FS Custom Tenor by Josh Rieck. Carpathian spruce & AAAA Hawaii Koa body

[Doc_J]

Narrowing down my uke collection in 2019. This is a tough one to part with. For sale is a MINT condition custom tenor by Josh Rieck. The top is Carpathian spruce and the body is AAAA Hawaiian koa. Ebony was selected for the pin-bridge and 12” radiused fretboard with EVO Gold fretwire. Fretboard is 1.5” width at nut. Top and back are bound with curly koa and W/B purfling, fretboard is bound in Ebony with purfling. There is a side sound port, and custom rosette. Gold Gotoh tuners complete the gold trim theme. Josh put much detail in this build, beautiful. Not a mark on this beauty.

This ukulele features a gorgeous gloss finish on the body and headstock with a great smooth satin finish on the neck. (Neck is Honduran mahogany, carbon fiber reinforced). It has an exceptionally comfortable feel all the way up the neck plus its low action and radius fretboard help with that as well. The asymmetrical heel looks amazing and feels good when you get all the way there.

There are lots of creative and complementary design details on this custom uke. The contemporary body shape has the waist line raised and the curves sharpened over standard tenor shape. The custom rosette is uniquely decorative and fits well. The sound is full with a hint of vintage tone with excellent sustain. It plays wonderful with its low action and no buzzing. It is truly warm and clear. This custom ukulele includes a hardshell case and humidifier.

The uke is in mint condition with no scratches, dings, or blemishes.

Sound sample in C tuning with Oasis warms linear (low g)
https://app.box.com/s/ua9t6kpv74utan2fw4302tppfvq60vjx
Sound sample in B tuning with Oasis warms linear
https://app.box.com/s/05vvpbv4eo99zcoi8y33y8uv40w75ixw

Shouldn’t be selling this but it hasn’t been getting the play it deserves. This is an exceptional custom instrument, beautifully build with awesome sound.

SOLD.
Here’s a link to the build thread:
https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?120932-Koa-amp-Carpathian-spruce-tenor-build-by-J-Rieck/page5&highlight=Rieck
SPECS

• • Model: 4 string tenor #39
• • AAAA grade koa back and sides BWB center stripe
• • Carpathian spruce top
• • Bracing: Top, sitka spruce, x-braced with some ebony. Back bracing, sitka spruce
• • Binding: curly koa
• • Curly Koa End-graft
• • Purfling: W/B (Ebony/ Maple) front back sides
• • Neck: 2 piece length wise with BWB center stripe
• • Honduran mahogany (carbon fiber reinforced) with asymmetrical heel
• • 17-inch scale
• • 1.5 inch nut width
• • Asymmetric heel with cap
• • Head stock overlay: Koa/Black walnut
• • Side sound port: Upper bout
• • 5-ply alternating walnut and maple smooth linings
• • Fret board: Ebony, bound in ebony
• • Bridge: Ebony with pins
• • Bridge Inlay: Single 12th fret rectangle
• • Rosette: Koa, ebony, MOP
• • Nut & saddle: Bone
• • Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer body - satin neck
• • GOTOH gold geared tuners

Photo album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmmqxYdu

P1070960 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/150516092@N02/, on Flickr
P1070962 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/150516092@N02/, on Flickr
P1070959 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/150516092@N02/, on Flickr
P1070964 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/150516092@N02/, on Flickr

 

[sam13]

:drool::drool::drool:

 

[Doc_J]

Here's a few more pictures.

Here's a few more pictures.
P1070953 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/150516092@N02/, on Flickr
P1070956 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/150516092@N02/, on Flickr

 

[pix.fairydust]

That.is.gorgeous.

Nothing else to say!

 

[Dionysis]

I just listened to the sound sample you posted. Wow, what a beautiful sound and what a beautiful looker. I wish I could afford it. I love a radiused fretboard. I am sure it will be hard to part with. I hope you find a good buyer and that they
play and cherish this rare beauty.

 

[Slackkey007]

Aloha bruddah Hodge!

I didn't think you were going to sell this fantastic uke! It looks and sounds AMAZING!!!:drool: I would have pulled the trigger on it because that price is a SUPER bargain of a DEAL!!! ... but you know me ... I'm a slothead guy!

Josh makes terrific instruments! I am privileged to own a Josh Rieck build #47 one of a kind Flamed Myrtle/Torrefied Spruce tenor w/Florentine cutaway, beveled edge/armrest, side sound port, radiused fretboard, x bracing, and many other creative and complementary design details on this custom uke. I love ukes built with x bracing! I own several and they are all cannons, with great projection, sound, and tone.

Did you pull the trigger on the Romero Creations DH6 21" scale uke that sounds like a guitar??? Did you watch and hear Daniel Ho's demo??? That instrument is a BEAST!!!

:shaka:

 

[Joyful Uke]

Wow. This really does look and sound amazing. Someone is going to get an incredible ukulele at a good price.

 

[bacchettadavid]

Doc_J,

Wonderful recording and good pictures. Very helpful. PM sent.

 

[sam13]

Doc_J,

Wonderful recording and good pictures. Very helpful. PM sent.

I have bought a Uke from Hodge, and was very pleased with everything ... he has superb integrity, and is a pleasure to buy from. Good luck with it, David.

 

[Ukulele Eddie]

I have done multiple transactions with Hodge and he has always been a pleasure to deal with.

I have also owned a J. Rieck (16" concert) that was an absolute stunner of an instrument with exceptional tone.

So, a Hodge deal + J. Rieck = WINNER.

Somebody will be very happy with this purchase!

Eddie

 

[wildfire070]

Gorgeous uke and great deal! If I didn't just make a recent purchase and if I didn't have so many ukes already, I'd probably jump on this. Good luck with the sale.

 

[Kenn2018]

Hodge,

What a wonderful sounding and looking instrument. It just doesn't get much better.

They say timing is everything, and unfortunately, I am not in a position to acquire this at this time, otherwise, I'd be proud to buy it.

I do have a question though, Is it an optical illusion from camera lens and the flame on the sides & bottom, or is the body deeper than is typical for a tenor?

Someone will be getting great deal and a terrific tenor. I wish it was me... It should go quickly.

 

[Doc_J]

Sold! Thank you. I’m so going to miss this special tenor.

Hodge,

...
I do have a question though, Is it an optical illusion from camera lens and the flame on the sides & bottom, or is the body deeper than is typical for a tenor?

The body depth is in the standard range of most tenors ~3.1" at the tail end, ~2.6" at the neck.

 

[rhiggie]

It is a crazy beautiful uke! I thought I was selling my Sonny D black koa tenor to fund my Kanile'a 2019 Platinum LE pineapple tenor, but if it sells in time, I may add to the proceeds and spring for this beauty! It's an honor just to see the photos and hear the sound bytes! Rick