The Magic Fluke Timber Bass is a unique and innovative instrument that combines the portability of a ukulele with the deep, rich tones of a bass guitar. It is a popular choice among musicians who want to add a new dimension to their music without the bulk and weight of a traditional bass guitar. The Timber Bass is made from solid maple wood, which gives it a warm and resonant sound. It features a shorter scale length than a standard bass guitar, making it easier to play for those with smaller hands or less experience. The fretboard is also closer to the body, allowing for better access to the lower notes. One of the standout features of the Magic Fluke Timber Bass is the unique drumhead soundboard, which gives it a distinctive tone.
NBD: Magic Fluke Timber Bass "2.0"
This is my second Timber. I sold my first one earlier this year in anticipation of a semi-custom build that was to amend the issues I found problematic with the original Timber. Big mistake. That build has still not materialized 10 months and counting after promised delivery (story for another day), so when I found out that Dale Webb and company at Magic Fluke had redesigned the Timber to remedy my two complaints, I decided to order another one. Here is the result.
Specs:
Cherry body
Maple neck and fingerboard
Lined fretless fingerboard
Graphtec 20:1 Ratio tuners
Piezo pickup
Active preamp, volume/tone, digital tuner
Galli flatwound strings
Custom engraving
The big changes from the original are the tuners and the strings, both huge improvements. The strings are now from Galli. I didn't ask, but I'm pretty sure these are the same nylon core strings branded for Kala, but custom fit for the slightly longer Timber. They are much thinner than the steel core LaBella strings. This makes the new Galli strings lower tension and do not have the intonation problems of the LaBella - very important since the bridge is not adjustable. The old Peghed tuners might be ok with these strings but were a royal pain with the LaBellas. I like the look of the new Graphtecs better, and they are so smooth.
The rest of the specs and appointments are typical Magic Fluke. Excellent build quality, great folks to work with, and It.Just.Works.
I think the only complaint you can register against the Timber would be limited string selection, but since these are now so good, who cares?
And just so I wouldn't be somehow tempted to sell it again, I opted for the "signature" engraving.
I have an unboxing video with quick sound sample coming soon. More and better sound samples will come later.
Magic Fluke Cherry Timber Fretted Electric Bass Ukulele
This Magic Fluke ukulele bass is the one all other ukulele basses will be talking about in the pub. The cherry timber bass is a short scale, solid body electric bass. Beautiful and very versatile, portable, tuned to EADG and playable like a full size bass guitar with half of the physical exertion. Sound is deep, rich and resonant due to its more traditional metal wound strings.
The timber bass ukulele has 21.5" scale length over a solid USA made cherry body bolted to a maple neck and hard maple fingerboard. The strings are metal wound with a synthetic core making them light to the touch but authentic in texture and feel.
It is fitted with the uke bass player's favourite, the Shadow piezo pickup, that runs on an active 6V lithium cell powered preamp system with volume/tone control and digital tuner onboard. The strap is integrated into the heel joint on the neck, and fixes onto the endpin jack socket on the bottom bout, so you can leave it on the bass all the time.
It is a small touch but it is quite exciting to realise that this ukulele bass is made completely in the USA. The strap, strings and body are all made by established American companies. All of the early reviews of this instrument are positive and with good reason.
Everybody and their uncle are trying to make ukulele basses nowadays but when the Magic Fluke Company get involved, they get it right. This is a fine addition to a line of ukuleles including the Firefly and Flea and the consensus among the staff here at SUS is that it is the best ukulele bass out there.
This model features the new Graphtech Ratio tuners. Please also note that the appearance of each one will vary a little. They are very consistent looking, but there will be small differences in the grain and colour of each one. Picture show an average example - if you want to see photos of actual stock, please drop us a line.
Please note: this listing is for the fretted version!
Magic fluke timber bass
Take a tour through this incredibly rare Gibson-made Recording King 807 from 1930.
Comparing early-40's Gibson J-35s
In case you missed this video the first time around.
1933 Gibson L-00
In this video Mark talks about his own 1933 Gibson L-00, and the uniqueness of 1933 L-00s in general.
One of the standout features of the Magic Fluke Timber Bass is the unique drumhead soundboard, which gives it a distinctive tone. The drumhead is made from a synthetic material called mylar, which produces a bright and percussive sound. This adds a layer of versatility to the instrument, as it can be played with both a fingerstyle and strumming technique.
