Secondhand Pono NSD Solid Mahogany Soprano Ukulele, Ebony Fingerboard & Bridge, Gloss Finish Australia used item

Second Hand Open The Vault Collectors Sale.

NOTE: This is a Second Hand collector-owned instrument and it is played but has been loved and will be professionally set up before shipping, ensuring exceptional playability from day one.

The Pono NSD Solid Mahogany Soprano is a boutique-built traditional soprano ukulele that delivers warmth, clarity, and lively projection.

Crafted with an all-solid mahogany body, this instrument produces a rich, responsive tone that shines in both casual play and performance settings.

 A "Ko'olau-designed" instrument. You are getting the engineering and the Hawaiian setup of a $4,000 ukulele for a fraction of the cost.

The ebony fingerboard and bridge add articulation and smooth playability, while the gloss finish highlights the natural beauty of the mahogany. Lightweight and incredibly resonant, this soprano offers the classic charm of the original Hawaiian style in a refined, professional build.

Collector owned and lightly played, this instrument arrives fully set up for optimal playability.

Who are Pono Ukuleles?

Pono is the "pro-level" import line created by the Ko'olau Guitar and Ukulele Company, one of the famous "K-Brand" makers from Hawaii.

• The Connection: Pono is a direct sub-brand of Ko'olau. While Ko'olau instruments are custom-built by hand in their small shop in Wahiawa, Hawaii (and typically cost $3,000–$6,000+), Pono was created to offer that same Hawaiian design and structural integrity at a mid-range price.

• The "Pono" Philosophy: In Hawaiian, Pono means "to do what is right" or "excellence." The brand focuses on traditional, "no-gimmick" designs with a heavy emphasis on solid tonewoods and stable construction.
  
  

How long have they been in business?

• Ko'olau (Parent Brand): Founded by John Kitakis in 1996 (though John has been a luthier and authorized repairer for Martin and Taylor since 1979).

• Pono Brand: Launched in 2004/2005. John Kitakis spent years in Java, Indonesia, personally training a small group of luthiers to build these instruments to Ko'olau’s strict specifications.
  
  

Where are they made?

Pono ukuleles are manufactured in Java, Indonesia, in a climate-controlled factory overseen by the Kitakis family.

Hawaiian Setup and Inspection equals superb quality control

Crucially, every Pono ukulele is then shipped back to the Ko'olau workshop in Hawaii for a final professional setup and inspection before being sent to dealers. This "Hawaii-inspected" step is a major part of Pono famous quality control.

The "MS" (Mahogany Soprano) is one of their most popular models. Here is the consensus from reviewers and long-term owners:

• Tone: Unlike cheap mahogany laminates, the solid mahogany used here provides a warm, woody, and "vintage" punch. It has excellent sustain for a soprano. It isn't "bright" or "twangy" like spruce; it’s mellow and balanced.

• Build Quality: Reviewers consistently praise the precision of the fretwork and the internal bracing (which is modeled after Ko'olau’s custom designs). They use bone nuts and saddles and high-quality tuners (Grover or Gotoh), which is rare at this price point.

🔹 WHO THIS UKULELE IS BEST SUITED FOR

• Players seeking a traditional soprano with boutique craftsmanship

• Musicians who love the warmth and clarity of solid mahogany

• Collectors looking for a lightly played, high-quality soprano

• Beginners wanting a professional-grade instrument from the start

• Travel and casual players who value portability and projection

🔹 SPECIFICATIONS

Body & Finish

• Size: Soprano

• Top: Solid Mahogany

• Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany

• Finish: Gloss

• Binding: None

Neck & Fingerboard

• Neck: Mahogany

• Fingerboard: Ebony

• Bridge: Ebony

• Nut & Saddle: Bone

• Nut Width: 35mm

• Tuners: Pono Friction with white buttons

• Strings: Aquila

Dimensions

• Overall Length: 21"

• Width: 7"

• Depth: 2.5"

Electronics

• None

Included Accessories

• Fully set up before shipping

🔹 BRAND & MODEL

• Brand: Pono

• Model: NSD

• Instrument: Ukulele

• Category: Musical Instruments & Accessories

• Subcategory: Soprano Ukuleles