If you know about John Cook and his luthier work as Lightnin Custom Resophonics you might recognize this uke. John’s work is amazingly rare. John created this one a kind tenor ukulele in 2011.
You have to hear John Cook play this one in the linked video.
I have not mastered the reso, and have not played this very much. Time to send it to a real reso musician.
Here’s the specs. Back and sides are Curly Maple while the top is Fir. The Neck is the fine Quilted Maple while the Fretboard is Ebony highlighted with actual Vintage Watch Gear inlay markers. The Head plate and Nut are also Ebony with LCR's patented Brass Lightnin Bolt and Gear inlay. This custom ukulele it was fitted with a Six Inch Continental (Hand Spun Cone). The Reso Cover Plate features an Amber Duco finish that John Cook is famous for, and has more watch gears, very cool.
The Swiss made Schertler tuning machines with real Ebony Buttons are as fine as it gets..... wish I had these on all my ukes. Finally, the body is bound with beautiful Tortoise Shell Celluloid. Finished with a multi procedure in SunBurst Nitro Lacquer that glistens. The nitro has developed a little crazing around the reso cover, but it is not problem.
It comes with a matching one of a kind Custom Made and fully lined $250.00 Coffin Case.
The action is quite low 3/32" at the 12th fret. It sound beautifully and plays easy with a very light touch.
Strung in reentrant with Aquila. It was designed to allow stringing with Steel Strings as well as regular nylon strings in Low G or reentrant. ONE OF A KIND SOUND AND INTONATION!!!!! Incredible Volume with a very bright yet warm tone.
History: This ukulele was built at the end of 2011 with the builder's intent to make a fabulous instrument as demo with a well known east coast string band on tour. Once it returned off tour in near perfect condition, it was sold to the original owner. I am the second owner.
* Only 1 like it in the world. * If you play, perform or collect this is the one! * John stopped making instruments, as his wood allergies were getting severe.
