Newest Custom Tenor Ukulele - Sold
Here’s the Newest Custom Tenor Ukulele with “D” sound hole. This is a standard tenor shape with venetian cut-a-way.
“D’ sound hole and venetian cut-a-way.
It’s All About The Wood
Body: Tasmanian Blackwood. This sure looks a lot like Koa, doesn’t it!. I acquired this wood around 20 years ago and at that time it had been sitting at Gilmer Woods for years. This was about the time that Australian imports and exports became almost non-existent. It’s not readily available in the US at the present. Koa was a difficult find at the time so this sure filled the bill. It’s a bit straighter in grain and, in my opinion, a bit more dense than koa with a brighter tap tone.
Blackwood is an acacia BTW (acacia melanoxylon). Every instrument that I’ve made with it has sounded pretty darn good.
Tasmanian Blackwood body.
Sound Board: Swiss Moon Spruce. Braced with Sitka. “D” sound hole placement. Okay, the “D” is a special request. I’m not all that keen on adding more choices of sound hole placement but the client is a good friend and Kimo owner. In my opinion, it’s more of a look than a necessity; but, I do feel that it brings sound to the player a touch better than other combinations since you have both the side port and the “D” fairly close together.
Swiss Moon Spruce sound board.
Neck: Honduran Mahogany with carbon truss rod. The client wanted a more vintage “Martin Style” profile–thinner and flatter to the back. I like this shape because my thumb rests on the back of the neck more comfortably. Not sure if I should add this shape as a standard though. I did modify the shape a bit and am waiting for client feed-back. The neck has a sanded epoxy finish. Also, as an afterthought, I’ll add “volute” at the junction of the head stock and neck body which should make for a cleaner looking transition.
Honduran mahogany neck with sanded finish.
Fret Board and Bridge: Another personal request is this radiused, figured Asian Munn Ebony. This wood just doesn’t come around that often and this is one of two finger boards available to me. I’ll have to admit its a pretty nice look.
Asian Munn ebony finger board and bridge.
Binding and Accent Woods: Yes, another request is this Masur Birch. White/Black purfling to compliment.
Gotoh 501 tuners for ukulele.
The Rest Of The Build
Strings: Pepe Romero with wound low “G”.
Amplification: Mi-Si.
Nut and Saddle: stained, unbleached bone.
Case: Crossrock ABS.
Tuners: Gotoh 501 mini ukulele.
And
Very playable with super low action. If you’re a player that uses the thumb for melody a lot then the cut-a-way is nice since it makes for a great spot to brace. My client doesn’t need this but he does use the entire finger board so it should be a pleasing addition. I fell the sound is already warm and enviting and expect the low density Moon Spruce to open very quickly. So basically, for the Newest Custom Tenor Ukulele, I’m pretty pleased.
