Today, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing a truly exceptional instrument: a tenor ukulele crafted by the esteemed Thomas W. Rodriguez. Available through Fan Guitar and Ukulele, this ukulele immediately impressed with its rich, warm tone, reminiscent of a small classical guitar – a sonic profile that deeply resonates with my personal preferences. The sound was not only full and inviting but also boasted remarkable projection and clarity. Despite being freshly built, mere days from completion, this Rodriguez ukulele already exhibits a stunningly complex tonal character, hinting at even greater sonic depth as it continues to open up over time. It’s important to note for enthusiasts seeking a Rodriguez ukulele that this particular instrument is already spoken for, illustrating the high demand for Rodriguez ukes at Fan Guitar And Ukulele.
Exquisite Materials and Masterful Craftsmanship
The selection of materials for this tenor ukulele speaks volumes about Rodriguez’s commitment to quality. The back and sides, along with the peg head veneer and bridge, are fashioned from Brazilian rosewood, reclaimed from an antique 1800s table top, lending a touch of history and unique character. The soundboard is crafted from 100-year-old Adirondack red spruce, an old-growth wood prized for its resonant properties. The neck is carved from 100-year-old Cuban mahogany, adding to the instrument’s vintage charm and structural integrity. Even the smallest details are considered with the nut, saddle, tie block, and neck dot markers made from mastodon ivory, a material estimated to be between 10,000 and 30,000 years old. Tommy Rodriguez is renowned for his relentless pursuit of the finest materials available, and this ukulele is a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence, a quality appreciated by fan guitar and ukulele aficionados.
Rodriguez Spruce/Rosewood Tenor UkuleleRodriguez tenor ukulele showcasing spruce top and rosewood back and sides, highlighting the natural wood grain and craftsmanship available at fan guitar and ukulele.
Innovative Bracing and Design
Tommy Rodriguez has been deeply invested in tenor ukulele construction, exploring innovative adaptations of his “asymmetrical lattice bracing” system, originally developed for his classical and flamenco guitars. This bracing technique is expected to bring a new dimension to ukulele design and sound. I am particularly excited to witness the evolution of these ideas and anticipate sharing samples of these advancements in the coming months through Fan Guitar and Ukulele.
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of Mr. Rodriguez’s expertise in tenor ukuleles, I plan to capture some videos and sound samples. Based on this initial experience, I am confident that the results will be nothing short of impressive, further establishing Rodriguez ukuleles as instruments of exceptional quality for discerning players and fan guitar and ukulele customers.
Lacquer Finish: Enhancing Tone and Beauty
Rodriguez opts for lacquer finishes on all his instruments, a choice that distinguishes his work from those using polyurethane. While opinions vary on which finish is superior, each builder selects based on their unique philosophy and objectives.
A key advantage of lacquer is its breathability. As it dries, a significant portion of the solvent evaporates, resulting in an instrument that is lighter and more resonant, unburdened by a thick, inflexible gloss finish. Lacquer also offers superior repairability compared to polyurethane. Because lacquer never fully “cures” to a permanently solid state, scratches or finish imperfections can be seamlessly addressed by applying thinner and fresh lacquer, provided the repair is executed with skill. The result is a finish that is not only visually stunning but also contributes positively to the instrument’s tonal qualities, a feature highly valued by fan guitar and ukulele enthusiasts.
Tommy Rodriguez Tenor UkuleleClose-up of a Rodriguez tenor ukulele showcasing the mirror-like gloss of the lacquer finish, a testament to the quality available at fan guitar and ukulele.
Observe the flawless, mirror-like sheen of the gloss lacquer finish on this Rodriguez tenor ukulele, a hallmark of the meticulous craftsmanship available through Fan Guitar and Ukulele.
K&K Aloha Twin Pickup: Pure Acoustic Sound
This tenor ukulele is also equipped with a K&K Aloha Twin passive pickup, a system I greatly admire for ukulele amplification. K&K pickups eliminate the need for batteries without compromising sound fidelity—a rare and desirable combination. Unlike many pickups that rely on onboard preamps to compensate for the often thin and artificial sound of under-saddle transducers, the K&K Aloha Twin employs two flat, vibration-sensitive pads. These pads are attached to the bridge plate inside the ukulele, capturing the soundboard’s vibrations rather than solely those of the saddle. This innovative approach yields a far more natural, acoustic tone, closely resembling a well-placed microphone and avoiding the “quacky” sound often associated with piezo systems. This commitment to natural amplified sound is another reason why Rodriguez ukuleles are a favorite among fan guitar and ukulele players seeking stage-ready instruments.
Rodriguez Spruce Tenor UkuleleDetail of a Rodriguez spruce tenor ukulele highlighting the rosette and binding, showcasing the aesthetic details appreciated by fan guitar and ukulele customers.
Stiff Back and Sides: Focusing the Resonance
Another defining characteristic of Tommy Rodriguez’s ukulele construction is the deliberate stiffness of the back and sides. His design philosophy centers on creating a structure that channels vibrations primarily into the ukulele’s top, much like the function of a drum. Further enhancing structural integrity, he bends the linings to conform to the body shape, rather than notching them as is common practice. This technique adds to the framework’s rigidity, effectively focusing the sound energy onto the soundboard. In my experience, this approach results in an exceptionally musical instrument with remarkable projection. While achieving volume in a ukulele is possible through various methods, it often comes at the cost of focus, clarity, and structural robustness. Rodriguez’s skill lies in crafting a balanced and resonant instrument that projects powerfully while maintaining harmonic richness and clarity, a testament to the quality offered at Fan Guitar and Ukulele.
Rodriguez Tenor Ukulele RosetteIntricate rosette detail on a Rodriguez tenor ukulele, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship available at fan guitar and ukulele.
Peghead Tuners: Lightweight Precision
The Peghead tuners featured on this ukulele are truly exceptional. Their lightweight design is crucial for maintaining the instrument’s balance, preventing neck heaviness. Furthermore, their geared 4:1 ratio offers a significant improvement over traditional friction tuners, making tuning adjustments far smoother and more precise. These tuners combine classic aesthetics with modern functionality, enhancing both the playing experience and the visual appeal of the instrument, a feature appreciated by fan guitar and ukulele players.
Rodriguez Tenor Ukulele HeadstockHeadstock of a Rodriguez tenor ukulele featuring Peghead tuners, combining a classic look with a precise 4:1 tuning ratio, available at fan guitar and ukulele.
Peghead Ukulele TunersClose-up view of Peghead ukulele tuners on a Rodriguez tenor, highlighting the geared mechanism and elegant design found at fan guitar and ukulele.
Rodriguez Tenor UkuleleFull view of a Rodriguez tenor ukulele, showcasing the overall design and craftsmanship, available for purchase and custom order consultation at fan guitar and ukulele.
Thank you for exploring the artistry of Thomas W. Rodriguez through this exceptional tenor ukulele. I am eagerly anticipating future tenor creations from him and will keep you updated on new developments. For inquiries about acquiring a Rodriguez ukulele, Tommy Rodriguez can be contacted directly at 804-358-6324 or [email protected]. For assistance with wood selection for custom orders or any general questions, please feel free to reach out to me, John Gonzalez, at Fan Guitar and Ukulele in Richmond, VA at (804)-254-4600 or [email protected]. We at Fan Guitar and Ukulele are proud to represent such fine instruments and assist you in finding your perfect ukulele.
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