So with multiple moves and all I haven’t been get’in with it lately. Still been busy though. Here’s a new custom instrument for a client that wanted only California woods. The back is Monterey cypress, the sides are Sycamore, the sound board and neck are CA old growth redwood and the binding is Eucalyptus. Body shape is vintage/Kahiko style with double puka. Oh, the fret board and bridge are CA Carob wood. This instrument was so light that I think the K&K passive pickup weighed as much.
OMG! My client wanted an alternative sound hole arrangement for his new 6 string ukulele. Who am I to say no! Not only did he request three sound holes for his left handed uke, but he wanted all the possible wood combinations he could get in one instrument (black walnut neck, koa sound board, curly walnut sides, curly maple back, Macassar ebony fret board and bridge complimented with curly koa binding and paua abalone purfling top and back, plus custom artwork–WHOA!). Who am I to say no! DON’T FORGET: NO RULES IN UKULELE. So whether or not this appeals to you it actually turned out to be interesting, attractive and very pleasing to the ear. So have at it!
Oh, I almost forgot, this is pro surfer Guy Takayama’s oversized tenor design. It worked really well with this instrument.
Three sound holes–this is a lefty. Curly Koa top.
Spalted, curly maple back with custom laser cut logo. Curly basilone black walnut sides. Black walnut neck.
Gotoh mini guitar tuners–stealth black, Cusom head stock inlay
Forgot this guy's name, but so much Aloha, he really killed it!
It’s almost time for San Diego Ukulele Festival 2012. Last year’s first ever event in SD was a big success. This year the event will be moved downtown to one of the Piers. Great location and a great line-up. Check it out at: www.sandiegoukulelefestival.com. Here’s a couple of pics from our booth last year. Of course, we will be there again –ohana you know!
Ukulele Bart hamming for the camera–as usual.
Da Crew: Greg, Jackie and Kimo.
Yo, Yo, Yo! Wouldn’t you give your left you-know-what to be able to play the Foyer at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Well Bruce was there this last weekend. Here he is with his custom, tenor, pineapple ukulele (his design). Bruce is an ex-major league baseball player so the head stock inlay is crossed bats and ball. Check his website: www.BruceRobinsonMusic.com. He is presently working hard on a new album with new music and new sounds and great back-up musicians. His quote: ”When I performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I knew I could count on one of my two trusty, custom, Kimo Ukuleles…”. Get down and get-a-funky, what more could I ask for!
Just in case you are wondering how strong your ukulele or guitar is–here I am showing how strong these delicate instruments can be be standing on one with my dainty 195 pounds. No, I do not suggest that you take your vintage Martin out into the street and try to duplicate this experiment. I really wanted to make a video of this, but I’m, oh so lazy. My next experiment was to throw this instrument into the street–to my surprise, after 40 feet of air flight, there was only minor damage–go figure.
Some wives of my ukulele customers have voiced concern over their spouse’s infatuation with their new instruments. Here’s just one example taken to the next level. Tasteful, don’t you think?
The guys from KorduroyTV recently came over to shoot an episode of their “Surf Sufficient” show. I show some basic ukulele 101 by demonstrating a few chords and strumming techniques. Check it out!