A vintage-style soprano ukulele crafted from curly Hawaiian koa! A show model exhibited at the 2026 Tokyo Handcraft Guitar Festival!
ANTAR instruments are crafted by veteran builder Kaoru Aoki, based in Tachikawa, Tokyo. This particular model is a soprano ukulele that was showcased at the Tokyo Handcraft Guitar Festival. ANTAR instruments are essentially one-of-a-kind creations, each possessing a distinct personality. This piece is no exception, deeply reflecting Mr. Aoki's artistic sensibilities.
The body features beautiful curly Hawaiian koa solid wood, the neck is crafted from Honduran mahogany, and the fingerboard and bridge are made of striped ebony, all utilizing luxuriously selected, high-quality tonewoods.
The shape is a vintage-style soprano size, featuring an arched back reminiscent of a violin. It delivers a richness of resonance and volume that one would never imagine from such a compact body.
The appointments feature a chic, monochromatic design centered on black pearl and black celluloid. The headstock is adorned with a simple yet striking diamond-shaped inlay along with the brand logo. The rosette is an intricate design featuring black pearl dots arranged in a circle, bordered by black celluloid. Black celluloid purfling on both the top and back further enhances the overall sense of unity.
The instrument's incredibly lightweight build is another one of its charms. Its crisp, clear sound and nimble response allow you to fully savor the joy typical of a vintage-style soprano.
ANTAR is a brand created by Kaoru Aoki, a solo luthier with a workshop in Tachikawa, Tokyo. Aoki is a veteran luthier who graduated from the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix, Arizona, USA in 1978 and began his career as a luthier after returning to Japan. Each instrument he produces is a unique and one-of-a-kind piece, and his ukuleles, which combine ease of playability with beauty, are popular with many enthusiasts.
