Kingdom Era Ukulele
(Note: this page is still under construction! Please check back for updated information/edits in the coming weeks)
These instruments started as part of a research grant from Mortise and Tenon Magazine. Aaron went to Hawaii to study instruments built in the 1880-1890’s by the first three Madeiran builders, Nunes, Santo and Dias. He also studied the history of woodworking in Hawaii, the European cabinet making culture these builders came from and 19th century hand tool traditions. The Kjngdom Era instruments are not copies, but instead are Aaron’s tribute to these builders using similar tools, techniques and materials. Made almost entirely with hand tools, hot hide glue and traditional finish, they are built with a Spanish heel construction on an early Hawaiian style body mold. Combine all of this with Aaron’s focus on playability, tone and volume and you get a heirloom instrument that you won’t be able to put down. Inquire for price, specs and options.
Soprano $2500 (+shipping)
-13.5” fret scale length with featherweight body based on the first Hawaiian Machete/Ukuleles. 21” total length
Tenor $3000 (+shipping)
-17” fret scale with a long, curvy body based on the first Hawaiian Rajao/Taropatch Fiddles. Available as a four or five string instrument. 26.5” total length
SPECS:
-Made from Aaron’s best woods, often from salvaged, re-claimed or sustainable sources. The body can be all one wood, like Koa, Myrtle, Mango or Mahogany. But the traditional choice is a softwood top, like Cedar, Fir, Redwood or Spruce with a hardwood back and sides. Other additional hardwoods that can be used for back and sides include Maple, Walnut, Cherry or Oak. Confused on what to pick? Click here for more info and some suggestions.
-Hand carved neck with a Walnut or Koa flat fretboard with 17 frets. Herringbone inlay down center of fretboard/headplate with side fret markers.
-Peghed brand geared tuners with a 4:1 gear ratio. These look like old style violin pegs but work easily. Hand carved violin style pegs +$100.
-Hardwood bridge with bridge pins, bone nut and saddle, fluorocarbon strings. Real gut strings +$25.
-Handmade wooden “coffin style” case with cloth lining and brass hardware included in price. Rather have a gig bag? Subract $250 from the price.
-Brass strap button and wooden endpin upon request.
OPTIONS AND ADD ONS:
-GCEA High g or low g stringing for soprano and tenor. Five string Rajao, inquire about stringing/tuning.
-Walnut, maple, myrtle or rope binding and rosette. No body binding minus $150
-K&K pickup add $150