Testimonials
Stopped by for my first time today. They were busy – the phone rang a ton, and yet the sales team did a great job balancing those needs while still giving me their attention. Knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. There are some places you can just tell the staff loves working at. This is one of those places… and that’s without getting into the incredible inventory they have on the walls!
I have purchased and sold many instruments at Folkway over the years, and it’s always a great experience. They have the best selection of vintage instruments and to me they are easily the best store in Canada, and maybe the planet. Mark Stutman is a legend in the guitar world and they have a great and friendly staff. You can’t go wrong shopping at this beautiful store.
Killer vintage store with the most knowledgeable staff around, truly a heart of gold in this shop.
Over the past 16 years I’ve bought, sold and repaired vintage instruments at Folkway Music. Their honesty, integrity and professionalism keeps me coming back… hopefully for another 16 Years! Thanks to Mark and everyone at the store for making me feel like family.
- Brian GibsonHaving bought and sold guitars through Folkway, I’ve found it to always be an easy experience. They are fair in their pricing both in buying and selling. My only complaint with Folkway is the distance they are from my home. If closer, I would be there frequently to experience the unique collection of instruments for sale and pick their brains for the vast knowledge they possess.
Once again, it was worth the drive to Waterloo! Mark Stutman and his staff at Folkway exemplify what all high-end music shops should aspire to. They truly are the reference standard. The front end operation is anchored by a back end repair shop that is second to none. Right from the get-go, you just know you’re in good hands. When I noticed the bridge on my Guild F50 starting to lift, there was absolutely no hesitation as to where I was going to have the repairs done based on previous work completed on my D28. Ryan kept me informed all through the process and the finished result is flawless with nary a trace of the precision regluing work that was done. He was also instrumental (pun intended) in contacting Guild and securing some bonus warranty coverage for the required repairs. Thank-you, Folkway!
- Jerry De Stefanis
Folkway Music has evolved into a very important part of my musical career. It started when searching for a repair shop in Canada that was skilled in working with rare vintage guitars. Mark’s work is absolutely the best you can find. Over time I’ve also purchased two of the most amazing guitars I’ve ever owned from them. Everything a bricks and mortar shop should be.
If you’ve met Mark Stutman, founder of Folkway, then you already know he’s one of the most knowledgeable, talented boys in the biz. If not, go check ‘em out and see for yourself the new high water mark for sales, service and the finest repairs on the planet.
Folkway Music is Canada’s premiere storefront & restoration centre for heirloom-quality stringed instruments. They offer an intimate setting staffed by talented, knowledgeable people you can trust. They have a personable, client-centric approach to business, and their disciplined and ethical practices inspire confidence. They offer a good selection of fine quality new instruments to meet the needs of most players, and they consistently have some of the most iconic vintage instruments available in the north-east. There is always something special to see. Their instruments are presented beautifully, properly set up with fresh strings, and in tune. Their prices are fair and the quality of services delivered is high. If you have a passion for life-changing instruments, get to know these guys – they are worth the drive.
If you are a musician, Folkway Music should be a required visit on your musical bucket list. Between high-end boutique guitars and coveted vintage gems, there’s plenty to satisfy your tonal cravings. Not to mention the world-class repair shop upstairs, where Mark and crew offer unparalleled services. Folkway is both a destination and an experience.
I’ve been making the trip to Folkway from Toronto for over 10 years. Mark and his team offer expert repairs, a stunning showroom, and a rare and welcome truth-telling with respect to the merits and liabilities of the various vintage guitars on offer. Mark has talked me out of more guitars than he’s ever tried to sell me, and that is rare indeed. He has an uncanny knack for knowing what I’m going to like, and he has yet to be wrong. His attention to detail on setting up my guitars and maintaining them has been a real asset to my life as a touring guitar player.
I live 3883km away from Folkway Music. That’s roughly the width of Europe. Despite the distance, there is no other place I would rather use. Mark and his team are so incredibly knowledgeable, honest and fair; I find the customer service at Folkway is unparalleled – not only among fine instrument dealers, but among any store I’ve ever dealt with. I think this stems from their genuine love and care for old instruments. It’s more than a business to them.
