DENNIS, RON

This charming and impressive all-solid Koa tenor ukulele was assembled from a StewMac kit by a local musician and artisan, Ron Dennis.  Most of what Ron has brought to show us in the past have been nylon string guitars, particularly those of a flamenco vein. He has also built things like beautiful custom wooden teardrop campers, complete with cool hidden compartments. Regardless of the project, it is clear that Ron always invests himself deeply. Thus, while it may be tempting to dismiss an instrument  that was made from a kit, let us stress here that there are plenty of ways to mess up a kit build, and we see none of that here! Rather, we find that this cosmetically-understated ukulele is competitive with many more expensive instruments coming from traditional name brands (e.g. Kamaka). Its voice is clear and focused, yet the notes present with pleasing firmness and warm in all the right places. As such, Ron’s bell-shaped Baritone would be an excellent value for any player or collector seeking an all-solid, hand-crafted instrument with a distinctive voice. 

Condition

This ukulele has no structural issues to report.  While this instrument has, by and large, been very well maintained, it does have some cosmetic wear and exhibits signs of use.  Granted, in light of the more delicate nature of the hand-rubbed Tru-Oil finish, encountering some degree of finish wear is to be expected! Most notably, there is a patch of belt rash on back—the impressions are evident, but nothing is through the finish.  Otherwise, the body shows light signs of wear, including various finish scuffs, and the like.   VERY GOOD condition

• Baritone “Bell” Body
• Solid Flamed Koa Top
• 3-Fan Spruce Top Bracing with Bridgeplate
• Flamed Koa Back and Sides
• Bubinga Rectangular Bridge
• Tru- Oil Body Finish
• Mahogany Neck, C-Shape Neck Contour
• Non-Radiused Rosewood Fingerboard
• Dot Fingerboard Inlays
• Gotoh Planetary Tuners with Ivoroid Keystone Buttons (4:1 Ratio)
• Tru-Oil Neck Finish
• Zero Glide Nut
• Micarta Drop-In Saddle
• 17” Scale Length
• 1 3/8” Nut Width
• Padded Gig Bag