HMI

pecan-pie

Pecan Pie

Like after you’ve had da mix’d plate – Kalua Pork, Lau Lau, Teri Shortribs, Mac Salad, side Lomi Salmon, and three scoop rice – you still get room for Auntie’s Pecan Pie! So sweet, so good, relax with a Kona Coffee and watch da sunset as Uncle starts the kanikapila and we all join in. That’s what you get after a full day, try wait and stop with this “Pecan Pie.  Sound so sweet and easy for play, cuz went set up da strings just right. Goes great with good drink and good company. After all, we all need something sweet every day! Try some “Pecan Pie”. TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 00007.2-T Name: Pecan Pie Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Basic WOOD Top: Sitka Spruce Sides: Hickory Pecan Back: Hickory Pecan Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Gabon Ebony Bridge: Gabon Ebony Headstock: Figured Maple Other: Binding: California Sycamore,Rosette: Black Pinstripe

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the-yaris-model-1

The Yaris Model 1 (SOLD)

He wanted Koa, beautiful Koa – figured with mesmerizing color, defined grain patterns, and a jet-black Gabon Ebony fretboard and bridge. I wanted to build his dream with a crystal clear Hawaiian ukulele sound! All the good stuff: Gotoh tuners, PHD low “G” set of strings, bone nut and saddle, a bold contrasting binding to frame the Koa, and a matching cutaway to lead him up to the highest notes in comfort and ease. “Playability is a MUST”, he said, so the final set up needed to be just right. The Mi-Si Charging system coupled with the Baggs 5-0 under saddle pick up was installed for hours of play with a one minute charge. The “Lakota Bison” leather strap will keep him comfortable for long sets on stage; and with his CrossRock Case, he’ll rest easy knowing this timeless beauty will get to the gig safe and sound. Dare to dream, we can help. TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 00071-T Name: The Yaris Model 1 Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Elite WOOD Top: Figured Koa Sides: Figured Koa Back: Figured Koa Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Gabon Ebony Bridge: Gabon Ebony Headstock: Figured Koa Other: Binding, Rosette, Cutaway: Curly MapleHeadstock inlayed: Figured Maple

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the-sasai-model-1

The Sasai Model 1 (SOLD)

It was a crowded show at the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival when I heard:     “I’d like a Koa tenor ukulele. I really love this one you have on display. I love the way it sounds, but it’s way over the top, with all the figured wood and contrasting Ebony fretboard. Can I just get a ‘more normal’ Koa? Not so flashy?” I responded, “Sure, your wish is by command.” About eight months of work and some trial and error in carving the Kanji (Japanese calligraphy), the finished product was delivered to him. When I got home, I saw this e-mail: “Hey Ross, I’m so jazzed by the look of my ukulele! It really came out how I envisioned it! I really like the raw simplicity of its look, the way you inlaid the Kanji was brilliant, you are a real artist! It really fits my personality and my vision! I hope it sounds as good as it looks! THANKS SO MUCH!” Even better than building these instruments, I love knowing how it makes people truly happy to have one. TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 70-T Name: The Sasai Model 1 Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Elite WOOD Top: Big Island Koa Sides: Big Island Koa Back: Big Island Koa Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Madagascar Rosewood Bridge: Madagascar Rosewood Headstock: Madagascar Rosewood Other: Binding: KoaRosette: Mosaic  

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tea-tray-lennon

Tea Tray Lennon (SOLD)

The Tea Tray Lennon TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # Tea Tray Lennon Name: Tea Tray Lennon Size: Baritone Body Type: Rectangular  Type of Build: Cigar Box WOOD Top: One piece Sugar Pine Sides: One piece Sugar Pine Back:  Lennon Sisters Tea Tray Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Rosewood Bridge: Rosewood Headstock: Mahogany Other: Pick Guard: Figured Koa, Scrimshaw: Bone,Custom Case

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The Yamamoto Model 1

The Yamamoto Model 1 (SOLD)

The Yamamoto Model 1 TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 00077-T Name: The Yamamoto Model 1 Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure eight Type of Build: Elite WOOD Top: Figured Koa Sides: Quilted Maple Back: Quilted Maple Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Gabon Ebony Bridge: Gabon Ebony Headstock: Quilted Maple / Figured Koa Other: Binding, Rosette, Cutaway: Curly Maple,Scrimshaw: Bone

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Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

