Sumi Kobo - Highly Figured Lacewood Custom Tenor Ukulele w/ABS Case

Eiichii Sumi began his career in the 1960's working in the Kentucky Mandolin factory in Nagano, Japan. Decades before automation and CNC machinery were commonplace in instrument manufacturing; Eiichi cut his teeth carving mandolins and later Acoustic Guitars by hand producing hundreds of instruments the old fashioned way by the time he set up his own workshop. For context; Kentucky Mandolins from this time often fetch thousands of dollars at auction and are held in the highest regard by players in the know.

This stunning tenor showcases a most beautiful example of Lacewood flaming we have seen in a very long time. Lacewood is a much sought after and rare wood prized for its aesthetic texture... typically you will see it used for knife handles, bow and arrows and furniture but some of it finds its way into the capable hands of luthiers and this beautiful South American Lacewood was worked to perfection by Sumi. It delivers a huge, thick and sweet sound - not dissimilar to woods like Koa or Acacia. 

Sumi has a reputation for being 'the Luthiers, Luthier' in his native region of Japan. Still building ukuleles and guitars well into his '80s and a man with a list of apprentices who have evolved instrument building in their own right; it really does just feel like an honour to be able to present one of his instruments again.

Specification:
Lacewood top, back and sides
Ebony fingerboard and bridge
Bone nut and saddle
Abalone inlays
35mm nut width (28mm string spacing at nut)
Mother of pearl logo and inlay 
Spalted maple faceplate
Gotoh stealth tuners
Nitrocellulose gloss finish
Abalone fron binding with * purfling
B&W rear inding with Abalone purfling
Deluxe fibreglass hard case