Signature Series "He Ola" #30000

Description

Signature Series "He Ola" #30000

The Custom Super Tenor He Ola SN. 30000 is a landmark instrument that celebrates artistry, innovation, and the beauty of exceptional Hawaiian koa. Crafted from Joe’s Stash Koa for the soundboard, back, and sides, this super tenor showcases remarkable figure and depth while delivering a rich, resonant voice. With TRU-Relief, TRU-Reduction, and the TRU-R Bracing System, the instrument offers outstanding responsiveness, sustain, and tonal balance, allowing every note to ring with clarity and power.

Visually, the instrument is defined by elegant maple and pāua accents that create striking contrast against the koa. A D-shaped soundhole and oval side sound port with maple trim enhance both projection and the player’s listening experience. Maple front and back binding, paired with .020 inch red trim details, frame the body beautifully, while pāua abalone purfling and a .05 inch pāua rosette set in maple trim add vibrant color and refinement. The maple bevel cutaway and tail strip continue the cohesive design, tying together the instrument’s intricate visual language.

Custom artistry is further highlighted through Craig Lavin’s inlay work, featured on the fretboard position markers and the headstock logo set into an ebony headplate. “He Ola,” meaning “to live,” is a celebration of the many realms of life found throughout Hawaiʻi. Its artwork honors the ocean, land, and sky through symbolic representations of ‘Ula‘ula Koa‘e (red snapper), Koa‘e ‘Uala (Hawaiian sweet potato), Koa‘e Kalo (taro), Koa‘e Mai‘a (banana), and the graceful Koa‘e Kea and Koa‘e ‘Ula tropicbirds. Though each is unique, they share the common name Koa‘e, a reminder of the elements that sustain, nourish, and give life. This theme of vitality and connection is woven into every detail of the instrument, making “He Ola” a true reflection of Hawaiian identity and artistry.