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: Koa |