Concept fretless uke by Michihiro Michi Matsuda

[Beau Hannam Ukuleles]

Strange and beautiful
Most of you will not know of Michihiro Michi Matsuda but he is a bit of a leader in contemporary guitar design aesthetics and his craftsmanship is incredible.

ps- art is art, for all you who are thinking you can't learn from guitar makers.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...597920900062.175497.1053431637&type=1&theater

 

[BR Ukuleles]

I've followed his work for years. He would be the most inspirational builder I could think of.

 

[Pete Howlett]

Maybe I am a philistine but I can't see the point

 

[ukulian]

Maybe I am a philistine but I can't see the point

I'll second that!

 

[hawaii 50]

I'll second that!

I third that! i think

 

[Timbuck]

Very strange object (can't call it a uke)...No sound hole just one side missing
Here are a few more. http://www.catfish1952.com/freakshow.html check out Duane's "Picasso style uke" He must have been on some strong stuff when he made that one

 

[Beau Hannam Ukuleles]

yer- i don't actually like it either as a usable instrument- give me a normal tenor any day-, but still nice to look at in an "that's interesting" kinda way.
Here is a vid of it- I have really bad laptop speakers so i cant tell if it sounds good or not

- https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152348957835371&set=vb.734715370&type=2&theater

 

[Moore Bettah Ukuleles]

ummm....Beau, you spend too much time on the Internet!

 

[Beau Hannam Ukuleles]

ummm....Beau, you spend too much time on the Internet!

hahah- indeed I do. However, it has been -15C around here lately. Im scared of woodworking in that kinda cold!

 

[Rick Turner]

Not all instruments are art, and not all art are instruments. Michi's works are a tour de force of post-modern visual delight, but these are not about sound nor playability. His instruments start where Ervin Somogyi's leave off and just go into the pure sculptural art world. Don't expect to hear them being played, though...

 

[Dan Uke]

Is Michi's guitar harp much different than a Anunue Harp Ukulele? Some might not see the point

http://www.gryphonstrings.com/eGazette/2011-2B/

http://www.theukulelesite.com/anuenue-harp-ukulele-iii-e.html

 

[BlackBearUkes]

I personally like it. It may not be that playable, but it very creative and it certainly stretches the mind.

 

[BR Ukuleles]

I think many are missing the point.

Were does function and art diverge? Do you walk into an art gallery and say about the Mona Lisa, "Hell, it's just a bit of paint, and not enough to cover the dunny door". Or appreciate it for what it is. Both make me feel good to look at it, and more than anything marvel at the inspiration and ingenuity.

 

[David Newton]

It's all foolishness until you sell it.
The proof is in the pudding.

 

[maclay]

It's all foolishness until you sell it.
The proof is in the pudding.

Well Dave, I don't think Michi has any trouble selling his creations......and its certainly not foolishness.
There are plenty of people who want this kind of stuff, and he provides it.

 

[maclay]

I think Michi is brilliant......haters gonna hate.

 

[Beau Hannam Ukuleles]

I think many are missing the point.

Were does function and art diverge? Do you walk into an art gallery and say about the Mona Lisa, "Hell, it's just a bit of paint, and not enough to cover the dunny door". Or appreciate it for what it is. Both make me feel good to look at it, and more than anything marvel at the inspiration and ingenuity.

Well said Allen

 

[Dan Uke]

It's all foolishness until you sell it.
The proof is in the pudding.

Best line so far!! Michi loves pudding!! LOL

Also, some of you will say that you gotta repair to understand building...he's studied under Frank Ford and part of the repair staff at Gryphon

 

[David Newton]

Well Dave, I don't think Michi has any trouble selling his creations......and its certainly not foolishness.
There are plenty of people who want this kind of stuff, and he provides it.

That was my point exactly, about his art. If no one wants it, it is foolish. If people buy it, he is proven right.
Just look at Van Goph's paintings. Oh wait, no one wanted them when he was alive...

 

[maclay]

That was my point exactly, about his art. If no one wants it, it is foolish. If people buy it, he is proven right.
Just look at Van Goph's paintings. Oh wait, no one wanted them when he was alive...

Oh, sorry Dave....I misunderstood what you were saying.