Entries by Kimo Ukulele

The Jungle Beast Tenor Ukulele

Had to do it!  The latest out of the shop is The Jungle Beast Tenor Ukulele. This is the kind of instrument I build for myself.  It’s all about the wood baby! The Woods Body:  Fresh, or maybe not so fresh, out of the jungles of Honduras is this eclectic set of  “Jaguar Scratch” Mahogany.  […]

Blond and Blue Tenor Ukulele

This is my latest “Builder’s Choice” instrument.  I’m calling it the Blond and Blue Tenor Ukulele.  This is a standard tenor shape.   The Woods Back and Sides:  Central American  Primavera.  This is a new wood for me.  I’ve been intrigued since I first saw it about 15 years ago.  This is the first time, […]

Kimo Koa Tenor Pineapple Ukulele

The Kimo Koa Tenor Pineapple Ukulele is the latest custom request to be finished. The Woods Body:  Hawaiian Curly Koa.  This is a matching set of koa from the same billet.  Since it is well quartered, I am able to flip the book-match on the front and back to make sure all the cool grain and […]

Claro and Swiss Super Tenor Ukulele

When you’ve got world class Claro Walnut and Swiss Moon Spruce you just can’t go wrong.  This is the Claro and Swiss Super Tenor Ukulele. The Woods The back and sides are a new look in Claro Walnut.  I’ve already gone thru the original billet and I now have three similar sets in this new […]

Black and White Ebony Baritone Ukulele

Guess it’s black and white month?  Here’s  a new Black and White Ebony Baritone Ukulele. The Woods Back and Sides:  Asian Black and White Ebony species Sound Board:  American Figured Port Orford Cedar.  The color of the cedar matches the “white” color of the ebony.  The warm tones of this particular wood are a good […]

My Kahiko Double Puka Ukulele

My Kahiko Double Puka Ukulele is #1 in my builders choice collection of ukulele. The Back Story All luthiers have their secret stash of wood saved for that special build.  Me too.  When I get the opportunity I pull out some of the wood that I’ve been hoarding for years and maybe make something for […]

The Tree and Swiss Tenor Ukulele

The Tree and Swiss Tenor Ukulele is the latest to get strings. The Woods Back and Sides:  The back story on “The Tree” wood is that this Central American Mahogany came into the States in the 80’s.  The log was cut with half going to the East and half to the West.  It has been […]

Ancient Black and White Ebony Ukulele

I wasn’t quite sure how to name this one so I am using the highlights as the title.  This is the Ancient Black and White Ebony Ukulele. The Highlights The Soundboard is another piece of the Alaskan Ancient Spruce.  About 3000 years old or so and probably one of the most distressed in appearance that […]

Deep Blue Sea Ukulele

Sometimes ya just gotta try something new.  Here’s another effort at staining quilt maple.  This is the Deep Blue Sea Ukulele. Back Story I’ve always said that I don’t do stains, bleeds, sunbursts etcetera in order to allow the natural beauty of the wood to speak for itself.  BUT, I am fascinated by some of […]

Classy Long Neck Concert Ukulele

This is one Classy Long Neck Concert Ukulele. The Woods The Back and Sides are Mexican Ziricote.  This wood was sourced by the client from a wood carving artist of note.  It’s very old.  I made a couple in the distant past but forgot how easily it worked.   BUT, don’t ask for more since I […]