New. Custom Kotaro Guitars & Ukuleles Tenor Ukulele. An absolutely beautiful ukulele handcrafted on the island of Oahu, HI by master luthier Rob Kurosu.
Born into a military family, Rob spent his early years traveling around the world. After graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder, he was commissioned and served as a pilot in the US Navy before retiring and settling in Hawaii. Still itching for travel and adventure, Rob and his family next sailed the South Pacific on a catamaran and explored New Zealand for a year before finally returning to Kailua. He is a graduate of the prestigious Galloup School of Guitar Building in Big Rapids, Michigan and has extended his passion for luthiery to include handcrafted custom ukuleles in limited numbers to select clientele each year. His work ethic is truly uncompromising with the utmost attention to detail and a sound that parallels the exquisite craftsmanship of each instrument. A remarkable luthier with a passion for perfection, playability, and great tone.
Beautiful curly Hawaiian Koa wood back and sides, this ukulele embraces a classic wood ombination in the guitar and ukulele community with a Sitka spruce soundboard. A dark curly Hawaiian koa wood binding was used on the top and back of the instrument along with a matching figured Hawaiian Koa wood end graft. Ebony wood fretboard bound in figured Hawaiian Koa wood in keeping with the theme of the instrument. Slotted headstock design with ebony wood face plate and curly Hawaiian Koa wood back headstock veneer also contribute the simple but elegant aesthetics of this custom tenor ukulele. Gorgeous double ‘paua’ abalone shell rosette sandwich a Hawaiian tattoo inspired koa-ebony wood rosette. Abalone shell soundboard, fingerboard, and headstock inlay, this is the most ornate KG ukulele to pass through yet. Radiused ebony wood fingerboard (16′) for ease of play with compensated bone nut and saddle. The radius on the fretboard provides added comfort on the wrist angle, especially at higher positions up on the neck. Brass style position markers have been inlaid on the side of the bound fretboard for a top down perspective and quick reference, leaving the fretboard with a clean, elegant appeal. Mahogany wood neck and truss rod insert for added stability and increased sustain on the instrument. A classic KG or ‘Kotaro Guitars & Ukuleles’ logo inlaid of abalone shell. Premium Waverly machine tuners for smooth and precise tuning. Nitrocellulose high-gloss finish on body with a satin style neck for smooth play up and down the neck.
This instrument is a true pleasure to play and has a wonderful tone. It has a lovely response and is quite light in weight as well. The intonation is set perfectly as well and the ukulele has a nice even and balanced sound up and down the neck with wonderful clarity, articulation, and a nice sweet tone. Hawaiian koa wood being a dense wood allows this instrument to have a focused mid-range with the top-end shimmer of the spruce – a wonderful combination in sound and aesthetics. A highly recommended full custom ukulele rarely available on the open market from one of Hawaii’s great ukulele luthiers. ID#2500021
Price: $4,250.00