I’ve been a guitar player since I was six years old.  But after starting to build and play ukuleles in 2010, it’s now my instrument of choice.  In my early versions I experimented with chechen, mahogany and maple.  But my most recent seven ukuleles have all used curly koa wood, as it is the most sought-after wood for ukuleles.  It only grows in Hawaii, and is quite expensive.

The decorative rosette pattern around the soundhole isn’t a decal.  It’s inlaid ebony.

Jake Shimabukuro (the most respected and famous ukulele player in the world) was kind enough to play one of my Bay Chico ukuleles after a concert in Boise.  He expressed appreciation for the nice, balanced tone and intricate inlay work.