Chunky Pineapple Ukulele

I make all my ukuleles from reclaimed woods, but this one probably looks like it more than the others because the top and back are made from barn wood pine that has some small bug holes in it (filled with epoxy before finishing).  It's made on the pattern of the famous Pineapple Ukulele introduced by the Kamaka company in the 1920s.  I call this one "chunky" because the body is somewhat larger than usual.

When I found this "buggy" pine, I wanted to use it for a top because of its funky look, plus I wanted to see how the very old and well-seasoned wood would perform as a "tonewood."  I found it works just fine--the uke has good volume and tone.

An Extravagant Uke Pitch

Oaken Shield Tenor

Introducing the mighty "Oaken Shield" ukulele, tenor size, Who makes a ukulele entirely out of oak, which is not supposed to be a "tonewood"? I just did, and it sounds great, IMHO--excellent volume and tone. Play it soft and low or hard and fast--the solidity and heft of this uke make it suitable for that whole range. It's Beauty AND the Beast all rolled into one. --Dave raberdavid@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/2ndchancewood/

Two Michi-leles and a Mod Bell

Latest out of the workshop--a Michi-lele soprano (Spalted Maple top), Michi-lele concert (Flame Box Elder top) and a Mod Bell (Elm top).  I call it a Mod Bell because I started with the idea of a traditional bell shaped ukulele and modified it.  I started out not very fond of this shape, but after making three now, I'm liking it better.  Seems to work well in terms of resonance.

Fat Triangle Tenor Uke

Sierra, a co-worker at 2nd Chance Wood Company, playing one of my Fat Triangle ukuleles.

Ukulele Workbench

Lately I've been working on a few new Michi-leles, plus a Mod Bell type, replenishing  my stock after some sales.  Still have quite a few on hand, though, for sale at 2nd Chance wood company in Durand, MI, and in fact there is a SUMMER SALE going on right now--at least 15% off everything that is out there right now, about a dozen ukuleles of various styles.

It's the Fabulous Wackylele!

I made a ukulele that's "bass-ackwards."  In God's name, WHY?  All I can say is, it felt like a mountain I had to climb.

It's the Wackylele! How did this happen?

Had an idea to make a "bass-ackwards" ukulele, and now I'm in the process.  Have I gone overboard with whimsy factor?  You be the judge.

I thought this was may original idea, but after planning it out I did find an image of one very similar to it on the internet.  I guess some whimsical ideas are arrived at independently by different creators sometimes--just like monumental breakthroughs in science. Oh, well.  I'm going to keep on it until I get the cease-and-desist letter from the the patent holder. ;-)

Camp Style

Recently built ukes in the so-called "Camp" style, first popularized in the 1920s.  I like the simplicity of the body shape--it's round, as you probably noticed.  The one at the top has a bigger body, though this is obscured by the fact that the one at the bottom is a tighter close-up picture.  Both are concert-sized.  I like the bigger body because it produces somewhat higher volume, though I think they both sound pretty sweet.   This is the first type I've made that includes some wood that is not reclaimed wood:  the sides are made of 3/8" bendable plywood, a commercial product, which I think works well for this application.  I don't mind not being a 100% purist with the reclaimed wood, especially since this will probably be my only departure ever from that 100%.

Cat's Eye Ukulele

Anatomically, it doesn't make sense.  Yes, the cat's head is at the end of the neck, but its one oversized eye is at the other end of the neck.  Well, that's whimsy for ya.