Po Sans “Ancient Japanese Cedar” 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 Ancient Japanese cedar, an extremely rare wood bearing natural grey mineral stains. The back and sides was cut from a master grade set of European Maple with a Cocobolo wood top and back binding, adding strong contrast between the Maple wood and the Ancient Japanese cedar. The dark streaking and vibrant colors of the cocobolo 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 rosette in keeping with the artistic feel of the instrument.  The Ancient Japanese cedar 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 an Ancient Japanese Cedar and incorporates gold and silver flakes, reminiscent to that of “urushi” once more. The entire inside back plate and back braces of the instrument were also meticulously covered with a thin layer of 24k gold leaf, minimizing the impacts of humidity on the unexposed wood. Mahogany wood neck with truss rod for added stability and transference of the vibrations back into the soundbox. Scoop cutaway with long body bevel for added comfort when cradling. Side mother-of-pearl position markers on the neck for quick reference when playing. . Finished with a beautiful satin style finish.

The soundboard is braced with a Falcate bracing system that uses a curved bracing system rather than a straight brace. This provides the maximum amount of support over the axis that the tension is applied while keeping the amount of strength in the minor axis minimal. It is very flexible along that axis, this makes a more responsive top as it can vibrate more freely. There is less impedance to some of the modal resonances and provides a more clear and articulate tone.

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. #220036

Price: SOLD