With materials and design deeply influenced by the Oregon forests, the concept of this instrument was to use only 2 local woods. Doug fir, with excellent tonal properties, is relatively unknown as a soundboard wood, and walnut is being more appreciated for backs and sides. Both are widely available in oregon in high quality. Humphrey wanted to establish for himself the viability of fir as a tonewood, and was very pleased with the result. Visually, the challenge was to create aesthetically pleasing results with only two wood tones. Using marquetry, inlay, and lamination techniques he created trim to match the subtle look of the instrument. To top it all off, he created two inlays honoring the fir tree and the walnut branch. This instrument is a prototype with very light imperfections in the binding and marquetry but its near mint with light signs of wear from overstrumming with a pick on the face. A flat top made from all Doug Fir! It even smells amazing! 25 3/4" scale and 1 7/8" nut.