The ‘Constellation’ series

The ‘Constellation’ series is a run of twelve Californian style tenor and baritone ukuleles. These instruments are co-branded ‘Howlett:Lipson’ - they are a true collaboration with the design and build input of each being shared between Pete and myself. Broadly, the split of work is:

• I build and bind the sound box

• Pete carves the neck

• Pete does the finishing (the spray process)

• We both do the set-up

• We both quality assure the others’ work!

They feature a unique aesthetic of the planets of the solar system on the fretboard (including the astonishing ‘Saturn’ inlay in gold and white Mother-of-Pearl on the 12th fret), a birth sign constellation of your choice inlaid on the back of the instrument in mother of pearl and an oval soundhole with a gorgeous Thuya burr wood ‘heart’ rosette. In order to make this a truly personal instrument we are offering our clients their own choice of a selection of different hardwoods for the backs and sides and of softwoods for the soundboard.

The detailed specification of these instruments is:

• Hardwood back and sides with the client’s choice of Indian Rosewood, European Walnut, Coalbrookdale Yew, Oregon Myrtle, Koa, ‘curly’ Khaya or English Cherry

• Soft wood soundboard with the client’s choice of Spruce, Redwood or Pencil Cedar

• Client’s choice of birth sign constellation inlaid in Mother-of-Pearl on the back of the instrument

• Unique ‘Planets of the Solar System’ inlaid in the fretboard

• Oval soundhole with custom decorative Thuya Burl rosette

• Black Ebano binding with decorative crowsfoot purfling

• Custom design Ebony bridge with 42mm string spacing

• Ebony fretboard and headstock veneer

• Headstock inlaid with limited edition ‘Howlett:Lipson’ co-branding

• 38mm nut width with hand carved nut and classic ‘Howlett’ hand carved neck profile

• Gotoh classic UK700 15:1 ratio tuners in gold with ivoroid buttons

As of 2nd January 2026 only 4 of the 12 ‘Constellation’ series ukuleles remain available. If you are interested in one of these uniquely gorgeous instruments then please get in touch!