Opinions on Beansprout Tenor and Baritone

[Charliehl]

Hi all,

I am looking for any opinions from Beansprout owners on Tenor and Baritone Ukuleles. What do you like, what would you change, what would you do differently?

If you started again, would you still go for a Beansprout?


Also, let me know if anyone has one for sale in Europe.

Thank you

Charlie

 

[KaminTheWeaver]

I own both a tenor and baritone from Beansprout and love them both.

What I like: The instruments are very well built. They're light, resonant, and easy to play. The intonation is perfect up the neck and the tone is very clear on those high frets, which is a must when paying for a custom that is built for you. Aaron is easy to work with...he takes into account what you want and adds his insight as well. He's part artist, part musician, part woodworker/luthier, and brings all of that into the intentionality of his builds. Both are among my favorites in my collection.

What I would change: I don't know what I would change...Aaron made everything according to my specifications and also sought to make my instruments unique to me, and I appreciate that from him. I sometimes wonder if I'd prefer a spruce or cedar top instead of all myrtle, but that's because of my particular journey in discovering the sound I like. I wouldn't be surprised if I eventually got a soft top Beansprout tenor.

What I wish I knew: Beansprouts have a particular sound that's not like other ukuleles. They don't sound "Hawaiian" like a Kanile'a or KoAloha, but more folksy or bluegrass-like, which makes sense because that's the music Aaron plays. The body of the instrument is also smaller than those brands I mentioned. Be sure you understand the difference between a Beansprout sound in comparison to others you might hear from more traditional brands. I'd also ask Aaron about neck thickness and width. His standard width at the nut is 1 3/8". He custom made my neck to be wider (1.5") and thinner like a KoAloha because I prefer it that way.

I would definitely go with a Beansprout...I'll probably end up getting one more from him before my wife makes me stop the madness.

On another note, I've also bought several cutting boards and coasters from him. He's my go-to when I want to give a housewarming gift with a personal touch to it.

Let me know if you have more questions!

 

[ZJS]

Definitely agree with The Weaver here. I actually bought mine from the original owner, so it wasn’t made to my specs, but it still is an absolute delight. It’s made so well. Even though his instruments are not necessarily fancy, they are so darn elegant, if that makes sense. The small attention to details is incredible. The feel of the instrument, the tone… I’m definitely a fan.

 

[Charliehl]

I own both a tenor and baritone from Beansprout and love them both.

What I like: The instruments are very well built. They're light, resonant, and easy to play. The intonation is perfect up the neck and the tone is very clear on those high frets, which is a must when paying for a custom that is built for you. Aaron is easy to work with...he takes into account what you want and adds his insight as well. He's part artist, part musician, part woodworker/luthier, and brings all of that into the intentionality of his builds. Both are among my favorites in my collection.

What I would change: I don't know what I would change...Aaron made everything according to my specifications and also sought to make my instruments unique to me, and I appreciate that from him. I sometimes wonder if I'd prefer a spruce or cedar top instead of all myrtle, but that's because of my particular journey in discovering the sound I like. I wouldn't be surprised if I eventually got a soft top Beansprout tenor.

What I wish I knew: Beansprouts have a particular sound that's not like other ukuleles. They don't sound "Hawaiian" like a Kanile'a or KoAloha, but more folksy or bluegrass-like, which makes sense because that's the music Aaron plays. The body of the instrument is also smaller than those brands I mentioned. Be sure you understand the difference between a Beansprout sound in comparison to others you might hear from more traditional brands. I'd also ask Aaron about neck thickness and width. His standard width at the nut is 1 3/8". He custom made my neck to be wider (1.5") and thinner like a KoAloha because I prefer it that way.

I would definitely go with a Beansprout...I'll probably end up getting one more from him before my wife makes me stop the madness.

On another note, I've also bought several cutting boards and coasters from him. He's my go-to when I want to give a housewarming gift with a personal touch to it.

Let me know if you have more questions!

Thank you, that really helps. I appreciate this is a hard question to answer, but can you explain a little more about the difference you hear in sound between Aarron’s and the Hawaiian built instruments?

All the best

Charlie

 

[Larry U]

I own both a tenor and baritone from Beansprout and love them both.

What I like: The instruments are very well built. They're light, resonant, and easy to play. The intonation is perfect up the neck and the tone is very clear on those high frets, which is a must when paying for a custom that is built for you. Aaron is easy to work with...he takes into account what you want and adds his insight as well. He's part artist, part musician, part woodworker/luthier, and brings all of that into the intentionality of his builds. Both are among my favorites in my collection.

What I would change: I don't know what I would change...Aaron made everything according to my specifications and also sought to make my instruments unique to me, and I appreciate that from him. I sometimes wonder if I'd prefer a spruce or cedar top instead of all myrtle, but that's because of my particular journey in discovering the sound I like. I wouldn't be surprised if I eventually got a soft top Beansprout tenor.

