Custom Kinnard Tenor Ukulele
2022. Preowned. Beautiful John Kinnard Tenor Ukulele handcrafted in Fallbrook, California with the utmost attention to detail and tone.
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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This Custom Kinnard Tenor Ukulele was handcrafted of a gorgeous set of Claro Walnut on the top, back and sides of the instrument. Gabon Evony wood fingerboard, bridge and headstock plate. The rosette design is one that incorporates a mixture of Walnut, ebony, and maple wood purflings. Walnut wood inlay on postion 12 for quick reference when playing with side-of-neck position markers for a top-down perspective when playing. Matching Walnut top and back binding with a bound ebony wood fretboard for smooth play up and down the neck. Compound radius on the fingerboard for ease of play and added comfort on the wrist. Z-shape headstock design.
The tone of this wonderful instruments is absolutely magnificent. It has a warm, deep, rich tone and the resonance and sustain that accentuate that sound. Walnut is one of Kinnard’s favorite woods for both beauty and tonality. This tenor will truly make a wonderful addition for any player or collector. A beautifully handcrafted custom ukulele with great ease of play, comfort, and tone. Excellent projecting, sustain, and clarity with a very sweet tone. A wonderful instrument handcrafted by a skilled luthier who finds an excellent balance between aesthetics, tone, and functional art. ID#240001
Price: $4,850.00