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Custom Kinnard ‘Removable Arm Bevel’ Baritone Ukulele

 
 

Preowned. Circa 2019. A beautiful John Kinnard “Removable Arm Bevel” Baritone Ukulele, meticulously handcrafted in Fallbrook, California, with exceptional attention to detail, playability, and tonal excellence. This custom baritone reflects decades of John Kinnard’s experience, craftsmanship, and innovation in fine instrument building. Every aspect of the instrument has been thoughtfully designed and expertly executed, resulting in a ukulele that delivers outstanding resonance, balance, and responsiveness. A remarkable example of Kinnard’s celebrated work, it is equally suited for discerning players, collectors, and anyone seeking a truly exceptional handcrafted baritone ukulele.

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 beautiful Custom John Kinnard “Removable Arm Bevel” Baritone Ukulele is handcrafted from striking black walnut for the top, back, and sides, giving it an elegant, understated appearance that perfectly complements its rich, expressive voice. In the skilled hands of master luthier John Kinnard, black walnut delivers a remarkable combination of warmth, clarity, and articulation, with excellent note separation, impressive sustain, and outstanding tonal balance across the entire fingerboard.

Designed to maximize tonal performance, the ukulele features a 19-inch scale length with a 13-fret neck joint and 19 total frets extending to the soundhole. This thoughtful design positions the bridge at the instrument’s tonal sweet spot on the soundboard, producing exceptional resonance, increased volume, and a full, well-rounded baritone voice. The result is a highly responsive instrument with outstanding projection and a refined, balanced sound that will appeal equally to performers, recording musicians, and discerning collectors. The fingerboard is hand-carved from premium ebony and features a 12″–20″ compound radius, gradually flattening from the nut to the upper frets for exceptional comfort and effortless playability higher on the neck. An ebony bridge and matching black walnut headstock veneer continue the instrument’s cohesive aesthetic, while figured light walnut binding on the top and back is tastefully accented by a dark ebony end graft, adding understated elegance to the overall design.

Additional premium appointments include a comfortable walnut neck, a classy walnut and ebony wood rosette, John Kinnard’s signature Removable Arm Bevel for enhanced playing comfort, and side sound ports that create a monitor-like effect, allowing the player to hear the instrument more directly while projecting the sound beautifully toward the audience. The classic paddle-style headstock is fitted with high-quality Gotoh UPT planetary tuners, providing smooth, precise tuning with the traditional appearance of friction pegs. A silky satin finish on both the body and neck enhances the natural beauty of the walnut while offering a fast, comfortable playing feel. Factory-installed strap buttons at the neck heel and end graft make the instrument stage-ready.

This preowned instrument has been lovingly played and well cared for. Light strumming marks are visible on the soundboard under bright, professional lighting, along with a couple of minor dings consistent with careful use. These purely cosmetic signs of play do not affect the instrument’s structural integrity, tone, or exceptional playability. It remains a superb example of John Kinnard’s craftsmanship and an inspiring baritone ukulele ready for many more years of music.

Price: $2,500.00

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