For Sale: Riggio Koa Tenor Ukulele

For Sale: (price reduction) Riggio Koa Tenor Ukulele

A beautiful Riggio Koa Tenor ukulele, hand-built by master craftsman Phil Riggio. As you probably know, Phil has a reputation for building beautiful sounding and great playing instruments with an ear towards a true vintage sound.

This example is no exception. It's fully crafted out of koa, with a mahogany neck, and has the sweet, yet well-defined, tone that is common with these traditional woods. The instrument has been very gently played and is excellent condition. It's currently strung with Aquila Lava strings that highlight the warmth and clarity of this ukulele. As a nice touch, Phil included his sand-inlay on his less commonly done slot headstock, with Grover Sta-tite 18:1 97-18 tuners. Hardshell case is included.

Price is $875 shipped CONUS. Feel free to contact me with questions, all reasonable offers will be considered.

Feel free to contact me with any questions. I've included a video and audio link below to the actual instrument being played, and included a date-stamped photo as per the UU's preferences.

Audio Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4x6n3svxkbwiiv/Greensleeves.m4a?dl=0

Video Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7o2z8rsg99dl76x/Riggio#20.mov?dl=0

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Love the jam in the beginning part of that sound sample. Not to hijack the thread, but what song is that? Good luck on the sale.

I had a Riggio tenor some years ago, when he was less well known. I really loved the sound and playability of that uke. This one is even nicer design with the slotted headstock and the rosette, and the sound is obviously wonderful. This is an excellent price for a Riggio. A classic Hawaiian build style. Someone will be very happy to buy this. Good luck with the sale.

steel rider said:

Love the jam in the beginning part of that sound sample. Not to hijack the thread, but what song is that? Good luck on the sale.

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Thanks! It's just an original song of mine with a little blues riffing thrown in. I'm much more of a guitarist, but I find that the ukulele has really added some neat flourishes to my playing. I love how you have to have such a gentle touch with it, forces you to be much more attentive to your dynamics. No matter what my non-ukulele playing friends say, ukulele's are not "just like little guitars", they are a whole different beast!

CTurner said:

I had a Riggio tenor some years ago, when he was less well known. I really loved the sound and playability of that uke. This one is even nicer design with the slotted headstock and the rosette, and the sound is obviously wonderful. This is an excellent price for a Riggio. A classic Hawaiian build style. Someone will be very happy to buy this. Good luck with the sale.

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Thanks, Craig! I'm a huge fan of Phil's beautiful work. He's got a really wonderful eye towards aesthetics, and the tone of his instruments is so nuanced. And as you noted, I love his headstock and rosette design ... especially the sand detail ... it's the little details that add up to something special.

... a little extra information. HMS has talked a lot about Phil's work since he began building in Hawaii (he's now based out of Oregon.) Here's a link to a few videos and sound samples that the team at HMS has done on Riggio ukuleles over the past few years:

https://vimeo.com/search?q=Riggio tenor

Just an iPhone recording of the Riggio, but I thought it was a nice little example of the tone of this ukulele. I've been working on John King's wonderful arrangement of Greensleeves, and some of his classical arrangements. His touch and his unique approach to the instrument continues to amaze me. I wish I would have had to the chance to see him play while he was still with us...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4x6n3svxkbwiiv/Greensleeves.m4a?dl=0

jpbaldwinmusic said:

Just an iPhone recording of the Riggio, but I thought it was a nice little example of the tone of this ukulele. I've been working on John King's wonderful arrangement of Greensleeves, and some of his classical arrangements. His touch and his unique approach to the instrument continues to amaze me. I wish I would have had to the chance to see him play while he was still with us...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4x6n3svxkbwiiv/Greensleeves.m4a?dl=0

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... to say nicely done would be a major understatement, I believe John would be quite pleased with your rendition ...

I'm interested but have never tried one. Any chance you're in Oregon?

Hi Mark,

No, not in Oregon, but I've always wanted to visit! The Riggio's are beautiful ukes. I think Phil is now located out in Portland, though. You may be able to try one in that area... If you've got any questions, feel free to let me know.

A beautiful, custom made Riggio Koa Tenor. Price is $875 shipped CONUS. Feel free to contact me with questions, all reasonable offers will be considered.