Joji Yoshida Guitars/Ukulele in Okinawa one of the best builders in Japan....I know him and see him once a year but I can not find his website....he is on Facebook..tell him Len sent you..
I found his website
http://www.jojiyoshidaguitars.com/
here are some pictures of Joji's work
https://www.google.com/search?q=joj...iAhXHo54KHeaOAPIQsAR6BAgIEAE&biw=1366&bih=619
I'd love to get something simple made like a '20s "Style 0" soprano.
I was going to pass on Vietnam only because it's a very humid country, and I didn't want to take a rick on woodwork from there.
Does Asada do custom makes?
I don’t know if they do commissioned custom works, but check out the guys at The Rebel. Very sleek and understated design, with some wild “custom” creations over the years. This one was a notable standout for me: https://www.theukulelesite.com/rebel-custom-koa-ebony-tenor-no-6.html
Same guy who made ukes for Koaloha.
A 20's style 0 soprano isn't necessarily "simple".
Lots of people could make you a ukulele that LOOKS like a 20's style 0 yet if your fussy you will need to talk to someone with some expertise on the matter.
There are some very fine instruments coming out of Asia yet the question is, what are you really trying to buy?
It's Martin's most basic/simple model they ever offered. Compared to their 5K … yes, I think it's extremely simple.
My view is that this is a false assumption.
Doing simple things well if often the hardest things to do. I know this is a stereotype yet its doing the decoration very well that the Asian manufacturers have a reputation for.
Are you after an instrument that "looks" like a Martin type 0 or an instrument that "sounds"like a Martin type 0?
If you want an instrument that sounds like a vintage type 0 then this isn't simple at all and requires an experienced builder.
Maestro certainly builds some fine ukuleles although they don't come cheap. They usually cost more than a new Martin.
Yes, I'm looking for a less expensive alternative, which is why I'd like to try Asia. I chose the Style 0 because it is simple enough to not screw up and it looks really handsome to me.
OK, that's what I suspected and I have to disagree with your main premise. Truly, doing simple things well is the hardest of all.
Asian makers are known for their superb finishing and decorative work. Its not that some can't build great sounding instruments, Maestro is a superb builder but not cheap.
On this forum, Ken Timms who has the handle, timbuck is the master of Martin type Soprano ukuleles. http://ukulele-innovation.tripod.com
Talk to him.
Adjusted for inflation, that model would cost $25.81 today. It's unimaginable that with the technology we have in 2019, we can't easily build a Model 0 at a price comparable to when it was originally introduced.