#1005 Redwood and Curly Koa Kingdom Era Soprano Ukulele

This instrument is part of a long term research project into the first Ukuleles made in Hawaii. I researched the three Madeiran builders and the tools, techniques and materials they used to make their instruments. I went to Hawaii and studied instruments in the Bishop Museum and with Shawn from www.ukulelefriend.com. I then created my own models that reflected this work but used some modern features. This ukulele has Curly Koa back, sides, fretboard and headplate, which I got from a retiring builder. The top is some Redwood, salvaged off the beach by Chris at Yodel Boy Woodworks. The neck is some Western Red Cedar. All the binding and inlay was made by me from scraps of Walnut, Maple, Myrtle and Oak. It has a radiused fretboard, geared tuners, fluorocarbon strings and a bone nut and saddle. I am very honored to get to do this work and intend to pay back the people of Hawaii when possible. Part of my profit from this uke will go to Ho’oulu ‘Aina, a nature preserve, craft school, cultural knowledge and health care non profit.