Naturel Custom Flamed Koa Tenor Ukulele in hard case

This is simply one of the most exquisite tenor ukuleles that we have had the pleasure of stocking. Made by Naoki Yoshiro, the creator of and luthier behind Naturel ukuleles. 

This ukulele has so much character and individuality about its sound and appearance. The detailed inlay work really draws on Naoki-san's previous experience as a jeweller in its complexity and expert execution, whilst the unique body shape reveals his understanding of what has to be done to make a ukulele sing.

The nitrocellulose finish is very light, and applied to open pore wood, so no grain filler is used. This allows the uke to sound as fabulous as it does, but it does mean that upon close inspection you can see pits and runs in the finish where it has sunk into features in the grain.

There are some light marks to the finish on the top each side of the neck where it joins the body perhaps from masking, or drying of the finish. Similarly there are runs in the finish along the centre stripe on the back. Although these marks are basically invisible at a distance of more than a foot or so, you can see them when the light strikes in a certain way.  So, please do not expect a perfect mirror finish like a Kanile'a. Time to practice a little Wabi-sabi!

Specification:
All solid flamed curly koa body
Nitrocellulose gloss finish over open pore wood
Mahogany neck, gloss finish, 21mm neck depth at nut
C shaped neck profile
14 frets to join, 18.5 frets total
Personal soundhole
430mm scale length
36mm nut width with 30mm G to A string spacing
Bone nut and saddle
Ebony fretboard
Indian rosewood bridge
Abalone soundhole rosette
Abalone hummingbird inlay on fretboard and headstock
Gotoh UPT 4:1 geared tuners
Clear fluorocarbon high G strings