Custom Po Sans “Ancient Oak” Tenor Ukulele

New. Custom Po Sans Ukulele by luthier “Po” of Sapporo, Japan. An incredible approach to 21st century ukulele lutherie, Po continues to design elements into his builds that elevate his pieces into the category of functional art. His interest in finely handcrafted ukuleles and guitars began in 1997 when he studied under famed Japanese luthiers, Mitsuhiro and Izumi Uchida of Nagano, Japan. In 2001, Po began his journey as a new luthier in handcrafted guitars and ukuleles and continued on this path for ten years, handcrafting some of the finest guitars and ukuleles in Japan. During this time Po also pursued his other passion in life, his licensure in Japanese “Kaiseki” or “Japanese multi course fine dining”- pausing his career as a luthier and redirecting his creative elements in new ways. Over the next ten years, Po worked as a Kaiseki chef at some of Japan’s most prestigious Kaiseki restaurants. In 2021, he returned to his first love of woodworking and has since found a way to combine his pursuit of expressive creativity, that which he learned through Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, with his passion for finely handcrafted instruments. The result is something truly magnificent!

Po handcrafts a limited number of instruments per year and each possess its own aesthetic and tonal personality. His instruments reflect old world Japanese artistry with contemporary applications. Handcrafted in Sapporo – Japan, this custom Po Sans Ukulele was crafted of the finest materials. The soundboard was cut from a premium set of curly Hawaiian Koa wood with Ancient Oak unearthed in the Finland bog for its back and sides. The oak has been carbon dated to roughly 6,500 years, giving it an almost black appearance. This is likely due to minerals in the soil permeating the wood for thousands of years, giving it a naturally stained appearance. The Hawaiian Koa wood soundboard, scoop cutaway, and top and back binding add a subtle contrast between the two woods and give this instrument a earthy feel. The dark purfling lines inlaid on the upper and lower bout of the soundboard pays homage to the ancient Japanese art of “urushi”, or decorated lacquerware. Gabon ebony fretboard and bridge radiused for ease of play in the higher positions on the neck. Black mother-of-pearl and Hawaiian Koa wood rosette in keeping with the artistic feel of the instrument.  The Ancient Oak headstock veneer is stunning in its application and textured when running your fingers over the top. The headstock design embraces the Japanese concept of “sabi” – or “artful mending of damage”. Po reveals his design elements of “sabi” by giving the impression that a repair at the headstock has been completed; namely the two small dowels connecting the left plate of the headstock to the right. In contrast, this concept is uniquely Japanese and is rooted in centuries old Japanese philosophy, having been incorporated into the instrument as a design element. The back plate on the headstock is also of Ancient Oak. Mahogany wood neck with truss rod for added stability and transference of the vibrations back into the soundbox. Long body bevel for added comfort when cradling. Side Hawaiian Koa wood position markers on the neck for quick reference when playing. Fan braced and finished with a beautiful satin style finish.

Remarkable tonal qualities. Perfect balance, crisp highs and deep lows and perfect intonation as well. This instrument is perfect for the professional musician and the recreational player. A highly recommended custom ukulele by Po Sans Guitars and Ukuleles.

Price: SOLD