Custom I’iwi Tenor Ukulele

New. Custom I’iwi Tenor Ukulele. Phenomenal player uke! Custom ʻI’iwi Tenor Ukulele handcrafted by luthier Charlie Fukuba of Makakilo, Oahu. This special piece is made with the player in mind with a focus on pure sound by one of Hawaii’s foremost custom ukulele luthiers, Charlie Fukuba.

Beautiful two-piece back of figured Honduran Mahogany wood and a master grade set of Torrefied Sitka Spruce soundboard, this full custom ʻI’iwi ukulele also boasts instrument grade Gabon ebony fretboard and bridge with a Royal Blackwood headstock veneer. The ‘Torrefied’ process is a process by which the wood is heat-treated in an oxygen free kiln. This process reduces the moisture content within the wood, making it very stable all the while mimicking the aging process. The result, an instrument that sounds ‘aged’ or seasoned in tone. A Rocklite wood composite top and back binding has been employed in keeping with the theme of the instrument with an elegant top, back, and side profile purfling line for a beautiful aesthetic appeal. The neck itself has been carved from Honduran mahogany wood with a graphite composite rod insert for increased structural integrity. Roman numeral Maple wood position markers on positions 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 15 add for a quick and accurate reference point to each chord. Gorgeous tri-port abalone shell rosette on tone-tapped upper bout porting system and soundboard for a great sound.  The porting system adds projection, sustain, and accented bass notes for the player by moving the ports away from the traditional location in the center of the soundboard and pushing it up towards the upper bout. This enables the maximum excitement of the soundboard before the vibration contacts the port itself. The ukulele embraces a a blend of contemporary luthiery and aesthetics while capturing the essence of Hawaii’s history through its inlay theme. The piece brings you back to a time of simplicity in ancient Hawaii. A time when the feathers of ʻI’iwi birds were gently plucked for the ʻahuʻula (feather cloaks) and mahiole (feathered helmets) of the Hawaiian monarchs or ali`i. Special inlay of the ‘I’iwi bird and the native Hawaiian ‘Ohia Lehua’ flower.

Tonally, this piece is a true gem and a remarkable piece for recording musicians or weekend jam sessions. Full recording level instrument with voiced high tones, embellished mid-range notes and exceptional bass. The spruce top adds even more drive and clarity to the instrument with the Mahogany giving it a warm and focused sound. Excellent projection as well. This beauty has the sound of a seasoned instrument although it was only recently completed. Very well balanced structurally and tonally with refined notes all the way up the neck and spot on intonation. High recommended piece for the seasoned player or aspiring ukulele enthusiast. ID: #210064

Price: SOLD