Northern JCD-3
This is Marcello’s first real ‘ukulele. Presented to him upon entering Pacifica Ukes it was used from that time through to grade 12. It has been a workhorse for developing playing skills and is now resting in a retired state. This ‘ukulele is one of the original designs by J.Chalmers Doane the father of Canadian ukulele. It is a concert scale instrument and it has an after-market passive pick-up.
Instruments
Stawski Custom Tenor
By : Don Stawski
This beautiful ‘ukulele was hand built by Don Stawski of Stawski Ukuleles. Based on the Doane ukulele design, this Tenor scale custom ‘ukulele has a rich, warm tone quality. This uke has been used by Marcello both on stage and in smaller venues and equally suited to both. The large open sound hole allows for more volume in intimate settings, while the internally mounted Schaller piezo pickup makes stage amplification possible.
Lanikai CK-TEQ
This koa laminate ‘ukulele was acquired by Marcello in 2003 on tour with the Pacifica Ukes in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Wired with a Shadow active pickup system, this ‘ukulele has a bright treble tone quality. This bright bold sound can be heard on the album “OO-Koo-Lay-Lay” in songs such as ‘Crazy G’ and ‘Casa de Anjo’.
Risa Uke-Solid
Billed as one of the smallest ‘ukuleles in the world
(18.3” x 4.3” x 1.4”) this unique concert scale ukulele has less than 30% of the volume of a regular soprano uke. Sound is provided via an onboard passive piezo pickup. The Uke-Solid’s size and the benefit of no resonating body make it a great “back-pack compatible” instrument. No matter where you are or where you are playing, this ukulele will almost always draw attention and questions.
Road Toad Custom Tenor
By: Owen Holt Jr. - Road Toad Music
Marcello’s main performance instrument is an exquisite ‘ukulele hand built by Owen Holt Jr. of Road Toad Music. No detail has been overlooked, from the abalone rosette to the UkesterMoe inlay on the fretboard. This is a top quality instrument with action to die for.
The main body is curly koa and the neck is Honduran Mahogany with a graphite composite insert. Onboard electronics consist of an active K&K Powermix Pickup with soundboard and undersaddle piezo units. The two units are controlled via two small thumb wheels mounted inside the sound hole. The internally mounted preamp is covered with a custom koa preamp cover.
This ‘ukulele’s warm sound and beautiful intonation are the perfect compliment to Marcello’s music selections.
