Custom Po Sans “The Void” Soprano Ukulele

New. Custom Po Sans “The Void” Soprano 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!

The theme of the instrument is “The Void” representing the empty space and continuum of time represented by the ancient Japanese Cedar and the appeal of the seemingly endless vertical streaking of the black and white ebony wood. 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 from what is now known as Akita Prefecture and is carbon dated to be roughly 2,500 years old. The back and sides are a rare set of black-and-white ebony wood. Black-and-white ebony, also known as crelican ebony, is among the most sought after ebony woods and is highly regarded for its unique aesthetics and wonderful tone. The top and back binding are of Cameroon ebony and blend subtly against the back and sides of the instrument. Cameroon ebony wood fretboard and bridge. The fingerboard has been inlaid with ancient bog oak, ebony, and black dyed poplar wood. Matching black mother-of-pearl and ancient Japanese cedar wood rosette in keeping with the artistic feel of the instrument.  Spanish cedar neck for reduced weight. The instrument also boasts a textured headstock, adding a unique play visually and to the touch – absolutely stunning! 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. 13 fret joint to the body for added reach in higher positions on the neck. Side sound port for a monitor like effect by which the sound fires upward towards the player in addition to outward toward the audience. Side mother-of-pearl position markers on the neck for quick reference when playing. Matte style finish. A hidden element of cocobolo wood and jewel beetle wings decorate the inside of the body at the lower bout. End graft inlay of pernambuco, black dyed poplar, and maple wood.

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. #230091

Price: SOLD