What I wish I knew: Beansprouts have a particular sound that's not like other ukuleles. They don't sound "Hawaiian" like a Kanile'a or KoAloha, but more folksy or bluegrass-like, which makes sense because that's the music Aaron plays. The body of the instrument is also smaller than those brands I mentioned. Be sure you understand the difference between a Beansprout sound in comparison to others you might hear from more traditional brands. I'd also ask Aaron about neck thickness and width. His standard width at the nut is 1 3/8". He custom made my neck to be wider (1.5") and thinner like a KoAloha because I prefer it that way.

I would definitely go with a Beansprout...I'll probably end up getting one more from him before my wife makes me stop the madness.

On another note, I've also bought several cutting boards and coasters from him. He's my go-to when I want to give a housewarming gift with a personal touch to it.

Let me know if you have more questions!

Totally agree. My Beansprout is the best-sounding, easiest-playing instrument I own. The only thing I might change would be if he offered a gloss finish. However, that would probably mess up the sound. His instruments are very lightly built and finished (but not delicate!) and adding a heavy, gloss lacquer might adversely affect the tone. Aaron prefers his instruments as simple as possible, with minimal decoration, no bling, and a finish that showcases the natural look of the wood. He'll even use woods with "blemishes", bug holes, knots, etc. that emphasize the true source of the material. Don't get me wrong...they're not ugly or primitive looking. They are beautiful instruments that just don't look like the typical high-gloss, abalone inlaid, ultra-curly tropical hardwood ukulele. They're not cheap but it's a lifetime investment. Buy one. You won't regret it.

 

[hands_on_lanzon]

Thank you, that really helps. I appreciate this is a hard question to answer, but can you explain a little more about the difference you hear in sound between Aarron’s and the Hawaiian built instruments?

All the best

Charlie

It might be easier to hear than explain, aside from @KaminTheWeaver already described in that Beansprouts might lean a little more folksy/bluegrass-y than the tradional Hawaiian sound. I'm by no means saying it's bad. They sound amazing! But I'd say that all builders start to develop their own voice. Comparing the traditional sounds of the Hawaiian K-brands is a great example. They all represent what might be thought of as a traditional Hawaiian sound, but they're all very different. Grab some good headphones and check out this video and then pull up some Beansprout videos and listen for yourself. It's the best way to learn! Our written descriptions can only say so much. . Enjoy!!!

 

[Charliehl]

It might be easier to hear than explain, aside from @KaminTheWeaver already described in that Beansprouts might lean a little more folksy/bluegrass-y than the tradional Hawaiian sound. I'm by no means saying it's bad. They sound amazing! But I'd say that all builders start to develop their own voice. Comparing the traditional sounds of the Hawaiian K-brands is a great example. They all represent what might be thought of as a traditional Hawaiian sound, but they're all very different. Grab some good headphones and check out this video and then pull up some Beansprout videos and listen for yourself. It's the best way to learn! Our written descriptions can only say so much. . Enjoy!!!

Thank you, great advice and a fun way to learn. I will settle down with a cup of tea later and a good set of headphones. Charlie

 

[merlin666]

These are certainly very intriguing and if I have to replace my tenor beansprout will be on top of the list. I would probably select myrtle or sycamore and wonder if anyone has a uke made of these woods?

 

[ZJS]

It might be easier to hear than explain, aside from @KaminTheWeaver already described in that Beansprouts might lean a little more folksy/bluegrass-y than the tradional Hawaiian sound. I'm by no means saying it's bad. They sound amazing! But I'd say that all builders start to develop their own voice. Comparing the traditional sounds of the Hawaiian K-brands is a great example. They all represent what might be thought of as a traditional Hawaiian sound, but they're all very different. Grab some good headphones and check out this video and then pull up some Beansprout videos and listen for yourself. It's the best way to learn! Our written descriptions can only say so much. . Enjoy!!!

I never gave this much thought for some reason. But after reading the above and thinking about what @KaminTheWeaver and @hands_on_lanzon mentioned, Hawaiian sound vs non-Hawaiian (folk, jazzy etc). While, of course, the Hawaiian sound is largely desirable. The alternative is not without significant historical merit, for example vintage Martin ukes.

Its bizarre I never separated the regional sounds (usually just by builder) but it definitely tracks. When I play more ragtime, ol’time, American traditional blues & even more modern bluesy rock, I prefer my non-Hawaiian ukes. When I’m playing more Hawaiian (obviously) and mainland melodic music, and compositions that have more bloom and breathing room to the notes (ex classical, Spanish romance, ballads etc) I much more prefer my Hawaiian-tone ukes. Great topic y’all, thanks!

(ps I’m sure, there are likely more than the two regional tones, Hawaiian and mainland, above. I just love how sometimes my ear tells me Something that I can’t consciously register it in my head until someone gives me the vocabulary/label to do so )

 

[Larry U]

These are certainly very intriguing and if I have to replace my tenor beansprout will be on top of the list. I would probably select myrtle or sycamore and wonder if anyone has a uke made of these woods?

My Jupiter Tenor is Watertank Redwood top with Pennsylvania Sycamore back and sides. I love the look and tone although I don't think Sycamore (or any other hardwood back and sides) makes a huge difference in the sound.