“Bee's Wing” Curly Mango Tenor
For Sale at Island Bazaar in Huntington Beach, CA
Click on pictures to enlarge.
The patchwork pattern of the curl on this Mango tenor is called "bee's wing", so that is what I am calling this instrument.
The sound of this uke is much like the fruit itself, smooth and sweet.
The front and back are almost identical. Many thanks to Michael at Elite Tonewoods.
He really has some beautiful wood.
The accents are from the dark koa boards I like to use with my myrtle instruments. I think it goes very well with the mango too. Thanks to Hank Johnson (Kimo Ukuleles) I have quite bit, but I will sad when its gone.
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The neck is White Limba (aka - Korean) with a carbon reinforcement rod. Limba has a density very similar to mahogany, but the colors match better for myrtle and mango ukes in my opinion.
This one happens to have a little beetle hole up at the top. I think it gives a nice little bit of character.
Top is really pretty and has a wonderful warmth to its tone. The rosette koa with a blue puau abalone insert. The binding is curly koa with blue Paua purfling.
The fretboard and the bridge are maccassar ebony.
The headstock is the same mango as the top. I love the pin spot grain of mango. It is a very unique look.
The tuners are black Gotoh Interplanetary tuners.
Strings are a Pepe Romero wound low g string with custom high carbon fluorocarbon strings.
The side sound port is for the benefit of the player.
When I dropped this uke off at Island Bazaar, the first comment was, "oooh, this sounds sooo good".