Custom D.G. Lukes “Ancient Oak” Baritone Ukulele

Preowned. Custom D.G. Lukes “Ancient Bog Oak & Sinker Redwood” Baritone Ukulele by luthier Daniel Lukes of Bristol, England.

Daniel Lukes brings a fresh, 21st-century perspective to ukulele lutherie, seamlessly blending innovative design with exceptional craftsmanship to create instruments that are as much functional works of art as they are musical tools. A lifelong performing musician and former member of the band Bellevue Days, Daniel discovered his passion for lutherie while studying Guitar Making and Repair at South Thames College in London. Since establishing his workshop in 2016, he has continually refined his distinctive range of handcrafted acoustic guitars and ukuleles. Working from his turf-roofed workshop in Bristol, England, Daniel builds each instrument with meticulous attention to detail, using locally and sustainably sourced tonewoods wherever possible. Every piece is finished with his signature fox heel—a distinctive hallmark of his craftsmanship and design philosophy.

Daniel handcrafts a limited number of instruments per year, and each possesses its own aesthetic and tonal personality. His instruments reflect old-world European artistry with contemporary applications. Handcrafted in Bristol, England, this custom D.G. Lukes baritone ukulele was crafted of the finest materials. The soundboard was cut from a premium set of Sinker Redwood. Sinker redwood is redwood that was harvested and sent downriver to processing mills but sank at some point along the way. They are extremely difficult to recover and are often buried under silt that has accumulated over the years. Nonetheless, these logs are highly sought after by luthiers for their structural and tonal characteristics, having been subjected to low oxygen levels at extreme cold temperatures at the bottom of the river floor. It is very stiff and lightweight, making it ideal for soundboards and uniquely distinct in its structural properties when compared to a typical redwood. The back and sides are a rare set of Ancient Bog Oak unearthed in the Fenland bog of Englandʻs East Anglian Fen. The oak has been carbon-dated to be over 5,000 years old, with a deep chocolate, jet black, or dark brown color, caused by a chemical reaction between iron-rich groundwaters/peat acids and the wood’s natural tannins. It is exceptionally heavy and hard, approaching the weight of dense tropical hardwoods due to partial mineralization over millennia.

Earth-toned wood purfling gracefully accents the soundboard, back, and sides, creating an elegant transition between the stunning sinker redwood top and the ancient bog oak body. A matching ancient bog oak bridge and radiused fretboard provide both visual harmony and exceptional comfort, making playing in the upper registers effortless. The fingerboard is tastefully inlaid with Laburnum wood, complemented by a matching Laburnum back center strip and rosette that perfectly reflect the instrument’s natural, rustic aesthetic. The slotted headstock is finished with a matching Laburnum veneer, completing the cohesive design. A walnut neck was selected for its exceptional strength, stability, and ability to efficiently transfer string vibrations into the soundbox, enhancing the instrument’s resonance and sustain. As a heartfelt tribute to his love of nature and his English heritage, Daniel hand-carved an elegant wolf motif into the neck—a subtle work of art that reflects both his roots and his deep appreciation for the natural world. The finish beautifully combines two distinct textures: a high-gloss soundboard that showcases the dramatic figure of the sinker redwood, paired with satin-finished back and sides that provide a warm, tactile feel in the hands. The contrast is both visually striking and wonderfully inviting to the touch. A side sound port creates a monitor-like listening experience, allowing the player to hear the instrument with greater clarity while maintaining excellent projection toward the audience. Laburnum position markers at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets, together with side-mounted mother-of-pearl markers, provide quick and accurate visual reference across the fretboard.

At first glance, the instrument conveys a simple, rustic elegance. Closer inspection reveals a sophisticated design that celebrates the enduring connection between humanity and nature. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, resulting in an instrument that is as visually captivating as it is musically inspiring. Tonally, this custom baritone ukulele is truly exceptional. It delivers the rich, warm low-end expected of a baritone while producing shimmering, articulate highs rarely encountered in an instrument of its size. The result is an outstanding balance of warmth, clarity, projection, sustain, and dynamic responsiveness. Equally suited to the demands of the professional performer and the enjoyment of the discerning enthusiast, this remarkable custom creation from D. G. Lukes Ukuleles is a compelling example of world-class craftsmanship and artistry. #260047

Price: $6,000.00