Luthiers in Hawaii ??

[kona magic bnb]

Hi, I have a 10 year old Larrivee D acoustic guitar that I would like "opened up" by shaving the bracing s. Does anyone know a good luthier in Hawaii? Thanks

[alohachris]

Aloha Kona,

If I still had a shop, I'd do your job.

Here are a few suggestions of luthiers who can do that kind of specialized brace work. They are all old experienced pro's with great reputations:

On the Big Island: David Gomes Guitars & Ukes (Hawi), Bob Gleason (Pegasus Guitars & Ukes - Hilo)

Maui: Steve Grimes Guitars (Kula)

Oahu: Kiland Reece (KR Stringed Instrument Repair - Kaneohe), Pete (Island Guitars at Ward Warehouse - Kaka'ako in town), Noah Bonk, (Koolau Guitar & Uke -Wahiawa), Reid Shigemura (Hookani Music in Kalihi Kai - Honolulu), Mark Iseman Guitars (Kaka'ako - Honolulu)

Kauai: Mickey Sussman (Anahola Stringed Instruments - Anahola, Windward side)

A Hui Hou,

alohachris

Tell 'em I sentcha

[Earl49]

On Hawaii Island, I can highly recommend Dennis Lake of Po Mahina Guitars. In addition to building really nice high-end instruments (if I were considering a custom build, it would be him) I believe he also does repairs out of Hilo Guitars and Ukulele located in - wait for it - Hilo.
www.pomahina.com

[alohachris]

Aloha Earl,

Unfortunately, Dennis Lake of Po Mahina Guitars & Ukes has left the Islands & lives in Escondido, California now.

alohachris

[Earl49]

Oops - new information that I was unaware of Chris. Mahalo for the update. I see the new Escondido address on his web site too. Dennis is still teaching ukulele building at the Aloha Music Camp with the Beamer Ohana, according to the last web site update. [Edit: I just checked the AMC web site now, and their web site is off-line with an Oklahoma contact number. Hmmm.....]

Assuming he is still building and not retired, Dennis remains the luthier I would go to for a true custom build / commission.

[palolowarrior]

Chris Davis of BR Fret shop in Hawaii Kai.

He is my go to guy as well as many of the performing artists in Honolulu.
Although, I am not a pro, I do know a great luthier when I experience one. I've gone through 4-5 already and he is a master.

He is honest, has great hands, and is also a player. Prices are very reasonable.

Aloha

[dberkowitz]

Steve Grimes, Grimes Guitars in Kula, HI

[birdmove]

I Know this thread goes back a few years. In Keaau (about 8 miles south of Hilo), we have a gent that runs Rodgers Guitars. He sells consignment guitars, but he also makes ukes and guitars to customer specs.