Custom Pohaku Resonator Tenor Ukulele
New. Custom Pohaku Resonator Tenor Ukulele, handcrafted by Peter Hurney in Astoria, Oregon. Hurney began making his first Pohaku Ukuleles in Kailua, Hawaii, in the early 1990s, then moved his workshop to Berkeley, California, where he worked for 20 years. Now, Pohaku is located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Peter creates a limited number of custom, one-of-a-kind instruments each year from Pohaku’s climate-controlled workshop and artist studio.
Pohaku ukuleles are celebrated for their artistic design and tonal excellence, blending influences from vintage classical, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and modernist styles. Peter’s award-winning instruments have been featured on stages worldwide, in recordings, publications, and galleries, earning a devoted following among professional musicians and collectors.
This model represents a true redesign of the tenor resonator ukulele. Rather than adapting a standard instrument, it was purpose-built as a resonator from the ground up. The elegantly shaped body with slotted sound holes is perfectly proportioned to complement the resonator system, resulting in both visual harmony and acoustic efficiency. Constructed from beautifully figured curly Western sycamore, the body and neck are finished in a smooth satin lacquer, with top and back plates tinted in warm amber and tobacco hues. The 16 7/8″ scale instrument features a spun aluminum biscuit-style resonator cone housed in a suspended sound well, topped with a striking triple chrome-plated brass cover plate. The satin-finished neck is paired with a rosewood fretboard and bar-style mother-of-pearl inlays. A plated brass tailpiece allows for secure string anchoring with reduced breakage, while a strap button provides added comfort given the instrument’s substantial feel. Equipped with Grover U98-18 nickel-plated tuners (18:1 ratio), this ukulele offers precise, stable tuning. The fretwork and setup are expertly executed for smooth, accurate playability. The neck is attached using a durable bolt-on system with machine screws and brass inserts, similar to high-quality electric guitars.
A unique interior detail—a decorative “wallpaper” lining inspired by traditional harpsichord construction—adds an artistic touch, subtly visible through the sound slots. The arched back enhances both projection and playing comfort. Weighing approximately 35 oz and measuring just under 27 inches in length, this instrument feels solid and balanced in hand. Tonally, this ukulele is powerful, clear, and highly responsive. It delivers impressive volume without muddiness, with crisp highs, rich lows, excellent sustain, and outstanding projection—ideal for acoustic performance in both small and larger settings. A rare opportunity to own a truly distinctive instrument that combines craftsmanship, innovation, and exceptional sound quality.#260025
Price: $1,700.00