Curly Koa Standard Tenor Ukulele - Sold
I think I’m developing a decent eye for Koa although some new clients may be reluctant to take my advice. Here’s a new instrument made from a set that I’m sure I’ve suggested to prosepective clients at least half a dozen times with no takers. This is the Curly Koa Standard Tenor Ukulele.
Crinkle curl Koa.
The Woods
Body: Crinkle curl Koa with sap wood center.
Perfectly matched back and sides.
Binding: Curly Koa.
Got Curl!
Rosette and Accent Woods: Curly Koa–oh why not!
Neck: Honduran Mahogany with carbon fiber truss rod. Smooth sanded finish.
Curly Koa back strap.
Purfling: Turquoise/black fiber.
Just more curly curly.
Fret Board and Bridge: Amazon Rosewood. I picked up a new stash of fret board blanks from Gilmer Woods last month and this is one. The tap tone of these “rosewood” blanks is superior to ebony. Personally I like the reddish hues against of the Koa.
The Rest of the Build
Tuners: Gotoh UPT. The last build had Waverly open back guitar tuners. The guitar tuners are 15::1 while the Gotoh are 4::1. Personally, I like the ease with which the Gotoh UPT’s tune and I definitely like the access. I’ve lengthened and narrowed the head stock and have place the tuners asymmetrically. They are really easy to see and access. This is still an ongoing process though, so I expect some additional changes in the future.
Asymmetric placement of tuners makes for easier tuning access.
Case: Crossrock ABS. Love the blue!
Crossrock ABS in Blue. Ouch!
Strings: Pepe Romero fluorocarbon with wound low “G”. Still my standard.
And
This is a classic tenor shape and reminiscent of the Martin standard tenors. It has more volume and a side port standard which really adds to the resonance and sound performance. I estimate the standard tenor to be about 10 cubic inches in volume less than the super tenor but this one is almost equal in volume and sustain to the Pohaku Tenor Ukulele. And, it’s got a lot of damn Koa curl. Not bad for a Curly Koa Standard Tenor Ukulele.
