Custom I’iwi ‘1879 Model’ Soprano Ukulele
New. Custom ‘I’iwi ‘1879 Model’ Soprano Ukulele. Phenomenal player uke paying tribue to the forefathers of the ukulele – August Dias, Manuel Nunes, and Jose do Espirito Santo. The 1879 Model is a new design handcrafted by master luthier Charlie Fukuba of Makakilo, Oahu. This tribute piece offers a new soprano body mold with a wonderful sound and an aesthetic all its own. It is a blend of old traditions such as the rope binding, Hawaiian coat of arms headstock inlay, and rope marquetry fretboard inlay. Simultaneously, it is a wonderful blend of modern luthierie by which Charlie incorporated a slightly longer scale length of 13 3/4 inches, a contemporary body design, and so much more. The attention to detail is wonderful and in collaboration with his son, this instrument is the first model to be designed by Charlie and his son – testifying to I’iwi’s commitment to the finest materials, craftsmanship, and creativity in skilled ukulele luthiery from Hawaii.
Gorgeous Hawaiian Koa wood back and sides with a torrefied Sitka spruce soundboard; this full custom ʻI’iwi ‘1879 Model’ soprano ukulele has tremendous power and projection for a small sound box – paying homage to the full and robust sounds of ukuleles from this time period. The instrument also boasts an instrument grade West African Gabon ebony fretboard and bridge with a Walnut wood veneer and Hawaiian coat of arms headstock inlay of Maple wood. Elegant and complimentary Rocklike wood top and back composite binding with an classy top, back, and side profile b-w purfling line for aesthetic appeal. Rocklite is a revolutionary and totally environmentally friendly approach to tonewoods for musical instruments. It looks and sounds like real ebony, and is very black unlike most ebony available today. It is an engineered composite produced from eco-friendly, readily available wood species. The neck has been carved from Honduras mahogany wood for increased structural integrity and added sustain. Rope marquetry fretboard inlay and side-of-neck position markers for a quick and accurate top-down reference for each chord. The body design is entirely unique and slightly larger than the traditional I’iwi soprano body with a more pronounced waistline in contrast to his traditional soprano design, giving it a more warm and traditional sound with tremendous projection. Hand-rubbed true oil finish for a smooth to the touch feel. Professional Gotoh UPT geared tuners for smooth and precise tuning.
The aesthetics of this Custom I’iwi ‘1879 Model’ Soprano Ukulele brings you back to a time of historical significance in Hawaii’s history. A time when the ukulele was first created by the forefathers. A. Dias, M. Nunes, and J.E. Santo under the rule of King David Kalakaua and his Hawaiian Kingdom. Tonally, this piece is a true gem and a remarkable ukulele for recording musicians or ukulele enthusiasts. Full recording level instrument with a balanced and brisk tone. Excellent projection, sustain, and clarity. 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. Highly recommended tribute piece for the seasoned player, ukulele enthusiast, or collector. ID#200060
Price: SOLD