(C.1999). New old stock. Beautiful and meticulously made Custom Larrivee Soprano Ukulele handcrafted in British Columbia, Canada by legendary luthier Jean Larrivee.
In the 1960s, Larrivee showed great interest in classical guitar, he attended a performance by skilled guitarist Edgar Munch Jr. and after the show, Jean meets the performer’s father – world-renowned German luthier Edgar Munch Sr. Impressed by Larrivee’s keen interest in classical guitar making, Munch agrees to take young Jean on as an apprentice.
By 1977, Larrivee has gained the respect of players and luthiers worldwide. Bruce cockburn and Peter Yarrow of the group Peter, Paul, and Mary became the first high profile artists to turn to a Larrivee guitar. He then sought to provide his handcrafted guitars across Canada and also export them to Europe. US artists also soon made the trip North, in hopes of acquiring a Jean Larrivee guitar.
In the early 1990s, Larrivee also began handcrafting finely crafted ukuleles. The instruments out of the shop from this time period were masterpieces – both beautiful and with a great tone. Today, Larrivee is fresh into his mid 70s, and showing no signs of slowing down. If you head to his workshop, even today, you will find a humble man working in the corner, covered in dust, carving necks, and still smiling.
Larrivee has been building musical instruments since 1960s and ukuleles, specifically, since 1990s. He continues his masterful art and has also trained up a team to carry on his legacy in finely handcrafted ukuleles and guitars. His instruments are world renowned and they are loved by musicians and recreational players throughout the world.
This gorgeous custom Jean Larrivee soprano ukulele is ‘new old stock’ and remains in amazing original condition. It was handcrafted of a beautiful set of Hawaiian Koa wood fact, back and sides with Gabon Ebony wood fretboard and bridge. Honduras Mahongay wood neck for added stability and a matching Hawaiian Koa wood top and back binding. Top, side, and back purfling lines add to the detail-oriented characteristics on this beautiful and functional piece of art. Mother-of-pearl shell ‘Larrivee’ logo on the headstock with a meticulous Eagle inlay and matching side-of-neck position markers on positions 3, 5, 7, and 10 for quick top down reference. Gorgeous paua ‘abalone’ shell inlay on the soundboard with matching rosette and bridge accent inlays. Grover tuners for smooth and precise tuning. Satin style finish.
A wonderful tone with that classic Hawaiian Koa attack, tremendous projection, and a that can keep up with larger sized instruments too. A great playing ukulele with a bold personality and a wonderful sound. A beautiful ‘time capsule’ piece from Larrivee’s finest years in ukulele luthiery and a great price point for a custom ukulele by a world-renowned guitar and ukulele luthier, Jean Larrivee. ID#200028
Price: SOLD