The very first time I saw an I'iwi tenor I was fascinated by the unique shape. It reminds me of a dreadnaught guitar in it's shape and it has a very guitar like sound. The three sound holes really appeal to me from a visual point of view. It is so different I am sure some people would be put off by the appearance. I have been looking at and lusting after one of these for 2 years now. Charlie Fukuba is the luthier who builds these and has been doing so for over 20 years in Hawaii. He makes this model primarily with all koa, spruce and koa, redwood and macassar ebony. My favorite sound was always the redwood top.
About 4 weeks ago Andrew had posted a video on HMS vimeo channel of this instrument. I loved the sound and it was just posted so I emailed Andrew to ask questions about it and to see if it was for sale as it was not up on the Ukulele Site yet. He responded that he was just putting it up, it was a redwood top with a curly Claro Walnut back. Well that did it, I love walnut and that is the first I'iwi I had ever seen with a walnut back and sides. I bought it before it actually made the Ukulele Site front page so no one has really had a chance to see this particular ukulele that Charlie Fukuba made.
The tone is huge, full, deep, resonant with piles of overtones. It is incredible, everyone that has played it or listened to it is really impressed. I was very lucky to be at the right place at the right time.
About 4 weeks ago Andrew had posted a video on HMS vimeo channel of this instrument. I loved the sound and it was just posted so I emailed Andrew to ask questions about it and to see if it was for sale as it was not up on the Ukulele Site yet. He responded that he was just putting it up, it was a redwood top with a curly Claro Walnut back. Well that did it, I love walnut and that is the first I'iwi I had ever seen with a walnut back and sides. I bought it before it actually made the Ukulele Site front page so no one has really had a chance to see this particular ukulele that Charlie Fukuba made.
The tone is huge, full, deep, resonant with piles of overtones. It is incredible, everyone that has played it or listened to it is really impressed. I was very lucky to be at the right place at the right time.
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