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Custom Cornerstone “Tularosa” Tenor Ukulele

 
 

New. Beautiful Custom Cornerstone “Tularosa Series” Tenor Ukulele handcrafted with the utmost attention to detail by master luthier Peter Marreiros in Westminster, California. This gorgeous Cornerstone tenor ukulele is truly a wonderful instrument and functional work of art! The Tularosa Series is a limited series of three instruments and this one is #3 of #3. No additional pieces will be made in this series. This ukulele also comes complete with a Cornerstone Certificate of Authenticity, a brochure detailed the ancient Anasazi tribes, a Certificate of Authenticity from Alaska Specialty Woods, Inc. carbon-dating the Sitka spruce to roughly 2,850 years old, and a hard case custom fitted with an external Cornerstone badge made from a piece of the same ancient spruce – commemorating the Tularosa Series. A career luthier famed for his extensive experience in guitar luthiery, Peter has blended his love for finely handcrafted instruments and passion of world cultures in celebration of the Ancient Anasazi tribes – creating this one-of-a-kind ukulele to be enjoyed and treasured for generations to come.

Biography

Peter Marreiros embarked on his lutherie journey in the late 90’s. In those beginning years he built a few electric guitars. In 2003 he was inspired to build an acoustic guitar. During this process he realized this was his true passion. The demands of building an acoustic guitar were far greater and spawned deeper levels of creativity and detailed workmanship.  Little did Peter know that same year he would meet legendary luthier, Kevin Ryan where both sons were playing little league baseball together. Their friendship grew and Kevin’s meticulous mastery and artistry became a goal for Peter’s builds. Peter’s attention to detail pushed him to build high quality instruments that were aesthetically stunning, uniquely designed, and embodied a strong musically appealing tone.

Peter’s interest for ukuleles was sparked during a visit to one of his friends in the winter of 2018 and coincidentally a trip to Hawaii in February of 2019 further enhanced his interest for the small happy instrument. Learning of the history of the ukulele and its connection to his motherland of Portugal, Peter found new inspiration in bridging his Portuguese lineage with years of guitar building experience to push the boundaries of lutherie with a vision to build a ukulele like no other.

“It is with passion and love that a Cornerstone Ukulele is created. Each of my ukuleles is handcrafted and every instrument is a labor of love and dedication. My desire is for my passion to fuel yours…”

This gorgeous custom Cornerstone “Tularosa Series” tenor ukulele was crafted from the finest materials and takes its inspiration from the ancient American tribes that roamed near the four corners area of the United States which is where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado meet.They were also known as the Pueblo people. The word Anasazi is Navajo for “Ancient Ones”. The current consensus, based on terminology defined by the Pecos classification suggests their emergence around the 12th Century BC. The Anasazi living in the Tularosa Basin area in New Mexico were talented craftsmen and artisans known for making the famous cliff dwellings, pottery, and even musical instruments. The Anasazi are believed to be the first people to use a bow and arrow. Archaeologists and historians have discovered that the ancient Anasazi people left their established homes in the first century and while they seemed to have created a sturdy society it is a mystery as to why they would leave. Many of the objects from Tularosa are remarkable because they are so rare. Among them the renowned Tularosa black on white pottery. Pottery assigned to Tularosa black-on-white tends to be very distinct from other types produced in different Southwest regions. Painted designs vary from Pueblo to Pueblo yet share an ancient iconography based on abstract representations of clouds, rain, feathers, birds, plants, animals and other natural world features. (See photo attached above.)

This Cornerstone limited series “Tularosa Edition” features a rare black-and-white ebony back and sides representing the white-on-black Anasazi design. Paired with once-in-a-lifetime 2,850 years old ancient spruce soundboard that came from a tree that was alive around the same time period as the ancient Anasazi – the tree was found frozen buried in ice in Alaska – to further tie in the “Tularosa” design concept. The ancient spruce was petrified and found in a glacier, giving it its natural grey-ish hue. The woods are from Peter’s reserve of premium wood sets for his finest builds. It boasts an elegant bound Gabon ebony wood fretboard and bridge and a solid one-piece 5A curly Maple wood neck stained black in keeping with the theme of the instrument. Gorgeous Anasazi inspired mother-of-pearl shell rosette inlay design on the soundboard and end graft with reconstructed stone turquoise inlay on the soundboard, fretboard, and headstock and a matching yellow and turquoise reconstructed stone ‘sun’ inlay design on the fretboard. Beautiful sail half-headstock design done meticulously in white-and-black turquoise that attest to the high skill level and attention to detail of this beautiful custom Cornerstone ukulele. In-house aged tinted bone nut and saddle in keeping with the elegant theme of old world art and a 14 fret joint to the body with 19 overall frets to the sound hole. The instrument also incorporates a uniquely designed triple hole side sound port on the upper bout for a ‘monitor-like’ effect. Jet black Gabon ebony wood top and back binding with a top beveled arm rest for added comfort when cradling the instrument. Professional Gotoh open-geared machine tuners with black-and-white buttons for precise and smooth tuning. String through bridge design for a functional yet elegant feel. A high grade durable polyester finish on the body give it a mirror-like sheen that reveals the natural beauty of the wood while a satin style finish on the neck makes for a smooth and comfortable feel to the touch when playing.

This is a true masterpiece of functional art that is both appealing to even the most renowned professional ukulele musicians and the recreational player alike. A wonderful custom ukulele with a bold, warm, clear, and balanced tone. Excellent projection and remarkable sustain. Fully compensated saddle and spot on intonation as well. A highly recommended ukulele for both the professional musician and the ukulele enthusiast at heart. ID#210024

Price: SOLD

 

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