BRAND NEW PONO PBO SOLID MAHOGANY BARITONE UKULELE

"Our goal throughout the years has been to provide the highest quality stringed instruments available. In addition to our custom Ko’olau line of guitars and ‘ukuleles, we produce our more affordable “Pono” line, yet strictly retaining the same high standard of craftsmanship. With the flood of “imported” stringed instruments, some no doubt feel that Pono guitars and ‘ukuleles are yet another cheap import. I would like all of our customers to know that we personally spend much time and effort in our Indonesian factory, on the island of Java, instructing in Ko’olau techniques of instrument making, and teaching our high level of craftsmanship and strict quality control. And besides methods of construction to optimize tone and volume, we stress the importance of cosmetic beauty. It is of interest to note that only the finest grades of quartersawn hardwoods, such as Mahogany, Rosewood, and Ebony are selected for Pono instruments. And even more noteworthy is the fact that cedar and spruce for our tops is imported from Canada and Alaska, however only 20% pass our stringent requirements of density, grain patterns, flexibility, and cosmetic aesthetics. This is virtually unknown, especially in the Asian import market. We could cut corners, as they say, but our goal for Pono instruments is the same as it has been for Ko’olau, to produce the highest quality regardless of costs incurred. Obviously the increased cost factor is passed on to our customers. But our customer base is discriminating and selective, not simply “shopping” around for the least expensive instrument on the market. So we have enjoyed this liberty to “go out on a limb” you might say, to push the possibilities and potential, especially in the world of ‘ukuleles. We are proud of the fact that all of our instruments are made of solid woods. We could sell far more guitars and ‘ukuleles by lowering our prices, using laminate woods, but again, we choose to provide another level to a different customer. Along with this philosophy we have incurred some problems, namely wood related issues. Plywood guitars and ‘ukuleles are easy to both build, and to maintain. Solid woods, though sounding better, and aging like good wine, are more sensitive to humidity (or the lack of it) and subsequent warpage, cracking, and separation. But we are willing to accept this responsibility, provided our instruments are cared for and maintained properly. Again, the only way to avoid these problems is to use plywood laminates, or plastics. We have chosen to stay “solid.” We assure our customers a guarantee of satisfaction with a limited warranty. The term limited is used to protect against deliberate neglect and abuse.
  We appreciate any suggestions and feedback. Much of your input has been incorporated into the continued refinement and success of both our Ko’olau and Pono line of instruments.

  In Hawaiian, “pono” is defined as goodness and excellence. Using a variety of woods, our Pono instruments have the classic warm tone and projecting volume of guitars and ‘ukuleles of yesteryear.

  As mentioned, we use the finest grade of solid woods for body, neck, binding, purflings and bridges, bone for nut and saddle, mother of pearl for our logo and fingerboard position markers, and high quality Grover tuning machines. Finishes are not merely minimal coatings to produce sheen, but instead we perform the same professional procedure as our Ko’olau line, with applications of pore filler, sealer, finish coats, final wet sanding and buffing, all resulting in a stunningly beautiful instrument.
  All guitars and ‘ukuleles include a Ko’olau hardshell case.

  Electronic amplification is available on most Pono models. On our Ko’olau line we offer a variety of pickup options, however for Pono instruments we have decided to offer a high quality “passive” saddle transducer pickup. Although excellent as a “stand alone” pickup, a more enhanced amplification is possible by “activation” easily accomplished by adding a battery powered preamp to the already existing system. A Pono brand Outboard Preamp is available.

  Pono instruments are professionally designed and handcrafted by the Ko’olau Guitar & ‘Ukulele Company. Manufacturing is on the island of Java, with final adjustments and set-up on the island of Oahu, Hawaii."