Custom Kinnard “Thinline” Tenor Ukulele

New. Beautiful John Kinnard 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…

———————————-

This Custom Kinnard “Thinline” Tenor Ukulele was handcrafted with an earthy feel in mind. The soundboard was crafted of California redwood with the back and sides being Makore wood. Makore wood, in appearance, resembles that of Mahogany wood and is known for its strength and durability. The tree typically grows between 180-200 feet in height  with a color profile between a pinkish-red and a reddish-brown. The wood has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for guitars and ukuleles. Paired with a tight grain California redwood, this wood combination in the skillful hands of John Kinnard makes for a fantastic sounding instrument. The fretboard and bridge was carved from musicians grade Gabon Ebony wood and offer a slight radius on the fretboard for ease of play in the higher positions on the neck and feather light playing on bar chords. Matching Gabon ebony wood veneer on the front and back of the z-stock headstock.

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 faux tortoise shell top and back binding, adding a balanced contrast with the Makore and redwood body and mahogany wood neck. Herringbone design rosette and center back strip with elegant w-b-w top purfling lines adding to the simple but elegant feel of this instrument.  Black Gotoh UPT tuners for smooth and precise tuning along with a bone nut and saddle. High gloss finish.

The tone of this instrument is absolutely wonderful. The thinner body profile allows for greater comfort for the player in  search for a less intrusive feel when cradling the ukulele against the body. It has a warm and balanced tone with great clarity and sustain, giving 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#220030.

Price: SOLD