AUCTION: Moore Bettah Ulu Lama Tenor (#1915 Laka, Goddess of Hula)

New Moore Bettah Masterpiece

This is an exquisite one-of-a-kind custom tenor from Big Island master luthier, Chuck Moore. Auction details are below.

Moore Bettah Ukuleles are not the most sought after custom ukes simply because of their beauty to the eye. The sound is equally impressive. Take a listen as Corey and Kalei give a review and some sound samples.

Here are some thoughts from Chuck on this special work of art. "Laka is the goddess of Hula. The name Laka means "gentle" and "to attract". She is often credited with creating Hula on the island of Moloka’i.

Laka is said to be the inspiration a person thinks of while they dance. She is what causes the movement while the dancer is moved. She is also the goddess of the forest and thought of as the light that nourishes plant life. She has reproductive energy which is said to help the forest grow and thrive. Laka is associated with the Lama tree, a wood that represents enlightenment and promotes healing. It is her kinolau, which means it is the form she can be found in. Lama wood is very cherished and treated with high levels of respect. A block of lama wood is often wrapped in ti leaves and placed on an altar during hula ceremonies. After the dance is finished, the altar is dismantled and every leaf is taken to the ocean and release as a way to honor Laka. Lama wood (Hawaii meaning “light”) is also associated with healing. In ancient times it was used in some parts of house construction to aid in the healing of its residents.

The inspiration for this ukulele started with the lama wood itself. I was honored to be presented with this rare and sacred wood and the idea or representing Laka, the goddess of hula and the fern forest immediately came to mind. My wife Bonnie, a hula practitioner herself, would often come into the shop and chant ancient hula verses while I was working on this uke. I chose “ulu” (breadfruit tree) as the top wood as it is my favorite tonewood and is native to Hawaii (it was cut from my neighbor’s yard) as is lama wood and the curly koa I used for the bindings. I believe no other ukulele has been built from this unique combination of woods before."

This is a very lightweight custom tenor ukulele with a strong balanced tone, incredible sustain, and precise intonation all over the neck. On top of that it has the best feel you can imagine. Chuck does a world-class setup and this ukulele has low action without buzzing along with a carbon-fiber rod in the neck to ensure it maintains that perfect feel. Having an ukulele this easy to play with this wonderful of a sound is very special. With the gorgeous original art work, you get something quite special. This is not just a phenomenal musical instrument, it's also a one of a kind fine art piece. 

Includes Ameritage hardshell case, Oasis humidifier, and free shipping.

This is an auction and the details are below.

1. The auction will close on Monday, December 9, 2019 at 4:30 pm Hawaii time.

2. This is an English format “open bid” auction. This means the bids are public and can be seen by others. The reserve price is $10,000. Any price shown above this is the current prevailing bid. You must bid higher by at least $25.00.

3. You must log in to your TheUkuleleSite account to bid. If you don’t have an account, simply create one. From "My Account" and  under the "My Auction" tab you need to set your auction name and choose when you would like to be emailed. You can also cancel bids from there. 

4. We’re also including Going, Going, Gone to simulate a live auction with an auctioneer. With this feature, any new highest bid received in the final one hundred twenty [120] seconds will re-set a one hundred twenty [120] second window for new bids to be received. As long as a higher bid comes in, the Going, Going, Gone window will re-set again. This cycle will continue until the prevailing bid survives without being overbid within the one hundred twenty [120] second window.

5. When the auction ends, the highest bid received at or above the reserve price will be the winner. We must receive your bid for it to count.

6. The highest bid will be invoiced for the full value of the bid and have 24 hours from the invoice date to pay for their purchase in full. If the purchase price is not remitted by the deadline, Hawaii Music Supply may choose to offer the next highest bidder the opportunity to buy it at their final bid price.

7. Hawaii Music Supply reserves the right in its sole discretion to invalidate any bids that it determines have been made for the purpose of collusion or undermining the integrity of the auction. In such an event, Hawaii Music Supply may re-start or cancel the auction or choose to sell to any valid bidders. By entering this auction, all bidders agree that their bids are made with the intention to purchase the instrument featured in the auction at the price of their highest final bid. All bidders agree to avoid any coordination or collusion with other bidders.

Good luck and aloha!