Mike has always had woodwork in his life. Both his parents were woodworkers and throughout his career as a biologist he had some sort of wood shop going on. Since retiring he devotes more time to it and he now has a very nicely put together home shop in Santa Rosa. He specializes in guitars and ukuleles, and likes to make them, when possible, out of locally sourced wood.
After years of collecting wood from felled trees Mike has gained a knowledge of the characteristics of many California species. He kindly donated manzanita for the fittings, box elder for the blocks, linings and purfling of the Redwood Violin
