Super Curly Koa Super Tenor Ukulele
Made exclusively for Hale Ukulele is this Super Curly Koa Super Tenor Ukulele. This koa wood from the Big Island came to me via Hearne Hardwoods last year. At the time I received this set I had no idea that it was going to have such beautiful color and curl.
My instruments showcase the unbelievable varieties of the “looks” of koa wood. This ukulele exhibits the highly prized “stacked” curl.
I have increased the depth of the super tenor to equal that of the baritone at 3 1/4 inches in the lower bout. It sounds like a lot but I’m not feeling that the instrument is bulky. I believe the added volume has helped in improving on the sound that I desire. Played next to the standard tenor, it is fuller and punchier with even more sustain–great for finger-style picking.
I added the hibiscus flower inlay to the tongue of the fret board.
On this particular build, the fret board is made of Richlite composite–a new material being sold at Luthiers Mercantile in California. Made of natural, sustainable wood fiber products this fret board is totally black (unlike most ebony now) and has working and tonal properties very similar to ebony.
So besides this beautiful koa wood, the instrument has a Honduran Mahogany neck, green fiber accents, Blue Paua Abalone purfling, Asian Satin Wood burl accents, Gotoh UPT tuners and GHS fourocarbon strings.
Nothing like a Super Curly Koa Super Tenor Ukulele to make your day!