The Story Of Buzzards Field Ukuleles

The idea behind Buzzards Field happened in 2012 when I was befriended by three other ukulele-playing teachers and the Ukulele Light Orchestra was formed. Because I'd also played bass in bands too, I was given an acoustic bass guitar.
About this time Road Toad and Kala invented the bass ukulele which, of course, caught my attention. However, at £500 they were way beyond the means of a humble supply teacher. So... I built one for myself. The original build was ugly and rough and would make a luthier cringe, but it worked! What's more, someone wanted to buy it, so I sold it! The next build was much tidier, and I sold that one too.
Eventually, I had developed the conversion enough so that not only did they work, but they actually matched and even surpassed the U-bass in quality of sound. At this point the idea of creating a kit for people to build their own bass ukulele their own was formed.
Musicians were fascinated by the idea of a bass ukulele. Ukulele players loved the idea of a bass instrument of their own, and everyone loved the innovation and value offered by my builds and the kits. I sold a good number at ukulele and folk music festivals.
For the next 10 years I quietly refined the design and process. I had a few other innovative ukulele-based ideas like drum based banjoleles and a 5-string ukulele conversion, plus I taught myself how to build instruments from scratch too.
My life got busier. Supply bookings became more regular, tutoring, marriage, a growing child, bands and the Ukulele Light Orchestra meant that for some years the business took a back seat.
Fast forward to now. Lots of changes in my life have come along. I gave up teaching, got divorced, my child grew up, I moved home and built a dedicated workshop. Now living in the lovely Weston-super-Mare I am making my desire of running Buzzards Field and living for the music a reality.
Sadly the ULO is no more, but I still play open mics and perform in gigging bands (yes, the bass uke still gets outings too!).
Buzzards Field has developed over the years, but still firmly stands for fun, innovation and value, just like the original bass uke conversion all those years ago.

Why the name Buzzards Field? Well, the last bit is obvious, but buzzards are a deep love of mine. They are routed in the land and the sky and are somehow both elusive and eternal. They are an icon of my beloved Westcountry. I am prone to bouts of inspiration when under the gaze of the buzzard.

Darren Field - MD Buzzards Field.
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The ULO: Mairwen Guard - Left, Alan Spiers - middle left, me then Jane Vaughn - right.
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The Scratchy Black Cats - folk group featuring the Darren in the middle, Steve Brown to the left, Pam Robinson to the right and Tom Richards behind.
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An early bass ukulele conversion - V3 I think.
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Me, posing because I've learned to play bass and sing at the same time!