This was a one off ukulele, which has now been sold.

This is a one-of-a-kind handmade tenor ukulele from Canadian Luthier Martin van Humbeck (Beck is for short as it fits on the headstock better!). This one, number 162 is made from AAAA grade solid bear claw Englemann spruce (so called because of those natural ‘claw mark’ figuring), which is paired with more AAAA wood, chocolate mango on the back and sides.

The neck is mahogany, reinforced with a carbon fibre rod, with Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge (the latter fitted with rosewood bridge pins). The binding is a deep brown Guyanian snakewood, with a truly gorgeous soundhole decoration made from claro walnut and abalone. that walnut also features on the tail graft and the headstock plate - which wouldn’t look out of place on the dashboard of a Jaguar E-type - it really is lovely!

Finished with a gloss lacquer, this luthier made tenor ukulele is really striking to look at, but also has great specification - aside from that superb quality tonewood. The tuners are Gotoh UK700’s, which are super smooth, and the uke is fitted with Aquila reds paired with a Fremont Low G. There’s a tweed style hard case and an intricately designed side soundport too.

The ukulele feels really well balanced, with a great set-up and a 35mm nut width - though it feels quite spacious, with generous string spacing. And when you play it - there’s a real zing from those Aquila reds that brings the spruce to the fore, with fabulous projection, and with the low G in play, it positively resonates through your chest. It’s a delight. I am not usually a low G player, but can see how this one suits it - the bold, deep tone being perfectly matched to those powerful, spruce-led highs.

There’s an video demo of this Martin Beck ukulele if you click additional info below.