Mark and his crew at Folkway are the best. Customer friendly, knowledgeable and always pleased to spend some time to understand exactly what you are looking for. Fair prices and a wide selection of instruments (yes, including lefties) and amps make this a real gem of a shop.
As an avid guitar enthusiast living in a remote area of Canada with nowhere to “try before you buy,” I have made my share of mistakes buying and selling guitars online. Since discovering Folkway, those days are behind me. Building a relationship with Folkway has been a fun and immensely rewarding experience. The peace of mind that comes when buying or selling a guitar at Folkway, or having a treasured instrument lovingly repaired by Mark and his expert team, has made my guitar hobby fun again. Thank you, Folkway!
After twenty successful years in business, Folkway Music has evolved into one of the best, if not the best retail and repair shop in Canada.
Two decades in, they have repaired and restored pretty much every acoustic and electric instrument that you can name. They’re especially adept and knowledgeable when restoring and breathing new life into vintage Martin and Gibson instruments. This is the shop to go to knowing that when you pick up your repaired instrument, it will likely be better than the day it was made. Highly recommended.
I always look forward to popping into Folkway and seeing what’s hanging around the shop. Mark and his staff are super knowledgeable and their repair/restoration work is truly amazing. I’ve found several ‘grail’ guitars at Folkway and always know I’m getting the best. Plus, they laugh at my jokes!
I always feel like an instrument from Folkway has been carefully considered. From its structural integrity, to its sonic performance, even to its inherent soul.
More and more, instruments are bought and sold across distances, so you need to trust who you’re dealing with. And I always feel like I can trust Folkway Music. To some of us, these instruments are more than wood, wire, and glue. They have a soul. Thank goodness there are places like Folkway where that’s appreciated. Folkway is a dangerous stop on the web for me. Those glorious photos and explicit write ups too often send me considering that instrument sitting in my lap.
I believe that there’s a responsibility of owners and luthiers to treat these righteous old instruments properly, and apparently so does Folkway. Nothing comes from there that hasn’t had a caring, knowledgable examination.
I am a huge Folkway Fan. Since opening their doors, Mark and his trusted team have done ALL my major work – set-ups, re-frets, neck resets, new tuners, bone nuts/saddles, pickup installs, neck and crack repairs. They do it all with knowledge and skill – yes, better than anyone around. And, as a guitar and gear retailer, their advice, attention to detail and recommendations are always worth seeking out.
My relationship with Mark is like mine with a longtime barber: I trust both to do critical thinking for me – to be the eyes in the back of my head, seeing what I cannot; and to work around delicate and precious areas with the sharp tools I should not be handling. And both do so with an humility that understands, if they are on their game, that much of their handiwork shall remain unnoticed and, thus, rarely fully acknowledged.
My alliance with Mark began innocently enough with a guitar purchase in 2006, but quickly developed to a level of engagement that I now classify as “exclusive” – which means I do no such business with anyone else. My loyalties might be selfish in nearly all dimensions, but they are nonetheless genuine.
All to say that I trust the man as I hope he trusts me: for matters both epic and mundane, urgent and elective. And for all-time.
I have been regularly visiting Folkway Music’s site for more than ten years now and, besides the great inventory, they are among the best in the business when it comes to detailed descriptions and excellent pictures. I have purchased four guitars from Mark and they were not only perfectly represented but each one is also a wonderful instrument. Mark Stutman has a lot of passion, knowledge and honesty and this can be easily seen and appreciated when dealing with him. I would not hesitate to recommend Folkway Music as a highly reputable source of vintage and new instruments, and I’m looking forward to my next purchase.
My guitar is such a big part of my sound and I trust Mark Stutman of Folkway Music with all my guitar work. He’s gotten to know me as a player so when an instrument he thinks I would love comes into his shop, he lets me know. Mark is an absolute expert in his field, truly cares about his customers and is a very important member of my team.
Mark Stutman and his extremely friendly staff can boast that they are one of the finest museum-grade vintage guitar repair shops in the world. If you want your repair done properly, so as to keep the value of the instrument intact, go to Folkway.
Enough good things can’t be said about Folkway. Mark and his crew are extremely knowledgeable, helpful and straight forward. The quality of their work is amazing. Every instrument they have sold to or worked on for me has met the highest standards. Throughout the past many years I have owned over twenty five vintage and high end guitars. This experience has given me the opportunity to see the work of many luthiers and the sales quality of many high end guitar shops. Having dealt with the highest quality shops throughout the country it is clear that Folkway stands right in there with the best.
