Kimo Custom Ukuleles

I lost part of my heart to the sea and to Hawaii when I first tried surfing at age 13 in Waikiki. It was only a matter of time before I discovered the musical beauty of the Hawaiian culture including slack-key guitar and ukulele. I have always enjoyed designing and building for my personal use–the guitar and ukulele being no exception.

In 1999, I made the decision to initiate this process and was fortunate to enlist the help of master luthier John Greven. I was thrilled with the instruments I was able to make and intrigued with the process of construction and the design possibilities.

The journey is far from complete since the variables seem limitless. My focus is to produce distinctive, custom ukuleles that are not only pleasing to the ear but emphasize the natural beauty of the woods of the world that I use in construction and to promote that ukulele “fun factor”.

To that endeavor, most of my builds have simple embellishments that will not detract from this natural beauty. My Aloha is in the hand crafting of each custom ukulele.

The tone is SO GREAT I’m loving it.  Your craftsmanship is perfection…

I just wanted to thank you again for the amazing uke.

The new uke is absolutely gorgeous!

This is a stunning instrument.

I love my new uke. . .it sounds delightful.

Thank you for making such gorgeous instruments!

…what a wonderful job you did on my ukulele.

I love my ukulele—it’s gorgeous!!!

…it has given me more joy than any other instrument I have previously owned. I am totally thrilled with this ukulele’s playability and sound.

People around me played it and commented on how easy it was to play, that their fingers just seemed to be guided to their proper place.

…simply exquisite from the woods to the finely crafted details to the superb sound.  We are happy to join the Kimo family.

…I was hooked…incredible warmth and voice.

…at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I knew I could count on my trusty Kimo ukulele.

It has brought me joy every day.

Thank you for building me a great Ukulele.  As for the woods, WOW!

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Kimo’s Philosophy

My mission is to produce distinctive instruments that are not only pleasing to the ear but emphasize the natural beauty of the woods used in construction, and to promote that ukulele “fun factor”.

Latest News

Redwood Bubinga Custom Tenor Ukulele

Redwood Bubinga Custom Tenor Ukulele - Sold

In the air to a new owner is the Redwood Bubinga Custom Tenor Ukulele.  This is a super tenor shape. It's All About The Woods Body:  plum pudding figured African Bubinga.  Pictures don't do this wood justice.  I've always had difficulties…
Pomelle Sapele Custom Ukulele

Pomelle Sapele Custom Ukulele - Sold

Here's another Pomelle Sapele Custom Ukulele.  I just can't get enough of this beautiful wood! It's All About The Wood Sound Board:  Western red cedar.  I haven't used this great tonewood for some time.  I thought that it would be…
Custom Koa Tenor Ukulele
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Custom Koa Tenor Ukulele - For Sale $1650

Just got the strings on this Custom Koa Tenor Ukulele.  This is a super tenor shape. It's All About The Woods Body:  all stacked, curly Koa.  Koa wood has an infinite variety of color and figure.  Although I favor the more bizarre…
Dark Forest Cypress Tenor Ukulele

Dark Forest Cypress Tenor Ukulele - Sold

This is the first of my Dark Forest ukulele builds.  I'm calling it a Dark Forest Cypress Tenor Ukulele.  This is a super tenor shape. It's All About The Woods Body:  Dark, Asian Munn Ebony.  I'm liking the variety of this ebony a…

Ukuleles For Sale

Custom Koa Tenor Ukulele
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Custom Koa Tenor Ukulele - For Sale $1650

Just got the strings on this Custom Koa Tenor Ukulele.  This is a super tenor shape. It's All About The Woods Body:  all stacked, curly Koa.  Koa wood has an infinite variety of color and figure.  Although I favor the more bizarre…
Quilt and Curl Maple Tenor Ukulele
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Quilt And Curl Maple Tenor Ukulele - For Sale-$1550

Another PNW special now available.  This is the Quilt And Curl Maple Tenor Ukulele. It's All About The Woods Body:  Quilt Big Leaf Maple.  This is a classic maple look and I rarely get tired of the variations.  Also, this is NOT stained--an…
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