Big Island Ukulele Luthier...Moore Bettah UkulelesMoore Bettah Ukuleles are traditionally-built by an independent luthier whose career started when a local man asked him to build a ukulele out of a coconut. All of these instruments are built from scratch, by hand, using a mix of modern technology and traditional methods. The factory is an independent workshop, located in Opihikao, on one of the more remote sections of the Big Island. The Big Island is also the best source of koa wood, a traditional material used by this manufacturer in the creation of the instruments.
These ukuleles are made entirely of locally-available woods including koa, mango and kiawe. There are no plywood or veneer components used in these instruments. Each of these woods has its own tonal characteristics which are imparted to the instrument. Koa wood is in particularly high demand and the supply is diminishing. Bindings and fret board materials include ebony, cocobolo and other species of non-endangered rainforest woods. Ornamentations such as rosettes and fingerboard inlays are made with black pearl shells and fossil walrus ivory. Materials such as composite stone and abalone shell are also used in this part of the process. Each ukulele is manufactured over a period of two months, which allows the instrument to settle after it's been worked on. The final stage involves the lacquering which protects and fills the wood and adds a lustrous finish to the instrument. These ukuleles are dried for two weeks before the final finish is applied, resulting in a durable surface that resists damage from use. Return to Ukulele Manufacturers from Moore Bettah Ukuleles Buy a Ukulele | History | Resources| Manufacturers | Ukulele Videos | Favorite Links Contact Us
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