Walnut soundboard?

[Chuck Tweedy]

I just finished this tenor Uke in all walnut. I was curious as to what the sound would be like.
Although hardwood tops are traditional on Uke's, I've not seen any walnut Uke's, so I didn't know if it would be successful.
Well, it's surprised me, on Facebook I described it this way:
(This Uke) Sounds AWESOME actually. I'm not a Uke expert, but right now I have 4 ukes in the shop: One all koa, one spruce top, one maple top, and this one. And frankly, this one is the best sounding - by far. It has an amazingly attractive tone - very VERY different than the spruce topped one. The spruce one has great sound, but it is lush like a guitar. This one is tight and bouncy like a hard rubber ball. Fun to play with!

[Bill Raymond]

That's a fine looking Uke, Chuck.

[Bryan Bear]

Beautiful Chuck, how thick is the top?

[Chuck Tweedy]

It's not thick ... it's thin.

Actually it is pretty thick in Uke terms - according to my notes it was 0.072" before finish sanding.

[Bryan Bear]

My bad, I meant how thick is 't the top?

[Randy Roberts]

Beautiful Chuck!
Can we see more of it?
From the distinct color varigations, that looks like you may have lucked onto some Midwestern black walnut that has not been steamed, was air dried, and that may be on the verge of becoming famous for it's distinctive tonal qualities.
Just guessing....<g>

[Chuck Tweedy]

Hey Randy!
I need to do some picture reduction - then I'll post a thread in "Other Instruments".
I really don't know the source or processing history of this wood. I got it at a local hardwood dealer (Not from the nearly famous Black Walnut Rescue).
At one time, it was actually one wall of a entertainment set cabinet that was orphaned. That's it's own story.
It has good color, with stripes, but the sapwood is a bit more tan that I would expect if it were air dried... Maybe it wasn't steamed, I really don't know.

Thanks for noticing!!!

[Randy Roberts]

You didn't finish the entertainment center?!?!?

[Chuck Tweedy]

No no, it was complete long ago. But it is one cabinet smaller than the original plan.
By order of the boss.

[Dave Higham]

Nice uke Chuck.

Bruce Sexauer recently built an all-Claro guitar. There are sound clips too.

http://www.sexauerluthier.com/FT-000-W-Memphis.html

[Chris Mudd]

I worked in a music store in St. Louis in the mid 1980's and sold a lot of Alvarez guitars. There was one model that I remember being all walnut with a brass saddle, nut and bridge pins.

I remember thinking the sound was very exciting and had great defenition.

I would love one of those now.

Best