B-Stock. Newly built in June 2023. deHoutwinkel ‘Builders Choice’ Concert ukulele. de Houtwinkel  meaning “the woodshop” is as unique of a company as its maker. Being a one-man shop in Logan, Utah allows Daryl to meticulously put his expertise and attention into every piece from design to delivery. Daryl spent a greater part of a decade as a Wildland firefighter and on one of his off seasons in 2015, he began crafting ukuleles.  The science behind the instrument and how it evolved over the years is what drew him in, with his engineering background it seemed a natural fit.  Learn more about Daryl vanderGroef and his work.

This ukulele is handmade with a one piece recovered piano top (150 year old) German Spruce and Black Cherry from a recovered bridge for back and sides. German Spruce, also known as European spruce has been highly regarded for its exceptional tonal characteristics, it’s known to produce clear, bright and a well-balanced sound with excellent projection. Being 150 years old used it has opened up and developed more complex tonal qualities as it is known to mature and improve with age. This is paired with Black Cherry, not only it brings great tone but also its natural beauty. and this piece does not disappoint! The medullary rays with the orange and cream colours just makes this piece quite stunning. Black Cherry produces a warm, mellow, and balanced sound that resonates with depth and richness. These two paired together really gives a good balance of projection and sustain, making it suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.

Playability is great, with low action (2.25mm at 12th fret), and a D-shape neck helps you grip the instrument firmly and the slight flatter back allows you to do barred chords easily. It has been hand-rubbed with Tru-oil which is made with a unique blend of linseed and other natural oils that dries fast, resists water damage and will not cloud, yellow or crack with age - this type of finish gives it a satin smooth feel.

This ukulele has been reduced due to tiny dents under the bridge (see last photo) from the strings slipping and marking the ukulele, these do not affect the instrument. If you have wanted a handmade custom ukulele here’s one at discounted price!

Specifications:

• Soundboard: 150 year old German Spruce, a one piece recovered piano top

• Back / Sides: Black Cherry, from recovered bridge

• Fretboard: Rosewood

• Bridge: Rosewood

• Neck: Spanish Cedar

• Rosette: Curly Myrtle

• Binding / Purfling: Santos Rosewood and BWB

• Fretwire: nickel / silver

• Headstock: Solid curly myrtle headplate

• Tuners: Generic geared tuners

• Strings: High G, Nami Japanese fluorocarbon strings

• Fretmarkers: Custom wood inlay

• Satin feel finish with Tru-Oil

• Strap button installed on the lower bout

• Nut-width: 35mm, G to A string spacing: 29mm

• Comes with deluxe Fremont ukulele case and a Boveda humidity pack

• Free Shipping within Australia. International shipping available, note: buyers may be liable for additional fees and taxes.

Here’s a quick sound sample: