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.
![the-sasai-model-1](https://hamakuamusicalinstruments.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sasai-model.jpeg)
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: Koa |