This is a Harp Ukulele from aNueNue. Music Guy Mic from Hawaii Music Supply shows us this new model that he ordered for the store. As he explains, this is a Pete Howlett design and aNueNue did a fantastic job making it.
This is an ukulele with eight strings. But as you can see, it's not an eight string ukulele. At least not in the traditional eight string tenor way. This is a harp ukulele. It has four bass strings that are not fretted. And then you have a regular tenor ukulele. (tuned with a Low G). Now most people will have no desire to attempt this instrument, but in case you are intrigued, I can tell you is this.- The Harp Ukulele is not an impractical instrument. It is comfortable to hold and play. The ukulele is small enough for this design to actually work! (as opposed to the more well-known and less practical Harp Guitar). This can be used in a number of different ways. James Hill, who was just acquainting himself with the instrument, uses it here for a nice fingerstyle as does Pete Howlette in the next video.
With or without the bass strings being played, this instrument has an excellent, classic tenor tone! The extended arm off of the body and sympathetic overtones given by just having the bass strings give this, still portable instrument, a bit of an unfair advantage in resonance. Of course it is made from all solid woods with extremely clean construction. Canandian Sitka Spruce top and Khaya African mahogany. Buffalo Bone for the nut and saddle. These features always enhance tone. Grover and Peghed tuning keys. It comes with a custom pickup Fishman made for this instrument. A very high quality pickup. Same goes for the woods and parts. Any concerns for storage and travel ability are solved by its own custom wood case.
This will certainly be a popular one in any ukulele collection.
So if your ready to get something truly different and awe-inspiring. Something visually artful and musically enjoyable. An instrument that took some serious skill to build, especially so clean and refined! If you are enthusiastic enough to experiment with your music and economically endowed, then my best advice would be to get this uniquely wonderful instrument. Only 12 in America and they won't be made again. Only two will have our quality control and setup.
We always include a humidifier with solid wood instruments.
