Koa Ukulele
This ukulele is a handmade instrument from Hawai’i, which experienced a significant split when it was transported to the dry environment of Texas. This treatment was a structural repair, and needed to continue to be playable.
The treatment included removal of the split edge binding, injecting hide glue into the split. A wood patch to bridge the crack was made and applied to the inside of the instrument with extra-strength magnets. Then a section of replacement edge binding was created from ebony. This section was steam bent, applied, and shaped to fit. The finish was then refreshed with french polish.
Location:
Winterthur Museum, Furniture Lab
Materials:
Koa wood, ebony, maple
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