Evening rolls down after a hard day on the ranch – ranch hands and pi-pi alike are resting.  The sun starts to set and light paints the sky with bright colors. The trade winds rustle through the tall grass near the lanai.  The electric kettle whistles and milk is warmed on the stove.  Finely ground cacao and cane sugar all come together to make a warm desert for the cool night approaching. Pick up the Hot Chocolate and relax.  Warm and sweet – coloring the palate of your mind – the sweet tune from the strings completes the mood. This is “The Hot Chocolate”. Drink it. Play it. Embrace its tranquility… TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 73-T Name: Hot Chocolate Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Basic WOOD Top: Chocolate Albieza Sides: Chocolate Albieza Back: Chocolate Albieza Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Indian Rosewood Bridge: Indian Rosewood Headstock: Chocolate Albieza Other: Binding: Figured KoaRosette: N/A

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Takusagawa Model

Takusagawa Model (SOLD)

The Takusagawa Model is a tenor ukulele built with warm tones and high resonance.  Rosewood and spruce is the perfect combination for this purpose! The radiused fretboard is also implemented for ease of playing and comfort in barring. Her owner is now enjoying all the aspects of Aloha dressed in this instrument! Feel the Aloha… TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 69-T  Name: Takusagawa Model Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Custom WOOD Top: Sitka Spruce Sides: Indian Rosewood Back: Indian Rosewood Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Indian Rosewood Bridge: Indian Rosewood Headstock: Indian Rosewood Other: Binding: Indian RosewoodRosette: N/A

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Da Holoholo

Da Holoholo

This Baritone Ukulele is just fo’ dat!  When we cruise out with our friends to go kanikapila, we’d always bring all kine sounds, but nevah fo’get da Baritone! Whether you tune ‘em like one guitah, or regula’ kine tuning for one ukulele, it’s always got the big sound. Beautiful and full of warm feelings, the Honduran Mahogany shines golden! The smell of roast pork, sticky steamed rice, sauteed veggies, and plenty beer, go great with a little music about da island and swaying hula dancing wahine’s. Bring the Aloha to da party!  Bring da Holoholo! TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 65-B Name: Da Holoholo Size: Baritone Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Basic WOOD Top: Honduran Mahogany Sides: Honduran Mahogany Back: Honduran Mahogany Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Indian Rosewood Bridge: Indian Rosewood Headstock: Indian Rosewood Other: N/A

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The Beverly Model  

The Beverly Model (SOLD)

This customer wanted something in light wood tones and bold, dramatic accents. Quilted maple came to mind and beautiful Santos Rosewood was worked into all the accents. This is an “Elite” type of build.  Enhanced design changes like a mortise and tenon neck connection for better sound conductivity between the neck and the body, a radiused fretboard, “reversed headstock” that was narrower at the top to attend to the string stress caused by the angle the strings made at the back of the nut. The top is a pristine sample on Sitka spruce and all the be beautiful sound and tone came with it. The “violin” style bracing added to the resonance and un paralleled playability. The vision became reality and he now enjoys playing it, as well as just staring at its beauty! TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 58-T Name: Beverly Model  Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Elite WOOD Top: Sitka Spruce Sides: Quilted Maple Back: Quilted Maple Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Santos Rosewood Bridge: Santos Rosewood Headstock: Quilted Maple Other: Binding: Santos Rosewood with Black and White pinlines Rosette: Custom Black and White Chevron and Santos Rosewood

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Uke Akai

Uke Akai (SOLD)

Although Carob wood is not considered “exotic”, it sure is beautiful! The grain and shades for red, pink and cream, paired well with another uncommon wood, bloodwood. This is an “Elite” build and was made concurrently with another “Elite” build, The Gilman Model Ukulele. Enhanced design changes like a mortise and tenon neck connection for better sound conductivity between the neck and the body, a radiused fretboard, “reversed headstock” that was narrower at the top to attend to the string stress caused by the angle the strings made at the back of the nut, are also included in this build. I also put in a bloodwood cut-away for easy access to the high note frets. Yes, now you mad picking players can reach the high notes easier as you jump off your amp to wow the crowds. The top is made of a beautiful piece of Alaskan yellow cedar. Tight grained and stable and puts out a wonderful sound. Others will be “Seeing Red” when you play this fantastic instrument! TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 63-T Name: Uke Akai Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Elite WOOD Top: Alaskan Yellow Cedar Sides: Carob Back: Carob Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Bloodwood Bridge: Bloodwood Headstock: Carob Other: Cut Away: Bloodwood Binding: Bloodwood with Black Pinline Rosette: Custom Black and White Chevron with Bloodwood

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