Custom Kinnard “Daughter of Polaris” Tenor Ukulele
2015. Preowned. Beautiful John Kinnard “Daughter of Polaris” Tenor Ukulele handcrafted in Fallbrook, California with the utmost attention to detail and tone. This instrument has a remarkable sound and is perfect for both the recording artist or the recreational musician.
John Kinnard Biography
Nestled in the foothills of northern San Diego County just inland from the coast, sits the small village of Fallbrook, California. Known for its mild climate and laid back lifestyles, artisans of different genres cultivate their craft inspired by the beauty of the valleys and mountains that surround the town.
One such artist is John S. Kinnard, an “old school” luthier who has established himself as a master of his trade in a day when CNC machines cough out “cookie cutter” parts to be assembled like a child’s puzzle.
Working out of his one man shop, John arguably builds some of the finest stringed instruments in the world by hand. He does them one by one – molding and shaping the parts and assembling them to create instruments that not only look stunning when completed, but also possess something that the mass produced instruments lack – the soul of the luthier.
John has been building guitars, mandolins and ukuleles in a career that has spanned more than forty five years and is best known as the luthier behind the Dell’ Arte brand of gypsy style guitars played around the world. Like many artists, his creativity spills over into other mediums including oil and watercolor painting and also jewelery making – talents that have served him well in making him the luthier he is today.
From painting he developed an eye for proportion and style. From designing and making jewelry it trained him to look for the smallest flaws and build with an attention to detail that has become the hallmark of his work as a luthier. When people talk about the construction of his instruments the one word you hear more than any other is the word “clean”. Building with superior materials together with top shelf construction and attention to detail, you end up with a beautiful instrument. Add in the soul of the luthier and you end up with an instrument that is something organic and very special. That is what John strives for in every instrument he builds…
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The “Daughter of Polaris” theme is the second tenor built in “The Limited Edition Mermaid Collection” by renowned artist, Lily Cain, and John S. Kinnard, luthier. The Mermaid Collection is a unique collaboration and compilation of five very special ukuleles that took 7 years to complete. Each individual instrument carried a mermaid theme and is unique, not only by the original artwork of Lily but also by the woods and appointments used by John in their construction. This collaboration between the two artists and the synergism and connection that resulted between them, makes this series truly original and very special.
This Custom Kinnard Tenor Ukulele was beautifully handpainted and handcrafted with underwater movement and Mermaid life in mind. Themed the “Daughter of Polaris”, this beautiful ukulele uses the gloss finish to give it the illusion of being “underwater” with not only the pearlescent bubbles but also the texture and application of the enamel paints. Look in the upper bout and you will see a hexagon and larger circles that give the illusion of looking through a prism. Her hair is floating above her head and gives the illusion of seaweed moving with the rhythm of the current and varied sized circles demonstrate depth perception with rising bubbles from the seafloor – a true masterpiece of artwork.
With regards to construction of the instrument, this limited series Kinnard tenor ukulele was constructed with a gorgeous set of Claro Walnut wood back and sides and a Western Red Cedar soundboard. This wood combination in the skillful hands of John Kinnard makes for a fantastic sounding instrument. In keeping with the theme, a stained Walnut was also used on the neck and ties in beautifully with the hues of the East-Indian Rosewood fingerboard, bride, and faceplate of the instrument. The fretboard has a compound radius on it that makes for feather light playing on bar chords and in higher positions up on the neck. A side sound port was also incorporated – giving the player the benefit of hearing each note as well as forward projection of sound toward the audience. The instrument also utilizes a simple ivroid or off-white celluloid top and back binding, adding a balanced contrast with the Walnut body and neck. Black Gotoh UPT tuners for smooth and precise tuning along with a bone nut and saddle. High gloss finish.
The tone of this wonderful instruments is absolutely magnificent. It has a warm, deep, rich and balanced tone with a resonance and sustain that really accentuates that sound. Walnut is highly regarded in the guitar luthiers’ community and has been making its way into the handcrafted custom ukulele world. Paired with Western Red Ceadar wood, this pairing is exceptional in its tonal offerings and gives the instrument a very sweet sound. This tenor will truly make a wonderful addition for the professional musician, recreational player, or collector. A beautifully handcrafted custom ukulele with great ease of play, comfort, and tone. Excellent projection, sustain, and clarity with great note separation as well. A wonderful instrument handcrafted by a skilled luthier who finds excellent balance between aesthetics, tone, and exceptional art. ID#210089
Price: SOLD