Laurie Williams Hihi Tenor Ukulele/Early 2000's - 40,000 year old Ancient Kauri!!

Here is a EXTREMELY RARE Tenor Uke from New Zealand luthier Laurie Williams. This is an early 'Hihi' model made from salvaged ancient wood- which is something that he is quite famous for.

The top of this instrument is made of 'Modern Kauri', which falls somewhere between Spruce and Redwood in density, and tone. The back and sides are made of Ancient Kauri, which was recovered by Mr. Williams from a bog. Apparently this was carbon dated at around 40,000 years old! It has the appearance of fine figured Redwood, but is much more dense. The reflective tone of this instrument is outstanding! Bell-like resonance, and sustain are very prominent here. The neck is made from Totara, which combines the density of Maple with the supple qualities of Mahogany. The fingerboard is made of Taraire, and is inlaid with a tiny pearl bird at the octave, representing its namesake- the 'Hihi', which is a bird native to New Zealand. It is a hardwood very similar to Rosewood, but lighter. The entire instrument is bound in Lacewood, and the purfling and headstock inlays are blue kiwi Abalone- which the photos do no justice to. It also features fossil ivory for the nut and saddle.

The ukulele is in fantastic shape, but is listed as 'very good' due to a bad glue line from what appears to be a neck reset in its past, which is why it is priced as it is. It is present only around the heel, and has been this way since I purchased it back in 2019. It is quite solid and stable, and it appears in the pics. The action is amazing! It has EVO fretwork, so you will never need a fret job! It has gold plated Grover Premium open gear tuners. I have it strung with Aguila Red low G strings.

All in all, this is likely THE RAREST ukulele on Reverb. If you go to Laurie Williams Guitars (which I strongly urge you to do), you will see that the paddle head version of this no longer exists. You will also see that the BASE price for the model is $3500, plus any custom woods and features. Mr. Williams is an outstanding luthier, widely known for outstanding guitars and ukuleles as well as curating rare fossil woods.

The uke comes with a very nice Crossrock fiberglass arched case, and a D'Addario humidifier. The case has a few stickers, but at least they are fun. This instrument is sold as is, and every effort has been used to accurately describe the condition in pics and words! This is an incredible uke, but I have to sell it. Offers are welcome, and contact me here should you have questions. If you want 'rare and wonderful', here it is!

Cheers!