This tenor ukulele grew out of my research into historic Hawaiian instruments of the 1880-1890’s. My model is based on an instrument called the Rajao, a 5 string folk instrument that the first luthiers brought from Madeira. The scale length is 17” and the original tuning was dgcea, which includes our familiar gcea. For this build, I chose to just use four strings and call it a tenor ukulele, although I retain the body shape and size of the historic Rajao. I used the tools, techniques and materials of the original builders with a few modern improvements. This is not a copy of one builder’s work, but instead my own design inspired by their output.

The top is Western Red Cedar from near Bend, OR, provided by luthier Jayson Bowerman. The curly Myrtle is from the Oregon Coast, from Kevin at woodfromthewest.com. The Walnut fretboard/headplate/bridge is from a local tree that I milled. The Cypress neck was salvaged from a factory tank. It has modern, geared Peghed brand tuners, modern frets in a flat fretboard, fluorocarbon strings, bone nut and saddle and hand rubbed oil finish. It comes with a handmade wooden case, based off the originals, lined with cloth and made from salvaged Hemlock.

The price is $3000 including the case, plus shipping. It’s available for purchase here.

***** If you are an international customer (outside of the US), please note we may need to charge you additional shipping fees depending on your location. You will also be responsible for any customs fees imposed by your country. Thanks! ******