HMI

The Wayfarer Model #61-T

Available, Tenor /

When I was younger, we travelled to foreign lands, a single surfboard bag filled to the brim to handle all my needs. Two surfboards and two changes of clothes – take only what you need was the motto.  Of course there was always room for a ukulele. You’d never pack your favorite or most expensive uke. Just a simple quality one that sounded beautiful, nonetheless.  “Noodle arms”, tropical sunburnt skin, maybe a cut or two from the razor sharp reef we encountered during our surf session and a smile from ear to ear.  Recalling the day’s rides would be the topic of our conversations, all while playing ukulele under a coconut tree with a cold beer, relaxing in the shade. Those days were our dreams made reality – and so many dreams came true! The Wayfarer Model ukulele is a continuation of that dream. It’s an all African mahogany ukulele unfinished interior, no bells, no whistles, just great sound at a great price. Grover tuners, Aquila red strings, bone saddle and nut. Available in tenor, concert, or soprano, with the neck connection at the 14th fret. Limited up-grades and no substitutions. Left-handed models are available at no extra charge. TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 61-T Name: Wayfarer Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Basic   WOOD Top: Mahogany Sides: Mahogany Back: Mahogany Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Mahogany Bridge: Mahogany Headstock: Mahogany Other: N/A

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The Po Pouli (Dark Night)

Available, Tenor /

As we walk through the rain forest, you can hear the cicadas’ melancholic song and buzz of their flight break the silence. The tradewinds push through the koa forest as we come to a clearing in the moonlight.  Stars shine, their dazzling light sparkling against the darkness of space. The roar of a waterfall gently roars in the distance and inner peace descends upon us. Warm rain gently falls, further enhancing nature’s splendor, and strums to its own beat.  This is “The Po Pouli.” Its dark beauty emanates with the sounds of the tropics, and we can sing to its resonance as it takes us back to the Islands we so love. Return to the Islands, hear it in The Po Pouli… TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 79-T Name: he Po Pouli (Dark Night) Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Elite (Dr. Oto Model)   WOOD Top: Figured Koa Sides: Figured Koa Back: Figured Koa Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Indian Rosewood Bridge: Indian Rosewood Headstock: Figured Koa Other: Binding: RosewoodRosette: Handcrafted Mosaic – Koa

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Pūpū Kala (Silver Shell)

Super, Available, Baritone /

T Walking along Anini Beach, I see a powerful wave striking the reef at Kalihiwai. A tower of water, with its mouth gaping like a lion, and a roar that shakes your very soul – shells are strewn along the shoreline shimmering in the sunlight and my eye catches a long and beautiful silver shell. I put it to my ear and hear the sounds of wind and waves caressing the island flora, and can see its beauty glimmer with aloha. Another wave comes and explodes on the reef as a surfer drops in and tames the roaring beast. With a rhythm and song, she glides through the barrel and gets shot out onto the shoulder. She smiles from ear to ear as she cuts back for more. This is the song and dance of Pūpū Kala. Come to play with the power. Dance and sing to her rhythm. TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 67-SBSS Name: Pūpū Kala Size: Super Baritone Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: SS Guitar   WOOD Top: Sitka Spruce Sides: Honduran Mahogany Back: Honduran Mahogany Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Macaster Ebony Bridge: Ebony Headstock: Honduran Mahogany Other: Binding: Rosewood with Black & White PurflingRosette: Classical

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Nā ao Melemele

Available, Tenor /

Winds blow from the west, and the sun paints them as an array of ambers. The yellow clouds roll above the sea before they turn dark – until they finally rain gently upon the mountains.  Before arriving, they rustle the banana trees in auntie’s back yard, who hums with a gentle rhythm. Then in the sudden silence, the air stands still, and the sun breaks through to reveal more Nā ao Melemele. You hear the sound of laughter, and song, as the pitter-patter of rain drops play along with the strumming ukulele. Peace like a river rolls over you, and you can’t help but smile. Come sing with the Nā ao Melemele, you’re guaranteed to smile… TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 84-T  Name: Nā Ao Melemele Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight with narrowed lower bout Type of Build: Basic   WOOD Top: Sitka Spruce Sides: Quilted Maple Back: Quilted Maple Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Figured Maple Bridge: Indian Rosewood Headstock: Indian Rosewood Other: Rosette:  Black and White Abalone PurflingBinding: Figured Maple Rosette: Black

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The Ito Model (SOLD)

Tenor /

T When we first met, she bought a beautiful concert ukulele made from quilted spruce and redwood. This was her first uke, the one she was going to learn with – truly someone to dive headfirst into their passions. It was gratifying to see her again a year later, fully immersed in the ukulele lifestyle!  She plays every day with her group online with Melanie Kareem. Melanie has a great method and a most wonderful and inviting personality. So, I wasn’t surprised at how much she had advanced! Now it was time for another challenge, getting a tenor. We built this one to match her first love and now she loves both! Let’s start a ukulele adventure for you! We won’t be satisfied until you love it too! TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 81-T Name: The Ito Model Size: Tenor Body Type: Figure Eight Type of Build: Elite   WOOD Top: Figured Redwood Sides: Quilted Maple Back: Quilted Maple Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Figured Maple Bridge: Mesquite, Faux Tort Headstock: Indian Rosewood Other: Indian Rosewood, Mesquite Inlays, Tail Graft Binding, Black Walnut Rosette

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Pua Nani

Available, Concert /

You see them everywhere you go. The Hāmākua coast is filled with Pua Nani – so many you can make lei or simply pluck one for your hair. Translated to “beautiful flower”, this concert-sized ukulele takes after its namesake. The Big Island koa wood, the mahogany neck, and the natural bone saddle & nut all come together to hear the vision of the Pua Nani with sounds as fragrant as the frangipani, yet simple and distinguished as the coast she grows on.  Try pick this beautiful flower, and hear Hawaii. TYPE OF INSTRUMENT UKULELE Instrument # 78-C Name: Pua Nani Size: Concert Body Type: Concert, Figure Eight Type of Build: Basic   WOOD Top: Big Island Koa Sides: Big Island Koa Back: Big Island Koa Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Big Island Koa Bridge: Big Island Koa Headstock: Big Island Koa Other: N/A

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pecan-pie

Pecan Pie (SOLD)

Tenor /

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)

Tenor /

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)

Tenor /

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)

Baritone /

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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