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 SopranoTop: Mahogany with etched Bee design by Morgan de VilliersBack & Sides: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: RosewoodFret markers: Signature Alkemi “Four Elements” at 12thBridge: RosewoodNut & Saddle: Black OEM GraphiteHeadstock: Mahogany with Techwood veneerMachine heads: Open Back ChromeMachine head pegs: BlackStrings: 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
