New Build. May 2023. deHoutwinkel ‘Builders Choice’ Tenor 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 Port Orford Cedar (Oregon) 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. Port Orford Cedar, is a species native to the Pacific Northwest, its highly regarded for producing a warm, balanced, and resonant sound. Strung with D’Addario Black nylon strings, both these tonewoods paired together gives brightness, good sustain and crispness.

It has been adorned with Spalted Tamarind appointments and unique handmade wood inlay design. The playability is great, with low action (2mm at 12th fret), and a C-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.

Specifications:

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

• Back / Sides: Port Orford Cedar from Oregon

• Fretboard: Spalted Tamarind

• Bridge: Spalted Tamarind

• Neck: Spanish Cedar

• Rosette: Spalted Tamarind

• Binding / Purfling: Figured Mahogany and BWB

• Fretwire: nickel / silver

• Headstock: Solid spalted tamarind headplate

• Tuners: Generic geared tuners

• Strings: High G, Ukes with Alex Nylon

• Fretmarkers: Custom inlay - rosewood

• Satin feel finish with Tru-Oil

• Strap button installed on the lower bout

• Nut-width: 35mm, G to A string spacing: 27mm

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

• Free Shipping within Australia. International shipping available - note: Buyers may be liable to pay for additional fees and taxes.

Here’s a quick sound sample: