Custom Kevin Mason Tenor Ukulele
New 2023. Beautifully handcrafted full custom tenor ukulele handcrafted by master luthier, Kevin Mason, of Wheeling, IL . In 2002, Kevin Mason began building musical instruments after having played guitars, lutes, and other stringed instruments professionally for over 20 years. Since then, he has made mostly acoustic guitars, but also resonator, classical, and jazz guitars. In 2006, he built his first ukulele, and today he focuses on making high quality ukuleles for professional and amateur players alike.
As a small shop craft builder, Kevin believes in making instruments that are beautiful to the eye, using only the best quality solid woods. Because he was a player long before he was a builder, Kevin is sensitive to the touch and easy playability of his instruments, and to the tone and sustain of the instruments he makes. He does not settle for anything less than the best musical instrument possible and is work is gaining in popularity among professional musicians such as Kimo Hussey and recreational players alike. His instruments are known for their light weight, wonderful tone, and exceptional response.
This wonderful custom tenor ukulele was handcrafted from gorgeous curly Ovangkol wood on the back and sides with a Torrefied Spruce soundboard. The ‘torrefied’ process is a process in which the wood is thermo-treated over an extended period in an oxygen-free kiln. This process extracts the natural oils and resins of the wood, rapidly advancing the structural composition of the soundboard and giving it an ‘aged’ and ‘open’ sound. Musicians grade Ziricote wood fretboard, bridge, top and back binding, and matching double Ziricote rosette with a gold mother-of-pearl ring. The top head-plate was also done with a Ziricote veneer in keeping with the theme of the instrument. Stylish black-white-black purfling lines on top, back, sides, fingerboard, and more, giving the contours of the instrument greater definition while attesting to the skill-level of the luthier, Kevin Mason. The neck was carved from Spanish Cedar and reinforced with a graphite rod, reducing the overall weight from that of a Mahogany wood while adding a hint of warmth to the overall sound. 14 frets to the body and 20 overall frets to the soundhole with a 1.5 inch nut for those looking for slightly more vertical spacing between strings and a 12″ radiused fretboard for ease of play in higher positions on the neck. Side sound port for monitor-like experience. Slotted headstock and pinless, string-through bridge. Vintage Amber Bone nut and saddle and professional slotted headstock Rubner geared tuners with Ebony wood buttons for precise tuning, and a hand-rubbed french -polished shellac finish are a few more amenities to this beautiful instrument.
The inlay…very elegant! The fingerboard inlay of this ukulele is a subtle and classy touch to the thought of a quick reference of the 12th fret in mother-of-pearl and abalone shell and done in the fashion of a plumeria flower. A truly wonderful piece of art themed perfectly on a beautifully functioning and professional grade recording instrument.
A wonderful breath of tones from this remarkable ukulele both clear and warm with nice projection. Excellent sustain and a true joy to play. The instrument is also very well center balanced which makes for a very comfortable instrument as you cradle it up against your body. A wonderful piece for professional musicians, weekend giggers, and the uke-lover at heart! ID#230077
Price: SOLD