Matsuda Ukulele

southcoastukes

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• Aug 15, 2011

• #1

This ukulele has been out a little while now, but I just got some photos from the Healdsburg show, and thought folks might like a look.



Here's a short article:

http://www.fretboardjournal.com/blog/michihiro-matsudas-experimental-ukulele

and video sound clip:

http://vimeo.com/27297291

 

Last edited: Aug 15, 2011

poppy

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• Aug 15, 2011

• #2

More banjo than uke

 

PoiDog

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• Aug 15, 2011

• #3

Banjo, uke, or some frankenstein hybrid, that is one far out looking instrument there. Pretty cool.

 

DeVineGuitars

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• Aug 15, 2011

• #4

He is truly an artist! I've seen a few other of his works and they are all very beautiful pieces.

 

Moore Bettah Ukuleles

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• Aug 15, 2011

• #5

Not surprisingly it sounds just like I thought it would!

 

Last edited: Aug 15, 2011

mendel

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• Aug 15, 2011

• #6

That is an interesting instrument. Chuck- How does it sound? Im a relative newb, but I am curious about the sound because I know that the soundbox itself is where the resonance happens. It looks like that is almost solid and built more for looks. Does it play well?

 

Moore Bettah Ukuleles

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• Aug 15, 2011

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I personally have not heard the instrument, I'm only giving my impression based on the sound clip. It's interesting exercise for sure but it does point to the importance of a sound box. Honestly, I'm surprised it sounded as good as it does. I'll have to read the full story when my FBJ comes in.

 

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southcoastukes

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• Aug 15, 2011

• #8

Moore Bettah Ukuleles said:

... It's interesting exercise for sure but it does point to the importance of a sound box. Honestly, I'm surprised it sounded as good as it does...

Click to expand...

Agreed - it's no great shakes for sound. Better than I thought it would be as well. Interesting that in that setting, the nomex composite top worked better than the solid. Would guess that without sides, the stiffness might help.

 

CTurner

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• Aug 16, 2011

• #9

It reminds me a lot, in both look and sound, of the Japanese koto.

 

garywj

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• Aug 16, 2011

• #10

Matsuda guitars one of the most sought after and among the best in the world. I think he's like the Chuck Moore of guitar builders, along with a couple others. He known for his unique designs, however, I've not seen any of his guitars go as far from conventional as this "ukulele/banjo" or whatever. However, it's the only build of his that I've not wanted to own. Too weird for me.

 

ukeeku

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• Aug 16, 2011

• #11

What I find cool is that he is using the idea of a double top. I have played a few double top guitars made with the same material and they EXPLODE with sound. I can only imagine what a uke would sound like with a top like that and a "regular" sound box.