Magic Fluke Ash Timber Fretless Bass Ukulele
I could start with my opinion that this is the best ukulele bass there is on the market. Or the fact that after I first tried one, I had my credit card out within five minutes. Either of those statements would make a fitting start to this Magic Fluke Timber Bass review. Yes, it is the best bass I’ve ever tried – to the point where I had to instantly buy one, even with the obvious handicap that I can’t play bass. I was going to say I didn’t let that stop me, which is true. But that’s because my band’s bassist, (Jerry in The League of Ukulele Gentlemen) has had the Magic Fluke Timber on permanent loan ever since. A bass player for thirty odd years, he now exclusively uses this short scale electric bass – and all his other full sized basses have been consigned to eBay. I hasten to add I haven’t seen the proceeds of those sales!
This fretless bass uke has so many good things going for it, including the custom LaBella roundwound strings. They look like electric bass guitar strings, and they feel that way too – while the sound is reminiscent of bass guitars too. A very, very good bass guitar at that. A fretted model is available, but the smoothness and ease of playing the Magic Fluke Timber seems to make fretless the ideal option. You can glide around the maple neck at will, sliding up and down to great effect. It is a joy to play.
The Timber bass has an American ash body with a distinctive shape. It feels light and comfortable, while still being sturdy and substantial. For this reason, many of those people who have taken up this instrument have been bass guitarists who want that distinct electric bass sound, without the weight of a regular bass guitar. There’s also a Shadow active preamp and pickup, with tone and volume controls, together with an accurate on-board tuner. I’ve played in all sorts of venues alongside the Prince while he’s been playng this bass ukulele, and it has always sounded spot on, be that in a pub or a cathedral.
The initial design of this model had friction tuners (though very good they were), but the new models now have geared tuners fitted.
As is their way, the Magic Fluke Company make every bit of this instrument in the USA. What you end up with is a seriously good quality instrument with a fabulous sound and brilliant playability. For me, it was love at first play.
For common accessories and customisations (like strap buttons / low G fitting) scroll down to the bottom of the page where you'll be able to add these common items to your basket.
Despite its smaller size, the Timber Bass still produces a powerful and rich sound. It has a deep resonance that can be felt and heard, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres, including jazz, blues, folk, and even rock. Its compact size also makes it ideal for traveling musicians or those who want a portable bass option. In addition to its great sound and portability, the Magic Fluke Timber Bass is also highly customizable. Players can choose from a variety of finishes, including natural wood, vibrant colors, or even custom designs. This allows musicians to create an instrument that reflects their own personal style and taste. Overall, the Magic Fluke Timber Bass is a unique and versatile instrument that offers a new way to bring bass tones to your music. Whether you're a seasoned bass player looking for a more portable option or a ukulele player wanting to add some low-end punch to your sound, the Timber Bass is a fantastic choice. With its quality craftsmanship, beautiful sound, and customizable options, it is sure to impress both musicians and audiences alike..
Reviews for "The Art of Crafting the Magic Fluke Timber Bass"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to try out the Magic Fluke Timber Bass, but I was ultimately disappointed with my purchase. The sound quality was subpar and lacked depth, and I found it difficult to play with any kind of nuance or expression. Additionally, the build quality of the instrument was not up to par - the strings buzzed and the fretboard felt rough and uncomfortable to the touch. Overall, I wouldn't recommend the Magic Fluke Timber Bass to anyone looking for a high-quality instrument.
- Mark - 1 star - I had high hopes for the Magic Fluke Timber Bass, but unfortunately, it fell short in every aspect. The sound was dull and lacked any real resonance, and the overall playability was poor. The strings felt cheap and the instrument felt flimsy. It also didn't stay in tune for very long, which was incredibly frustrating. I was extremely disappointed with this purchase and would not recommend it to anyone.
- Jessica - 2 stars - The Magic Fluke Timber Bass was a letdown for me. While it looks great and has a unique design, the sound quality was not up to par with other bass options in its price range. The tone was shallow and lacked warmth. Additionally, I found the build quality to be lacking - the frets weren't well seated, resulting in buzzy notes, and the overall construction felt cheap. I would have expected more for the price I paid.