Custom I’iwi “25th Anniv.” Tenor Ukulele

C. 2020. Custom ‘I’iwi “25th Anniv.” Tenor Ukulele. Phenomenal player uke! Custom ʻI’iwi Tenor Ukulele handcrafted by luthier Charlie Fukuba of Makakilo, Oahu. This special anniversary piece benchmarks the 25th anniversary of ʻI’iwi Ukuleles and is a testimony to a commitment to the finest materials and craftsmanship in skilled luthiery by one of Hawaii’s foremost custom ukulele luthiers, Charlie Fukuba.

Only twelve 25th Anniversary ukuleles were made by Charlie and this is one of them. To my knowledge, it is the only one with this remarkable set of wood, making it exceptionally special. Gorgeous master grade 3-piece back and sides of birdseye Maple wood with a highly figured Hawaiian Koa wood center piece and a Bear Claw Sitka spruce soundboard – all from Charlie’s special ‘reserve’ of premium woods. This full custom ʻI’iwi ukulele also boasts an instrument grade West African Gabon ebony fretboard and bridge. Elegant curly Hawaiian Koa wood top and back binding with an classy top, back, and side profile b-w-b purfling line for aesthetic appeal. Curly Hawaiian Koa wood headstock veneer. The neck has been carved from Honduran mahogany wood and has a graphite composite rod insert for increased structural integrity and added sustain with a bolt-on neck that is accessed through the strap pin at the butt of the instrument. Beautiful ‘XXV’ inlay on the 15th position paying tribute to 25 years of handcrafted ukuleles in Hawaii with roman numeral position markers on positions 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12. Side-of- neck position markers also on 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 15 for a quick and accurate top-down reference for each chord. Gorgeous paua shell soundboard purfling and matching triple shell rosette on tone-tapped upper bout porting system.  This unique porting system creates additional sustain with a sweet, warm tone and slightly accented bass notes perfect for the professional musician or recreational player. The body design is also one that is entirely unique to I’iwi and resembles that of a dreadnaught style guitar, giving it tremendous power and volume.

The aesthetics of this Custom I’iwi Tenor Ukulele brings you back to a time of simplicity in ancient Hawaii. A time when the feathers of ʻI’iwi birds were gently plucked for the ʻahuʻula (feather cloaks) and mahiole (feathered helmets) of the Hawaiian monarchs or ali`i. A special shell inlay of the ‘I’iwi bird and the native Hawaiian ‘Ohia’ flower pay homage to the beauty of Hawaii, its culture, and it’s natural resources.

Tonally, this piece is a true gem and a remarkable ukulele for recording musicians or weekend jam sessions. Full recording level instrument with a sweet, full-bodied tone with the classic warm sound of mahogany – balanced highs and mid-range notes as well with exceptional low end. Excellent projection. This beauty has the sound of a seasoned instrument although it was only just completed. Very well balanced structurally and tonally with refined notes all the way up the neck and spot on intonation. Professional  Gotoh UPT 1:4 geared ratio for smooth and precise tuning. Highly recommended piece for the seasoned player or aspiring ukulele enthusiast. ID#210075

Price: SOLD