Buying Koa
Hi again all,
Thanks for the kind words about appreciation for the insight to koa grading. I just got back from the Big Island this afternoon- was busy over there checking on my koa production and buying more koa and all that kind of stuff. Flew back in late in the afternoon to inspect a batch of green, quarter-sawn, curly koa that someone was offering me for sale.
My advice when buying koa- no matter who you buy from- even if from us- don't be afraid to say NO and check on your suppliers experience. Some people don't have as much experience as others, and the claims I hear all the time, today included, don't often justify the price being charged.
If you have the luxury of inspecting before you buy- please DO! I as a supplier wish every one of my customers could look at the wood before they buy. And if you are choosing your own wood, if for any reason you don't like the wood or don't want to buy it, you shouldn't feel pressured in any way. know your budget and what you want and try to stick to it. believe it or not, koa can be found out there if you look hard enough- even if you don't live in Hawaii.
But if you do come across 5A, 6A, or even some of Chuck's 7A, snap it up if you can afford it. It is hard to find.
Later, when I find some time, I'll start a thread on "koa mythbusters"
Mythbuster #1 - it is NOT illegal to harvest koa or cut LIVE, standing trees. seems odd I would even say that, since there are so many koa ukuleles out there, but many people often ask me if it is illegal to cut koa. It's odd for me to field that question, since I think, "wow, they must not think very highly of me considering my business is all about cutting koa!" Maybe they don't think about it like that, but when I bring it up, they are kind of like, "you're right, it would be odd for so much stuff to be made out of koa and it be an illegal activity."
They are probably thinking about cutting down the live trees, versus salvaging the rotting trees on the ground, but regardless, they are all legal activities. If you own your own land, you can pretty much do whatever you want with the trees, which includes koa.
Aloha!
Jorma