'd be looking a lead time of a year or more, substantially more $$$, and at my age (and the current world health situation) I'd rather have my gratification sooner than later!

Here's a couple pics of the top and back pieces.

20200402_123239.jpg

20200402_123136.jpg
 
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The pics didn't come through. Myrtle is a really good wood. It's bright so that the cedar should warm it just a touch over using a spruce.

I have an MP all-myrtle tenor and a Kala Elite spruce/myrtle tenor. The all-myrtle is one of my favorites. Bright, great projection and very clear and clean notes. Sounds excellent strummed as well. The sustain is good but not huge.

I hope your build is everything you hope it will be and will provide you with years of enjoyment.
 
Snargle, has this uke been completed?
 
Hank Johnson, Kimo Ukulele in SoCal would be a good choice...his prices are very good and he uses the woods you are using a lot...he is a great builder fit and finish as good as anyone

btw Hank works fast and is a Pro at what he does,mine was done within 2 months...he is our age too..
 
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Just heard. Looking at mid-July for completion. As long as I get it by my birthday in late August, I'm fine (but don't tell the luthier that!). Of course, I'd like to have it today, but good things take time. :rolleyes:
 
Snargle said:
Just heard. Looking at mid-July for completion. As long as I get it by my birthday in late August, I'm fine (but don't tell the luthier that!). Of course, I'd like to have it today, but good things take time. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Agree. :) Did you get any updated pics?
 
I just received an update from the builder with some photos. It's coming along nicely and I think it's going to be a real eye-popper! There's still work needed on shaping the neck and bridge and some finish sanding, but I'm really excited.

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Unfortunately the photos are not visible, get a no-entry symbol :(
 
All good now. It's looking great, sure to be a looker once it's done :D and hopefully sounds as good (if not better) as it looks...

I have a custom in progress also and got photos the other day as it's done apart from the finishing. Photos are great, but they also make you so much more impatient!
 
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