I am now the proud owner of a Dave Talsma painted pineapple ukulele.
Stunning is the word that comes to mind when I look at it. Beautifully painted spruce top, flamed maple back, neck and pineapple headstock with a crazy green tint. All of the details are exquisite, from the tortoise shell binding to the inlay on the ebony fretboard. But as beautiful as it is to look at, it gets even better when you pick it up and hold it. It just feels right. Have I mentioned the sound yet?
It sounds as beautiful as it looks. The intonation is perfect. (It even arrived in tune.) The tone is extraordinary. It's so beautiful, it's surreal.
      Greg Hawkes
      The Cars

I just can't help myself from sounding Dave Talsma's horn. He just finished a concert size Lyon and Healy Bell for me. It is all koa, in an exact duplicate of L+H's Super Deluxe detailing, right down to the split wood sandwich V shaped neck. The workmanship is truly flawless, and the sound is incredible. I loaned him an original bell and he proportionally increased the size perfectly, and even was able to replicate the original bracing systems. Those of you who saw his work at the Uke Expo know how good the finish is, that being fantastic. This guy is hands down the BEST of the current makers out there. Truly without peer.
      Dave Pasant

YES, Dave Talsma is the Man! My pineapple six stringer got the most ahhhhs! when I played at our winter dinner gathering for my co workers, in which I was the host.... so they had to listen to me play. I brought along a few of my ukes and everyone wanted to to touch that one...it plays great too! Dave where am I in line????
      Santosha

I recently bought a new uke from David Talsma and was so impressed with it...  I'm always impressed with his attention to detail, the uniqueness of each of his ukes, the playability and sound... Dave's ukes are suburb.
Intonation is perfect, sound is loud and crisp.
Considering the quality his prices are very reasonable.
       John Blue
 

Rushed home from work today to unpack my new custom-made uke from Dave Talsma. Knowing Dave's work, and the time and thought he put into my uke, I expected it it to be nothing less than fabulous. When I opened the case, I was not disappointed. Every aspect of the uke is outstanding: The custom inlays, the feel of the neck, the flawless finish, the binding, the tone, the intonation. Even my wife, who is usually oblivious to the sound quality of instruments, noticed the superior sound of the Talsma. I can't say enough about Dave's work, and what a pleasure he is to deal with. Dave Talsma deserves a place in the pantheon of truly great ukulele makers. Thanks Dave!
      Davis
 

Dave:    I just wanted to mention again how much I like the guitar you made for  me.  I play it nearly every day.   I take a half hour lesson each week from Ed Carter, (formerly with the Beach Boys for more than 20 years).  Only yesterday he picked up the Talsma Guitar and played it.   When he finished, he handed it back to me and said "What a great Instrument!!".   He has commented on its quality several times.   Two years ago when the Prescott National Forest was on fire about a mile from our house we had to evacuate.  The first two things I put into the car were my Talsma Guitar and several photo albums.   I have 4 guitars in my music room---the Talsma is my favorite.   Thanks. 
      Orlo Jantz
 

Received home delivery of another Talsma masterpiece yesterday. A TENOR size Lyon and Healy Super Deluxe Bell reproduction (in koa). Absolutely exquisite! A big brother to the concert version I had with me at the Hall of Fame show (and is on his web site). Also after further research, I can again confirm that he is currently making the finest ukes in the World.
     Dave Pasant
 

After finding out what an incredible a luthier he is, also selling a few of his custom ukes at a local ukulele festival, and having him repair and also add his artistic talents to some of my vintage ukes, I had Dave build a custom uke that I designed. I am extremely pleased with the outcome to say the least.
Dave's handiwork and attention to detail is exquisite. The sound is incredible with nice, nice action and intonation.
If you are interested in ever getting a custom uke built to your specifications, Dave Talsma is a name you ought to highly consider. Swartz Creek, Michigan might be a strange place to get a ukulele built, but you can bet that you will get a super high quality player for a reasonable cost.
The best ukes aren't always coming from Hawaii...
      Rick Rasay

I bought a new Talsma Uke at Uke Expo '03 and I couldn't be happier about it. It's a beautiful instrument and it sounds spectacular. I have a couple of other great sounding ukes, a Kaholas & Co. and a Kamaka, but the Talsma is rapidly becoming my favorite. Considering the sound and the beauty of the instrument, my wife even thought it was reasonably priced. Dave Talsma, the maker, is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.
      Warren Torzewski

I just received David Talsma's 34th creation - a beautiful koa wood tenor uke. This guy is a master craftsman. I own 30 other vintage ukes and this one of the best!
      John Arreola
 

Well, I finally have ukulele bragging rights! You would think that with all the favorable comments I've read about Dave Talsma, I'd be prepared for the jaw dropping beauty of my new Soprano. To say it's well crafted is an understatement. But the biggest surprise came from the bright clear sound it makes. To think something so small has such volume, coupled with the fact that it's going to open more over time is just icing on the cake. The smooth/fast action is a great plus for my normal "ham fisted" playing style. In short, this gem of a ukulele far exceeds my expectations. Finally, Dave's meticulous craft extends to his customers as well. I found Dave to be thoughtful and prompt in all my dealings with him. If one is looking for a great ukulele with a personal stamp, you need'nt look any further. If you wish to see my new "Baby", visit Dave's web site gallery - first image to the left, second row from the top.
      Bill Dean
 

Dave Talsma's ukes are among the best I've ever played. I own two....both a result of some arm twisting at uke expos. It was well worth it. The combination of materials, design, and fit & finish make for excellent  sound and playability. His low G concert is a particular knockout because the sound is really unique due to an upper bout sound hole, cedar top, and the highest grade koa. The other one is a maple soprano with a spruce top that has great attack, balance and clarity   between notes. Both ukes have a very different tonal presence which adds to my musical possibilities. Order one from Dave and I can guarantee your uke happiness!   
     Ron Gordon
 

Dave Talsma has built me the perfect ukelele--again. This masterpiece is a concert scale Vita. The finish is a black so deep and polished that other spatial dimensions, I'm almost certain, lurk somewhere in the lower bout near the bridge. The ebony fret board and pearl inlays shine like jewels; white binding and the pearl-handled tuners and graceful seal-holes complete the design.

Ah, nirvana! Happily, the entire package goes well beyond my meager powers of description. Go see it at his web-site. I highly recommend you save your pennies, order a Talsma uke, and when it finally arrives, declare a holiday, retire to your favorite playing spot for a year or two and discover your true nature with the instrument. Viva La Talsma!
     Toby Zornado
 

Well, you said I'd be blown away, and you were right. First of all, gorgeous, more gorgeous and perfectly spectacularly gorgeous, down to the smallest detail. What an absolute delight. I'm so glad you suggested the EI rosewood for the back also, it's so beautiful and works perfectly with the rest of the design. You nailed both the headstock and bridge, the fruit inlays are so much fun and the painted fruit looks great. Thank you for indulging me in this little tropical fruit salad of a graphical treatment. I know it won't be for everybody but it's perfect for me.