Rare Deluxe Soprano Model from Mele, Born in Maui, Featuring a Striking 1-Piece Hawaiian Koa Body and Beautiful Abalone Inlay
"Mele Ukulele," which started in Maui in 2003, gained popularity among locals in Hawaii and dedicated ukulele fans. It's a Hawaiian brand known to those in the know, producing practical ukuleles with the Hawaiian vibe, all while maintaining solid quality and playability. As it became rare to see them in the Japanese market after the 2010s, this particular instrument is a very valuable piece, likely produced in the 2000s, which can be considered the brand's heyday.
What truly stands out about this instrument is the luxurious use of a single, seamless 1-piece Hawaiian koa wood for both the top and back. This allows the beautiful wood grain to flow uninterrupted, providing a sense of unity unique to solid wood and delivering a rich, stable, and pure body resonance. Furthermore, the rosette around the soundhole and the purfling bordering the top are lavishly inlaid with beautiful abalone pearl that brilliantly shines depending on the angle of light. This, combined with the intricate checkerboard marquetry on the side of the body, creates an impression of splendor and luxury. It is immediately clear that this was a specially crafted, top-of-the-line deluxe model within their lineup at the time.
It shows signs of use, including minor playwear.
Based on the intricate decoration and material specifications, the estimated domestic sales price in Japan at the time would have been around 80,000 to 100,000 yen, positioning it as a very high-end model within Mele's lineup. While retaining the familiar soprano size and approachable body shape of a standard Mele, this instrument features exquisite abalone decoration and luxurious 1-piece koa wood, making it a highly collectible item with added value that is rarely found in the used market.
Size: Soprano Top: Solid Hawaiian Koa (1-piece) Sides/Back: Solid Hawaiian Koa (back is 1-piece) Neck: Mahogany Fretboard: Rosewood Bridge: Rosewood Rosette: Abalone Pearl Purfling: Abalone Pearl Side Decoration: Checkerboard Marquetry Tuners: Open Gear Type Nut & Saddle: Rosewood Nut Width: 37mm Scale: 348mm Hard case included
