Looking for help in valuation of a Tanaka?

Tommi_Toohi

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First post - glad to be here.
I've been packing this Howard Tanaka around for a while - thinking of selling, and have only a small clue as to what the market may bear.

Any input would be appreciated!

What it is:
Howard Tanaka Tenor
Top: Koa (I'm pretty sure, maybe mahogany)
Back/sides: Mahogany
Grover tuners
Very intricate internal bracing
Manufacture date: July 2001 (under his signature inside the body)

Any other questions, please ask - Thanks!
T_T

uke-quarter.jpgfront - sun.jpgBack detail.jpgFront detail.jpgPeghead back.jpg
 
I love it and will start the bidding at $100. ;)
 
While I'm unfamiliar with Howard Tanaka's work, he was a board member of UGH and had displayed some wonderful looking ukes. Ultimately the value depends on how sought after his ukes are, which relates to quality (build & sound) and builder reputation. Do you know what it cost in 2001?

BTW the top doesn't look like koa or mahogany to me, but it has nice figure.

If it is undamaged and sounds good, I'd estimate value closer to $1,000 than $100.
 
Tanaka

Thanks Doc
It's a little monster- very full sound.
Still trying to figure out that top- I'll ask my wood specialist.

Looking at ebay customs like this are posted at way big $'s, so who knows for sure?

I should bring it out more- Seattle had a large uke community, some with deep pockets ;-)



While I'm unfamiliar with Howard Tanaka's work, he was a board member of UGH and had displayed some wonderful looking ukes. Ultimately the value depends on how sought after his ukes are, which relates to quality (build & sound) and builder reputation. Do you know what it cost in 2001?

BTW the top doesn't look like koa or mahogany to me, but it has nice figure.

If it is undamaged and sounds good, I'd estimate value closer to $1,000 than $100.
 
Looks like a curly redwood top with koa back and side. Looks like ebony fretboard and bridge and bindings. Nice bindings done around the soundhole and sideport. Looks like hanalima kasha ukulele plans. Thats what i can see from the pictures. Really beautiful curly redwood top.
 
Looks like a curly redwood top with koa back and side. Looks like ebony fretboard and bridge and bindings. Nice bindings done around the soundhole and sideport. Looks like hanalima kasha ukulele plans. Thats what i can see from the pictures. Really beautiful curly redwood top.

Thank you!

T_T
 
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