Designing the Switchback

Designing the Switchback Ukulele

Twisted Wood’s President & Owner- Tom Wolansky talks about the design process for the Switchback ukulele.

Watch the video below-

“With the Switchback, I wanted to design a ukulele that was focussed around classic, iconic, natural materials. That’s very important to me. Almost every component of this ukulele has been sourced from the natural world.. A real wooden rosette, a solid wooden top, and a genuine bone nut and saddle.

When it comes to the sound of the instrument, selecting the best material for the top is vital. For the Switchback, I wanted to use the most desirable of all ukulele tonewoods. The solid koa top on this instrument creates a soaring midrange that develops and warms over time, all while providing this beautiful, classic aesthetic. It’s highly figured, and capable of producing a rich and resonant tone.

I also wanted the Switchback to provide musicians with uniquely comfortable playing experience. The long, swooping cutaway allows players to access every note easily. It’s quite rare to find a cutaway ukulele that doesn’t have a pickup already installed. I wanted the addition of a pickup to be a choice, not a requirement for the Switchback.

Every Switchback also features our new headstock logo; inlaid in white pearloid. The logo features our ‘TW’ insignia and mountain emblem, and commemorates a decade of creating the finest instruments. From the moment you pick up a Switchback, you’ll have an instrument that will accompany you through a lifetime of music.”