Takayama Surf

This custom tenor ukulele was co-designed by pro surfer Guy Takayama (www.takayamasurf.com). The ukulele is a modified hula hips but with a slightly wider waist and a rounded lower bout. Instead of the usual center sound hole, Guy opted for the asymmetric design this year.

Construction is of curly Claro Walnut with curly Oregon Maple binding and Paua Abalone purfling. Accents are curly Hawaiian Koa. We used L.R. Baggs 5.0 ukulele pickup and Gotoh 4:1 tuners . The head stock is inlayed with a variety of Paua Abalone. Per Guy’s request, I’m using Aquila hi “G” strings but with a wound “C”. A Reunion Blues case of course.

Guy will be playing this new instrument at his Pro Noseriding Surf Contest this August 1-3, in Oceanside California.