Custom ʻIʻiwi Soprano Ukulele

Custom I’iwi Ukulele. Special edition ʻI’iwi Soprano Ukulele handcrafted by luthier Charlie Fukuba of Makakilo, Oahu. This special series is a joint effort between ʻI’iwi Ukuleles and historical Moanalua Park which extends into both the realm of fine luthiery and the historicity and connection to the people, the land, and the culture of Hawaii.

Handcrafted of rare Hawaiian Cuban Mahogany wood that was harvested from the Moanalua Park, a historical site on Oahu and home to the famous ‘Hitachi tree’, the wood used on this limited run of ukuleles is traced back to a time when King Kalakaua re-popularized the hula and ukulele amongst the Hawaiian people. The wood sets for these ukuleles were harvested from the back yard of King Kamehameha V summer cottage on the Moanalua Park grounds. It is of extremely rare Hawaiian Cuban Mahogany which is a very prized wood amongst local artisans and a phenomenal tonewood for instruments, especially the ukulele. More information on the Moanalua Garden itself can be found at the link below. cottage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moanalua_Gardens

The face, back and sides of this beautiful ukulele is handcrafted from gorgeous Hawaiian Cuban Mahogany wood. It has an ebony wood fretboard, bridge, headstock veneer, and top and back ebony wood binding with top and side profile maple wood purfling for aesthetic appeal. The neck is carved from Honduran mahogany for added stability and the instrument boasts a gorgeous abalone shell ‘maile lei’ inlay around the soundhole and matching ‘Hitachi Tree’ mother-of-pearl inlay on the headstock as well. This piece has a special issue label which reads, “Handcrafted from the finest Cuban Mahogany from Our Park” – Moanalua Gardens.

Tonally, this piece is a true gem. Very rich bass notes with excellent clarity and projection. It has the sound of a seasoned instrument although it was only recently completed. Very well balanced notes all the way up the neck with spot on intonation. High recommended piece and perfect for the weekend musician and the aspiring ukulele enthusiast.

Price: SOLD