In alchemical texts bees are alleged to represent “the alliance of the earthy and the airy” and the cells of their hive are an example of sacred geometry.
Tucked away in and around the cells of their hive are an A for Alkemi, the Moon, the Sun (Gold), a Star, a Crown, the elements Air and Earth, a musical note and a cross symbolizing the four cardinal directions.
The Bee design is laser etched on the soundboard and then hand tinted for contrast.
The bright soprano sound from this pineapple shape is a bit louder and more mellow than the standard profile.
More on the Alchemical Bee
One of the definitions of alchemy is "any seemingly magical process of transforming a common substance into a substance of value." This is what bees do every day in their ability to transform nectar from flowers into the golden elixir we know as honey. And, by the way, they pollinate our food crops and flowers in the process; a feat vital to the survival of life on the planet. This small insect’s vast powers, acting tirelessly and collectively, prove Shakespeare’s words that “though she be but little, she is fierce.”
In alchemical texts bees are alleged to represent “the alliance of the earthy and the airy” and the cells of their hive are an example of sacred geometry. They symbolize industriousness, teamwork, perseverance, charity, selflessness, and constancy. Their buzz is the sound made by their wings beating 11,400 times per minute. On average a worker bee will produce 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in their lifetime, so each teaspoon in your tea represents the efforts of 12 worker bees’ entire lifespan. Taking that further, it takes about 30,000 bees travelling 27,500 miles and visiting more than a million flowers to gather the nectar required to produce ½ lb of honey! They navigate by memorizing landmarks and the skyline panorama and use the sun and polarized skylight as compasses.
SPECS
BEE
Profile: Pineapple Soprano
Top: Mahogany with etched Bee design by Morgan de Villiers
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fret markers: Signature Alkemi “Four Elements” at 12th
Bridge: Rosewood
Nut & Saddle: Black OEM Graphite
Headstock: Mahogany with Techwood veneer
Machine heads: Open Back Chrome
Machine head pegs: Black
Strings: Aquila
Finish: Open pore satin
Gig Bag included
sku: UKE SP BEE
MEASUREMENTS
| Soprano Pineapple |
mm |
Soprano |
| Scale Length |
345 |
Scale Length |
| Overall Instrument Length |
533 |
Overall Instrument Length |
| Body Length |
236 |
Body Length |
| Number of Frets |
12 |
Number of frets |
| Width at upper bout |
140 |
Width at upper bout |
| Width at lower bout |
170 |
Width at lower bout |
| Waist |
163 |
Width at waist |
| Soundhole diameter |
58 |
Soundhole diameter |
| Body Depth |
60 |
Body Depth |
| Fingerboard width at nut |
35 |
Fingerboard width at nut |
| Fingerboard width at neck/body joint |
42 |
Fingerboard width at neck/body joint |
| Neck thickness at 1st fret |
17.8 |
Neck thickness at 1st fret |
| Neck thickness at body |
21.8 |
Neck thickness at body |
| Total number of frets |
20.5 |
Total number of frets |
| Brace material |
Spruce |
Brace material |
Shipping & Returns
INSTRUMENT SHIPPING
We are pleased to offer FREE shipping within the continental United States for all musical instruments. We are not currently shipping to Hawaii or international destinations.
We offer shipping via Fed Ex Ground or United States Postal Service Package Mail. Both of these delivery options offer tracking and 1-5 days delivery service depending on your location in relationship to our warehouse in El Monte, CA, 91733, United States.
Please note: Hawaii, Alaska and international orders do not qualify and free shipping may not be combined with other discounts or offers.
INSTRUMENT RETURNS
We want you to be completely delighted with your instrument. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return for refund or credit within 30 days of purchase.
If your order was shipped for free, the cost of outbound shipping will be deducted from your return credit unless the instrument was damaged or defective.
Simply request a return authorization number & shipping address from Alkemi Customer Service by contacting us at: info@alkemiinstruments.com
1. Items should be packed in the original box in the condition in which they were received.
2. All accessories should be included.
3. Receipt or gift receipt should be included.
4. We advise using a shipping method that allows you to track your return as Alkemi cannot be responsible for any returns lost
