About Us
Everything you wanna know
About HMI
Hāmākua Musical Instruments are built in Vista California on a small farm. They are all hand milled and assembled by Luthier Ross Yamamoto.
“From the wood to the glue to the finish we are trying to responsibly build the finest Ukulele we can.”
As you browse our website, we hope you’ll like what you see. If you have any questions, give us a shout.
Environmental Philosophy of HMI
Hāmākua Musical Instruments (HMI) was founded in 2018 by luthier Ross Yamamoto on a small farm in Vista, California. His Hawaiian parents instilled in Ross a love and stewardship for the land and the ocean. From the wood to the glue to the finish, HMI responsibly builds ukuleles by choosing products and processes that have the lightest possible touch on the environment.
Reclaimed? Recycled? Repurposed? Salvaged?
There are a number of words that all try to describe how something old is used to make something new. Those used to describe the reuse of word products can be particularly confusing. There has also been a fair amount of controversy on what each term really means. We aren’t the word police (if there is such a thing), but we thought it would be helpful to explain what these words mean to us. It should make what we post on our website more clear – and you might find it a wee bit interesting as well.
How we got our name
A cool wind blows across the land. The scent of ginger and plumeria fill the air. The mist from Akaka falls gently presses against your brow and the sounds of Hawaii fill your mind. Palm trees and Banana leaf rustle in the wind and the simple yet beautiful sounds of Ukulele, laughter, and song and aloha reach your ear. This is Hāmākua, the rich, northeast coast on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Private Build Program
For those lacking the experience but still dreaming of building their own ukulele, Ross created a “private build” program. Ross and the student-customer work one-on-one in a “tag team” fashion to fulfill that dream. The program is tailored to the individual student’s current woodworking skills, if any.
With guidance from Ross, wood type and components are selected by the student. To ensure student safety, Ross handles milling of wood and steps that require heavy machinery. Ross and the student collaborate on preparation and assembly, working within the stretch comfort level of the student. Homework and lots of sanding are always involved!
The final product is a truly unique source of pride for the student-customer. Being able to personalize their ukulele headstock with their own logo is a great reminder of their completing this bucket list project.
Note this program is on hiatus due to COVID-19.
Luthier Bio
Ross Yamamoto
Founder and Luthier of HMI
Already an experienced woodworker, Ross began his luthier career as an apprentice to Bill Asher of Asher Guitars. During his five years with Asher, Ross learned the fine art of handcrafting guitars. Wood selection, milling, pattern and jig making, plus teardown and repairs were all part of his education.
After relocating to Vista, California, Ross entered the renowned Stringed Instrument Program at Palomar College. His luthier experience quickly led to Ross being accepted as a Teacher’s Assistant (TA) in the Palomar woodworking program.
Outside of Palomar, Ross created a workgroup where aspiring woodworkers can collaborate and improve their ukulele building skills. He also created a “private build” program where he works one-on-one with individuals to fulfill their dream of building their own ukulele.
Ross founded Hāmākua Musical Instruments (HMI) in 2018. HMI specializes in ukulele construction and repair.