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'They've all got their own personalities,' says Mount Pearl ukulele builder

Don Taylor says his ukulele-making hobby started as a result of a request from his adult daughter on the mainland.

What is Don Taylor at? Making ukuleles in his basement workshop

Don Taylor of Mount Pearl was hooked on ukuleles after making one for his daughter. (Heather Barrett/CBC)

Don Taylor says his ukulele-making hobby started because of a request from his adult daughter on the mainland.

"She called and said she wanted me to make her a ukulele so she could have something she could strum along and sing with in her apartment in Toronto," said Taylor.

Taylor, who had been building guitars for years in his basement workshop in Mount Pearl, was skeptical.  

"I grew up in the time of Tiny Tim so I didn't think anyone would take a ukulele seriously."

His daughter persisted, and Taylor finally made her the four-string instrument, with rosewood accents.

Taylor has been hooked on building ukuleles ever since.  

The challenge of how each piece of wood affects the tone, it's mind boggling to me," said Taylor.

"They've all got their own personalities." 

Have a hobby?

Do you have an interesting weekend project or hobby? Tell us what YOU are at. Email [email protected] or tweet @CBCWam.  

You can hear What are you at? This is it Saturdays on Weekend AM from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Labrador) on CBC Radio One.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Barrett is the host and producer of Weekend AM on CBC Radio One in Newfoundland and Labrador.