R. Rapozo Island Ukes: anyone?

coolkayaker1

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I've been speaking to someone about a Raymond Rapozo concert ukulele. It's an Island Ukulele brand, which is his brand. http://www.ukuleledirect.com/

I have not had any experience with his ukuleles, and have never seen anyone on UU mention them (except for one post on my search).

Kimo seems to like them, anyhow. And it sounds great in his video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCjnRMMNEdI

Anyone have one? Impressions? Thanks so much.:)

I saw this thread from a couple years ago, wonder if they have improved.
http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/f...made-on-Kauai&highlight=island+ukulele+rapozo

Respect anyone's opinion; not trying to mime the old thread, just wanting to see if anyone has recent experience with one. Thanks
 
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Not much has been said about Island Ukuleles. There are several dealers in the islands and overseas (Japan & Thailand) but none on the Mainland. I haven't seen any recent reviews on his instruments, so there is no basis for a sound or build assessment. BTW, That's the first time I've seen the Kimo Hussey vid and I guess you can't get a better endorsement. Then again, Kimo has played a number of high end instruments and they all sound good and this one is no exception. Other than that, I can't offer much more. Maybe you can work out something so you can try before you buy.
 
I'm on Kauai right now and have played four different tenors at two dealers. I have also contacted the luthier and was told that he only sells custom orders direct and to buy standard models at the dealer. All four tenors were low Ģ and appeared high quality. l really liked their finish which was not super glossy but showed the open pore structure of the wood. Their differences were mainly cosmetic in terms of abalone inlays and koa figuring. Their sound was very consistent and definitely fuller and louder than the koaloha and kanilea that I played for comparison. I would have loved to take the basic model home but asking price was way way too high for me.
 
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