The Wood
Unlike most conventional ukuleles, which are made from one or two woods, Captain ukuleles are a combination of many of our finest natives. Some parts of the ukulele have particular requirements in terms of density, flexibility, strength etc... but there are purely decorative aspects too, and the combination of colours and grain makes every Captain ukulele unique.
Mangeao
Mangeao
One of the best tonewoods around. It is very flexible and strong (it makes a good axe handle) and is light to medium brown with silver tones. It is also great for the sides due to the ease of steam bending.
Kohekohe
Kohekohe
Sometimes referred to as NZ mahogany. Kohekohe can be pinkish brown through to dark red. Lovely tonewood, but surprisingly difficult on the saw blade.
Kauri
Kauri
Another lovely tonewood. Pale golden honey with bookmatching revealing a subtle chatoyancy.
Matai
Matai
Most commonly seen as floorboards in old houses. Matai is also a great tonewood when found in the right density. This Matai is particularly orange and lovely.
Rewarewa
Rewarewa
Such an interesting looking wood, it features on the back of most Captain ukuleles. All sorts of colours and patterns come through, which is highlighted by book matching.
Tawa
Tawa
Another common floorboard timber in the old days. Tawa's medium density, stability and workability make it the standard Captain neck wood. It is susceptible to spalting, which is of course a bonus!
Puriri
Puriri
My favourite timber. It is a rich chocolate brown (not the 50% chocolate, the Whittakers 72%). It is heavy and dense, yet remarkably easy to work, and makes a fantastic fretboard and bridge. It smells like mushroom soup during sanding.
Houhere
Houhere
Commonly known as lacebark, is yellow in colour with a grain similar to Rewarewa. I use it purely decoratively.
Kahikatea
Kahikatea
Seen here as binding and as thin strips in the tail inlay. It is very pale and light. Renowned for it's lack of odour and colour (and subsequently used extensively in transporting butter in the old days) it makes a lovely decorative wood.