A soprano model by Sumi Kobo, crafted with a body of rare apricot wood from Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture, inspired by the vintage Martin Style 3!
This instrument is a soprano model crafted with the image of a vintage Martin Style 3, featuring solid apricot wood from Chikuma City for the top, sides, and back.
As luthier work explores the use of domestic woods, apricot has garnered attention for its specific gravity and hardness, which are considered similar to those of Hawaiian koa and Brazilian rosewood. Its beautiful orange-tinged grain is also a highlight.
The sound is characterized by excellent note definition and a bright, transparent resonance. You can feel depth within the clear tone, allowing you to fully enjoy the presence of every single note.
The ornamentation follows traditional specifications inspired by the Martin Style 3. Black and white celluloid is used for the rosette and the top and back purfling, while the binding is crafted from Itaya maple wood.
The ebony fretboard features a center strip and mother-of-pearl diamond position markers. The tuners are Gotoh UPTs with silver finish and white buttons.
Sumi Kobo's apricot wood model has received awards including the Heartful Design category of the Forestry Agency's Wood Design Awards and the Shinshu Brand Award. This is a domestic soprano ukulele packed with the expertise of Mr. Sumi’s many years of stringed instrument making and an initiative to utilize regional timber for musical instruments.
