Custom Po Sans “Ancient” 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 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 Ancient Oak unearthed in the Finland bog. The oak has been carbon dated to be over 6,500 years old, giving it an almost black appearance. This is likely due to minerals in the soil permeating the wood for thousands of years, making it appear to be naturally stained. The ancient Japanese cedar, scoop cutaway, and top and back binding fade beautifully into one another and give this instrument an earthy, somewhat organic, feel. Soft colored maple wood purfling lines inlaid on the soundboard give a subtle contrast to that of the jet black bog wood. Cameroon ebony wood fretboard and bridge radiused for ease of play in the higher positions on the neck. Black mother-of-pearl and Ancient bog wood rosette in keeping with the artistic feel of the instrument.  The Ancient oak body has a blend of varying finishes with some sections being high gloss and some with reduced gloss in the finish, 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. The back plate on the headstock is also of Ancient Oak. Spanish cedar wood neck with truss rod for added stability and transference of the vibrations back into the soundbox. Side sound port for a monitor like effect by which the sound fires upward towards the player in addition to outward toward the audience. Long body bevel for added comfort when cradling. Side mother-of-pearl position markers on the neck for quick reference when playing. Back bracing and end block coated with 24K gold leaf. Center back strip with Ancient Japanese cedar, 24K gold, and pure silver flakes.

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. #230089

Price: SOLD