Another unique handmade tenor scale banjolele from Darren at Buzzards Field Ukuleles.
This example has an iroko and sapele neck and headstock. The high quality fretboard is crafted from lacquered sapele, and has a subtle flower bud motif etched behind the frets. You'll notice that it has been designed with a zero-fret, which ensures the best action at the lower frets. At the nut, the width of the fretboard is 38mm - slightly wider than standard to allow for a more comfortable experience and easier fretting of the dreaded barre chords!
It has Aquila strings installed with a high G at present - but can be easily switched to low G if required. The sapele and oak saddle sits on a Remo Fiberskyn frame drum, which is permanently tuned and impervious to moisture and heat fluctuations, which can otherwise play havoc with natural goatskin. The tone of this drum is different from a traditional banjolele, which to many ears can be overly loud and shrill - especially when accompanying other ukuleles. When strummed or picked, this uke produces a bright, resonant but mellow timbre, without the tininess often associated with banjoleles. It sits very well in a mix when played in a ukulele group, for example. The back of the drum has been designed to be removed, which boosts the treble and lowers the bass when played - if required.
As a tenor scale instrument, the playable string is 420mm. Intonation is easily corrected by adjusting the floating bridge, for example when changing strings. Quality metal geared tuners are fitted, as is a strap point and genuine Aquila strings.
If required, a message can be etched into the back cover.
