“For anyone interested in finding the most complete inventory of shell products available today, look no further! Chuck Erikson, a.k.a. the Duke of Pearl, has been supplying the inlayers, knifemakers, and sign makers of America and beyond for what seems like hundreds of years.”
Reviews on the Duke of Pearl
L.B.
Dear Duke and Duchess: Ms. Duchess, I missed you at the N.A.M.M. show. It’s just not the same without you. You know when you’re not around, the Duke goes wild. It’s a sad thing to see, but friends support friends no matter what. And does the Duke have any other clothes or does he always wear his top hat and old blue velvet tux coat? Just some questions that need answering. We have increased our dot orders not so much that we need them, but to put a little more money in your pockets so you can afford to buy some clothes. I know that will make the Duchess feel elated. I am also doing this so the Duchess does not have to dumpster-dive for shipping boxes any more.
William “Grit” Laskin
The Duke of Pearl is at the heart of everything great in the world of shell. Chuck has seen and handled more shell – and more kinds of shell – than anyone else on this continent. He knows all there is to know about the animals that create it, its chemical composition, and its harvesting and processing. He’s simply one of the musical instrument world’s own special geniuses. If that weren’t enough, with the former Larry Sifel of Pearl Works, he invented (and patented) the laminated shell sheet we commonly know as Abalam. This revolutionized the use of shell in large factories as well as in solo luthier shops like my own. I can hardly imagine a world without the laminates. I use them on almost every inlay, creating designs that would have been impossible before. What kind of person is the Duke? You’d think he’d be an arrogant S.O.B. – and deservedly so! Instead, you’ll find one of the kindest and most generous and most cheerful human beings you’d ever want to meet. He’s not handling direct sales right now, but the welcoming tone he has set for the business continues under the friendly rule of Her Worshipful Pearlkeep Lady Ellen Aulson, and her Most Honorable Handmaidens. In conclusion, I hereby nominate the Duke for Knighthood. All in favor…?
Ed G.
I don’t know how long I been doin’ business with you, but I can remember when pearl was only 30 bucks a pound. The quality of your stuff has been getting better every time I buy. Your time estimates for delivery are frank and accurate. It’s a relief to be able to take it for granted that pearl is no problem. If I want good stuff, every time, at a still reasonable price, you got my business. I get a lot of compliments on the work my shop puts out. I couldn’t do it if I couldn’t get top-drawer material to begin with. Thanks for hangin’ in there, this last shipment of pearl is the cleanest, whitest, most evenly-cut, that I know I’ve ever received. It’s a long ways to reach, but here’s a 3,000-mile pat on the back.
Diane P.
Senor, zend my seester ze pearl or she weel throw ze terrrible EVIL EYE on you!
Bob Z.
What can I say. Thanks for all the good times in the past but now the ole technology bug has bitten us. You know us folks at Taylor, we will try anything new! It will be weird not getting all those 1″ abalone strips. We will miss counting them, inventorying them, and matching them. We would much rather keep track of 70 1″ strips as opposed to only 12 long pieces, but that’s progress and we must buck up and go with the flow. I’d rethink this whole laminate business though. The “Duke of Laminates” doesn’t have the same ring that the “Duke f Pearl” has.
Mike S.
Today I received a true gift. I decided to purchase one last order of shell from my buddy Chuck Erikson. He happened to have some green abalone which was mostly broken with a few whole shells. The stuff I got from Chuck today…it is absolutely blowing my mind. I have one or two nice sized green ab. shells that I referred to as monster shells in the past. As large as they were…the creatures that made up the broken pile of shells he sent make those look like little babies. I’ve bought piles of broken green ab. before, and I’ve gotten good stuff but had to generate 50 lbs. of shell dust to get a few measly lbs. of quality shell. But this entire pile of shell, all 12 lbs. of it, is pristine, thick, beautiful abalone like nothing I’ve ever seen before…or am likely to ever see again. All I can say is thank you Chuck!
H.S.
Duke of Pearl and Aulson Inlay LLC were great to work with. The abalone strips I ordered were all uniform in size, packaged securely, and of great quality. This was my first time doing any kind of inlay and ordering off the internet seemed scary but Ellen was quick to answer all of my questions.
Greg F.
I received my order today and wanted you to know how much I appreciate the fast friendly service. You obviously took the time to hand pick the pieces and I feel like I got a great deal. Thank you so much. I put a great deal of time and care into the mandolins that I build and this pearl is exactly what I wanted.
Larry Robinson
For anyone interested in finding the most complete inventory of shell products available today, look no further! Chuck Erikson, a.k.a. the Duke of Pearl, has been supplying the inlayers, knifemakers, and sign makers of America and beyond for what seems like hundreds of years. I’ve never been disappointed with the quality of the materials I have bought, and any questions I’ve had about species, chemical composition, ecological concerns, history, or the mating habits of mollusks, you name it, Chuck has had the answers in spades! An all-around good guy and bon vivant, the Duke’s hand is in the majority of the shell products seen in North America today, and I’m proud to call him a friend.
