Ahnko Honu
Well-known member
I gave in to the power of the Mo'o more commonly known as the Gecko.
I was torn between a Ohana Sopranino, and a Tangi Manini but found Tangi had one last Mo'o (aka Gecko) left so after a lookover and trial play I snatched it up quick. The picture is from his website but I will post pictures of my own Mo'o when I find my camera. She is a beauty about the same size as a Ohana Sopranino but more voluptuous in figure. Beautiful solid Mango body with Maple neck and Rosewood fretboard. I love the Paua abalone shell Mo'o Gecko inlay in the head. It is strung with Martin clear strings and sounds very clean though I think I will switch it out to Aquilas eventually. Since I can't afford a Black Bear sopranino pineapple yet this little Mo'o will keep me happy until that day comes. My pictures to come.
Just as a side note I was always under the impression that all Tangi ukuleles were made in Vietnam but talking with Tangi today he informed me that for the past 8 years all Tangi ukuleles were made here in Hawaii at his shop on Sand Island, Honolulu. Several years ago he did have his more popular models fabricated in Vietnam to help meet the demand but found that on the long run he was not saving any money when all costs were considered including shipping, import duty, and unacceptable rate of loss ukuleles from there not meeting his strict quality control thus unsalable. He switched back to total Hawaii production 8 years ago. My Mo'o is Hawaiian which made the buy even sweeter. He has some beautiful hand made in Hawaii ukuleles in his shop that I was able to handle and was very impressed with the workmanship, quality sound of each one. Please visit his website and take a look at what he has, I think you will be impressed, and his prices are very competitive even with import brands. http://www.tangiukuleles.net/ I have to mention that Tangi is one hell of a nice guy who is very passionate about playing, and building quality ukuleles, very easy to talk to. I have a new appreciation for Tangi ukuleles now that I have gotten to know their creator. :shaka:
I was torn between a Ohana Sopranino, and a Tangi Manini but found Tangi had one last Mo'o (aka Gecko) left so after a lookover and trial play I snatched it up quick. The picture is from his website but I will post pictures of my own Mo'o when I find my camera. She is a beauty about the same size as a Ohana Sopranino but more voluptuous in figure. Beautiful solid Mango body with Maple neck and Rosewood fretboard. I love the Paua abalone shell Mo'o Gecko inlay in the head. It is strung with Martin clear strings and sounds very clean though I think I will switch it out to Aquilas eventually. Since I can't afford a Black Bear sopranino pineapple yet this little Mo'o will keep me happy until that day comes. My pictures to come.
Just as a side note I was always under the impression that all Tangi ukuleles were made in Vietnam but talking with Tangi today he informed me that for the past 8 years all Tangi ukuleles were made here in Hawaii at his shop on Sand Island, Honolulu. Several years ago he did have his more popular models fabricated in Vietnam to help meet the demand but found that on the long run he was not saving any money when all costs were considered including shipping, import duty, and unacceptable rate of loss ukuleles from there not meeting his strict quality control thus unsalable. He switched back to total Hawaii production 8 years ago. My Mo'o is Hawaiian which made the buy even sweeter. He has some beautiful hand made in Hawaii ukuleles in his shop that I was able to handle and was very impressed with the workmanship, quality sound of each one. Please visit his website and take a look at what he has, I think you will be impressed, and his prices are very competitive even with import brands. http://www.tangiukuleles.net/ I have to mention that Tangi is one hell of a nice guy who is very passionate about playing, and building quality ukuleles, very easy to talk to. I have a new appreciation for Tangi ukuleles now that I have gotten to know their creator. :shaka: