Crafting a Unique Ukulele from Ancient Western Red Cedar and Big Leaf Maple
Introduction
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where towering trees have stood for centuries, I embarked on a special project: building a ukulele from reclaimed 700-year-old Western red cedar from Baranof Island, Alaska, paired with stunning big leaf maple for the back and sides. This blog post chronicles the journey of transforming these ancient and beautiful materials into a one-of-a-kind musical instrument that carries both history and harmony.
The Materials: A Story of Time and Place
The star of this build is the Western red cedar, sourced from Baranof Island in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. This wood, estimated to be around 700 years old, was reclaimed from a fallen tree, preserved in the undergrowth of the forest. Western red cedar is renowned in luthiery for its warm, rich tone and lightweight, resonant qualities, making it an ideal choice for the ukulele’s soundboard. The grain of this ancient cedar shows hues of red, brown, and purple that tells a story of centuries spent weathering coastal storms and absorbing minerals from the earth.
For the back and sides, I chose big leaf maple, a wood native to the Pacific Northwest, known for its bright, clear tonal qualities and stunning figure. The maple I used features a beautiful flame pattern, adding visual depth to the instrument. The contrast between the cedar’s warm tones and the maple’s lighter, golden hues creates a striking aesthetic, blending history with craftsmanship.
The Building Process
Step 1: Preparing the Wood
The first task was to carefully select and prepare the reclaimed cedar and maple. The cedar, being ancient, required delicate handling to avoid damaging its aged fibers. I thickness-sanded the cedar to about 2mm for the soundboard, ensuring it was thin enough to vibrate freely but strong enough to withstand string tension. The big leaf maple was cut and bookmatched for the back and sides, highlighting its flame pattern for maximum visual impact.
Step 2: Shaping the Body
Using a traditional ukulele mold, I bent the maple sides by applying gentle heat and moisture, shaping them into the classic hourglass figure of a concert ukulele. The cedar soundboard and maple back were then carefully joined to the sides, with spruce bracing added to the underside of the soundboard to enhance resonance and structural integrity. The bracing pattern was kept minimal to allow the ancient cedar to sing freely.
Step 3: Crafting the Neck and Fretboard
For the neck, I chose mahogany for its stability and tonal warmth, carving it to a comfortable profile that complements the ukulele’s lightweight body. The fretboard, made from rosewood, was fitted with 18 nickel-silver frets, precisely installed to ensure accurate intonation. The nut, highlighting the Alaskan origins of this uke was carved from a piece of fossilized walrus ivory.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty, I applied a thin layer of shellac, hand-rubbed to a beautiful finish. This allowed the cedar’s rich color and the maple’s flame to shine through while providing durability. The ukulele was strung with high-quality fluorocarbon strings, chosen for their bright, clear sound that pairs well with the cedar and maple.
The Sound: A Voice from the Ages
When I strummed the first chord on this ukulele, the sound was nothing short of magical. The ancient Western red cedar produces a warm, mellow tone with a surprising depth for such a small instrument, while the big leaf maple adds brightness and clarity, creating a balanced and versatile voice. Whether fingerpicked or strummed, the ukulele sings with a resonance that surprises and inspires.
Reflections on the Build
Building this ukulele was more than a woodworking project—it was a connection to history and nature. The 700-year-old cedar from Baranof Island brings a sense of timelessness to the instrument, while the big leaf maple adds a touch of Pacific Northwest elegance. Every step, from selecting the wood to playing the first notes, was a reminder of the beauty and responsibility of working with reclaimed materials.
Conclusion
This ukulele is a testament to the harmony between craftsmanship and nature’s gifts. The ancient Western red cedar and vibrant big leaf maple come together to create an instrument that’s not only beautiful to look at but also a joy to play. For anyone considering a luthiery project, I encourage you to seek out sustainable, reclaimed materials—there’s something truly special about giving new life to wood with a story to tell.
If you’re inspired to have me build something for you or simply want to hear this ukulele in action, please reach out!