My wife and I knew we wanted to give our daughter a handmade Ukulele for her 10th birthday, but we didn’t know who we wanted to make it. So we looked online and one of the luthiers that stood out was Gary Tavis @tavisguitars (on Instagram). His guitars are gorgeous and sound even better, so when I saw the photos of Gary’s Tenor Ukulele made of Hawaiian Mango with Koa bindings, I was sold. Gary made this bespoke ‘Pukiki Ukulele’ (named after the Portuguese Americans responsible for introducing the Ukulele to the rest of the world that were brought to hawaii to work the sugar cane fields a few generations back) and clearly poured his heart into it.
Gary is quick to respond to any questions, his instruments are very reasonably priced, and he takes great care in shipping a valuable instrument across the country, and he is a very talented luthier. Simply put, this Tavis Ukulele looks and sounds amazing and will last a lifetime.
— Jonathan V. Nashville,TN
I had been wanting to learn to play the guitar for a while and finally decided to take lessons. So, my boyfriend surprised me with a Gary Tavis guitar for Christmas. I LOVE it! He made a beautiful modified OM. The size is perfect for me. The details on the guitar are understated yet gorgeous. Just my style. And the sound is amazing, even in my beginner hands. My guitar teacher said that you know you are holding something special when holding my guitar. As for the builder, Gary couldn’t be more accessible. He checked with us to make sure that the guitar’s sound, feel, fit and built were all to our liking. It is clear that he takes great care and pride in the guitars he builds and does all he can so that his clients are satisfied.
- Michele DrouinSan, San Jose CA
If I didn’t know any better, I would have done it again….Bought a cheap instrument, learn to play well enough to justify getting a better one and repeat. 15 years and 4 guitars later, I have a fine instrument that I absolutely love to play. My quest to learn Ukulele would be different. The thought was to get an instrument that sounded so good, looked so beautiful, and felt so nice in my hands that I wouldn’t want to put it down. I’d practice more and get better quicker. Well, Gary nailed it on the first try….a Koa Tenor Ukelele with subtle, but oh-so-cool abalone inlay in the headstock. The materials, construction, finish, set-up, and “playability” were all well beyond my expectations, even for a custom, heirloom quality instrument. I love it. It’s almost as good to look at as it is to play. Thanks Gary!!