1970 Vintage Ron Yasuda 5 string Tenor Taropatch ukulele KOA

Priced in Australian Dollars. 

1970 Vintage Hand Made RON Yasuda Taropatch 5 string Ukulele

Made by RON Yasuda, Hawaii   Ronald Yasuda: 11/15/36 – 02/16/21

Click on the little magnifying glass on the main image and slide left and right to view all items easily.

A beautifully preserved, likely one‑off 1970 hand‑built Ron Yasuda 5‑string tenor taropatch ukulele crafted from highly figured Hawaiian koa. Yasuda’s instruments are sought after for their craftsmanship, tone, and scarcity — and 5‑string taropatch tenors are especially uncommon. This example has excellent playability, strong projection, and comes with some provenance including prior listings and historical documentation. A superb collector’s piece that’s also a joy to play.

• This lovely hand made instrument is very likely a ‘one off’ custom order 5 string taropatch tenor ukulele. I had the pleasure of selling this instrument here at Great Guitars Australia around 10 years ago and prior to that it was sold through a Hawaiian retailer Luthier, Killin Reece. The most recent owner located the GBase advert at that time and stored those and the description and held them on file. I have included these photos and description in this listing, so courtesy of info from Killin Reece/Gbase and the Ron Yasuda website, thanks to all.

• Specifications

  • Builder: Ron Yasuda (Hawaii)
  • Year: 1970
  • Model: 5‑string Tenor Taropatch
  • Tonewoods: Solid figured Hawaiian koa
  • Scale length: 430 mm
  • Overall length: 700 mm
  • Tuning: G–C–E–A–A (taropatch double‑A)
  • Tuners: 5 friction pegs with pearloid buttons
  • No cracks, no scratches. Bridge has been reglued. Note there is a slight patch of discoloration on the upper base side of the bridge area. This appears in the much earlier Gbase photos which would indicate it may have been slight moisture under the lacquer from when first built.
  • Pickup: None (pure acoustic)
  • VG- Exc ! Comes in a very nice quality fitted hardcase.
  • Please be sure to read the added information in the uploaded photo’s and also to visit the link to the Ron Yasuda website.
    Again, many thanks and respects to the family of Ron Yasuda for keeping his legacy up for all to read.

If you would like to know more, you can email either via the contact page or directly at M.Skehan@greatguitars.com.au

Feel free to also phone on +61 412 438 478 or 0412 438 478

Australia