mahalo nui loa to all those who contributed to the discussion. Again, this discussion was started to benefit not only myself, but to create a foundation for others looking into a custom build. I have had fishing poles wrapped for me, as well as surfboards and bodyboards. so i've had experience with going the custom route, but since this is my first, i thought this would help give me an idea to what i should have in mind. i'm not thinking of solid answers, but ideas to share with the builder.
I've already started a mini discussion with the luthier I have in mind, David Tachera of `Oiwi `Ukulele based in South San Francisco, and am already planning to put down the deposit for a commitment.
Why not a factory build? Truthfully, because I can't find what I want in a factory build. I've played around enough `ukulele to determine, for myself, that the amount of money I would have to find and spend on a facotry `ukulele to my liking would be near equivalent to having one created for me. That being said, do I believe this will be the last `ukulele I'll ever purchase? No! I think we all evolve in our wants and dislikes, as well as our skill level. This being my first custom `ukulele, I understand that it may not suit my playing style in the future, but as my first it will always hold sentimental value, but it will share the mana Aaron speaks of, from both my self and the builder and the parts and effort put into it. Keeper for sure. Also, like fishing and surfing, each instrument will later be developed for distinct purpose. I think backyard kanikapila and performing require different tools.
Prior to making that commitment, I've done some quiet inquiries about the builder (including asking Kekani/Aaron). Again building on past experiences, I asked for their mana`o to kokua me into a right decision. David makes instruments that have challenged for tops in sound, and sound, not bling, is what I am after. I would not ask a rod builder who makes primarily bass rods to make wrap my long distance casting rods.
I understand where Aaron is mentioning about how the worst clients are this this this. As opposed to when I had boards made for me, the first fishing pole i had wrapped, I went all out telling the guy what i wanted rather than listening to what was functional. not only did the price go up, but the rod sat because it wasn't of much use to me. it was just pretty and hi-tech. i have that expensive rod as a reminder, though i could probably fetch a pretty penny for it.
with David, instead of coming in with what i definitely want, I'm coming in with what I don't like in mind and I already told him up front, I'm not sold on anything.
time? i've got all the time in the world. he's informed me nothing until next year, which i'm fine with. during that time, we'll talk alot and i'll play a lot, so we can shape what i want in mind.
wow! long pane aku post!