My name is Matt Blacka, the luthier and creator of MAKAIO Ukuleles. I made my first ukulele in 2006 as a gift for my wife. It was intended to be a one off, but I enjoyed the different aspects of the process so much, that I have since embarked on creating beautiful handmade instruments to share with others.
When I made that first ukulele, I discovered that lutherie was the perfect way to combine my technical knowledge with my creativity. I bring to lutherie two engineering degrees which allow me to understand the physics behind musical instruments, as well as the mechanics behind the structural design and bracing of instrument soundboards. This, combined with my (mediocre) guitar playing and a love of the unique native timbers that Australia has to offer, has inspired me to create beautiful musical instruments.
I have now spent countless hours reading texts on the design and construction of musical instruments, timber properties, and acoustics. I can no longer walk past a music store without picking up at least one instrument and desperately trying to see what’s on the inside that gives it life. I have spent many hours modifying and refining my ukulele designs to make them finer instruments, both acoustically and structurally.
Each year I have the opportunity to build a small number of ukuleles. I spend hours thinking about the timber combinations and the individual instrument designs, and then months bringing the instruments to life. I do this because I am passionate about the process, and each time I hear one of my ukuleles sing its first note, I still get a shiver down my spine.
Please enjoy the construction diary that I present here for each of my ukuleles, as I try to use this blog as a way to share my knowledge and thoughts through the progress of my current projects. Whether you are a musician or luthier, I hope you learn something as you read my posts, and more importantly, I hope my posts inspire you to continue to play or build your ukes.
Happy strumming,
Matt
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