I just wanted to share an illustration I came across on ukulelia.com. This definitely puts me in a fall mood; moreover, a ukulele mood. Have I ever mentioned that I love the ukulele? In my humble opinion, it is one of the best instruments out there. Here is a link to the illustrator's flickr page.

I thought I'd stop by my own blog and give an update.  I am finding it difficult to make a concerted effort to blog more.  Could it be the enjoying of life away from the computer that keeps me from my goals?  Could it be the lack of creativeness to think of a good topic?  I'm not sure, but I am sure that I am here now, posting a post.  Post.

I've been building, which is a great feeling.  More time has been given to this area of my career.  For this I am grateful.  If I were to choose between building and repairing...building, every time.  

I thank all of you for stopping by.  Let me know what you think of the ukulele project so far by leaving me a comment.  You can find a updated photo slideshow to the left.  Thank you again.  Happy summer!  Oh, and here are some places to check out:  Ukulele Hunt, (I'll have more links in awhile, I want to watch a movie).

Again another wonderful month has passed. Again I was very busy, all too busy to update this blog-o-mine. On a quiet Thursday night, I am here, to update and inform the readers of this blog. There are many things I should be doing but I am choosing to type.

I updated the little slide show to the left. Moreover, I will be continually updating photos. I have a few good ones from this months' customer work and also the ukulele project.

On the subject of the ukulele project.,I've started to pick up steam. I feel that finally all my thoughts are lined up and I can go all in. I am excited for this model I'm developing and hope that it will be a success. One can never know for sure if creative dreams will actually work out. If you get a chance to view the pictures to the left you'll notice some interesting details. All right angles and a finer touch of F-holes. Truly a ukulele jazz box (no, really, think of a box and that's what I'm making). I get excited just thinking about my new creation. Let's hope others will too.

Beyond all the shop stuff, Adrienne and I are going through a lot of changes in our life. One namely, is that we're trying to purchase a home. Stressful times. I would have never guessed all the paperwork that goes into buying a home. Even with all the stresses of home buying we're very excited and can't wait to have a small part of the "American dream."

Until next post, take care.

I have finally finished the Slingerland Banjo Ukulele. It took a long time. It took effort. Now that everything is finished strums abound. Wonderful sounds and intriguing tones came from that great little instrument. A black and white fantasy world of the old 1920's came furiously to my mind. With the "hissy", "hollow" tone I saw flappers dancing to some crazy rag.

I'm not too sure why this world is my first thought. Nonetheless it's a wonderful fantasy. Until next post everyone take care. Plus before next post I plan on playing for many hours on my new musical time machine. Sometimes I wish I was George Formby Jr.

Hello to everyone out there in the world. I wanted to write some words to let everyone know about my new project. Not too long ago I acquired an old Slingerland Banjo-Ukulele from an old estate. From what I can determine from the markings, and the research of others, the instrument dates back to 1923 and earlier (before "maybell" was stamped on many Slingerland models).

So far it's a fun project. There is a whole list of things that need to be done to it before it will be playable. Compounded with the fact that this instrument is an antique I'm taking careful steps to make sure it's done correctly. If anyone has any experience with restoring antique instruments and wants to throw some tips or suggestions my way please leave a comment. Overall I'm greatly enjoying the careful process of restoration and also anticipating the day when this banjo sings again.

The first place I'm throwing my efforts is with the neck. After assessing all of the areas needing work the neck seems to be where most of the restoration will take place. The neck is Birdseye Maple with a dark hardwood stringer (not too sure on its classification, doesn't seem to be ebony). With the environment it was in for many years (bagged in an attic) the neck has started to split at the peghead and also at the heel. Layers of dirt and dust seeped into the cracks and much time is being spent on cleaning out the gunk. On top of cleaning out the dirt I've started the process of conditioning all of the woods that had dried out.

Hopefully soon I'll have some photos showing the restoration. Moreover, I'm hoping to make this a weekly update on what's going on with the "old banjo." Keep an eye out for updated photos if you're a visual person. Till next time.

I have had a great time these weeks with a little instrument named the ukulele. I had fallen in love with the uke years ago, but in the last few weeks I've started to enjoy a few more things regarding this instrument. One is a podcast that I just subscribed to called Ukecast. Wonderful little podcast starring a gentleman from Alabama and a lad from England. They explore and review music from uke players around the world. Moreover they give little lesson bites and accessory reviews. A great-fun-time for ukulele lovers.

Another is the website ukulelereview.com. I'm liking this blog so much that I've decided to link it over to the right. Apparently this is a newer blog, but the author seems to be writing and updating on a regular basis. Check it out.

I've also had some great opportunity to make big steps in the construction of my tenor ukulele. I'm hoping that what I'm developing currently can be a mainstay for a good tenor model. We'll see, with some spruce, mahogany, and love one can never guess.