In being on the look out for nice Ukuleles I see the work of a number of full and part time luthiers. The instruments they make look very nice and worthy of note.
Based in Waterview, Auckland, New Zealand he started his own firm making folk instruments in 2012 having worked previously as a instrument repaired in a music shop. In the beginning the main instrument was Mandolins but 2013 Baritone and Tenor scale Ukuleles were added to the catalogue, along with the "crown" design; as previously he had only made the teardrop "trad" shaped instruments. He has made other instruments too including Guitars, Cajons and Tenor and Baritone scale Banjoleles he calls the "phoenix" range because he reuses the metalwork of old Banjoleles to make them. Though he mainly makes Tenor and Baritone scale Ukuleles (in the crown and trad styles) he does include a trad Concert in the standard catalogue and will make Soprano scale Ukuleles in either style as a custom order if asked.
From the Paraoanui Valley in New Zealand's North Island he makes predominantly Guitars and is known for using local New Zealand woods, especially the ancient kauri that is found in peat bogs, (he also uses the modern kauri; it is his preferred choice for soundboards). He has been building professionally since 1993 and has made, as well as Guitars, Ukuleles, Mandolin and also Violins. He started making the Ukuleles in about 2007 and he only makes slot head Tenor models
From Nelson, New Zealand, he has been making Resonator Guitars since the 1990's but he focuses on quality not quantity so is not very prolific. He has also made at least one single cone Tenor Resonator Ukulele as a custom request in the time and would be open to making more if commisioned
