My daughter, who plays and sings really well, has a very early one of my instruments (#5) She deserved an upgrade. She is living in Philadelphia, really likes the city, and suggested ‘Philadelphia’ inlays. I had a real nice piece of spalted tamarind (cut from a tree planted and taken down many years later by a mango grower in Boynton Beach Florida). So, just completed the ‘Philadelphia’ tenor, (#75). Spalted tamarind back and sides, Port Orford cedar top, blue paua abalone asymmetric rosette, Philadelphia skyline on the headstock in multiple colors of pearl. Down the fingerboard are Philly symbols: the liberty bell, the Love sculpture, the Declaration of Independence, Ben Franklin, the famous Philadelphia pretzel, and “Philly” written in man-made opal (Philly at night). My daughter’s initials are on the heel plate. Arm bevel in redwood burl.
