Solstice Series Súper Tenor Ukulele by Luis Pilarte

Solstice Series Súper Tenor Ukulele by Luis Pilarte

Crafted for the discerning player, this instrument offers a voice that is both intimate and expansive, equally at home in quiet reflection or on stage.

This unique súper tenor bridges the gap between tenor and baritone, delivering the depth and fullness of a baritone with the familiar comfort of a tenor scale. Effortlessly transition between tunings, or string it with GCEA for a more traditional tenor voice. However it is set up, the instrument responds with a warm, full bodied tone and a resonant, projecting presence.

Rooted in the natural beauty of Nicaragua, Luis Pilarte draws deeply from the landscapes and materials surrounding his workshop. Nicaragua is home to some of the world’s most striking tonewoods, including the revered cocobolo. Known for its dramatic variation, cocobolo can display vivid contrasts, from spalted light sapwood to deep reds, rich chocolate tones, and marbled dark grain.

Tonally, cocobolo brings a complex voice, dark yet warm, with depth, clarity, and lingering sustain. Each set is carefully selected and individually voiced, allowing every instrument to reflect the unique character of the wood itself. No two are alike.

The soundboard is carved from a solid top cut from the center of the log for optimal resonance and strength. A beautifully bookmatched back is accented with inlaid striping, highlighting the natural symmetry of the wood. A subtle cutaway enhances upper fret access while preserving the instrument’s full tonal body, and a sunburst rosette adds a warm visual focal point. Abalone fret markers add a subtle shimmer across the fretboard, offering both visual elegance and clear orientation for the player.

A matte finish highlights the natural complexity of the cocobolo, softening reflections and allowing the depth, color, and movement of the wood to speak for itself.

Playability is central to every Pilarte instrument. A radiused fretboard, gently curved to match the natural shape of the hand, makes even challenging barre chords feel smooth and intuitive, inviting longer and more expressive playing sessions.

Specifications

• Scale length: Tenor scale

• Body style: Súper tenor with cutaway

• Top: Solid tonewood, center cut

• Back and sides: Cocobolo

• Back detail: Bookmatched with inlay strip

• Fretboard: Radiused

• Rosette: Sunburst design

• Tuning compatibility: Baritone or GCEA tenor

Closing

Each instrument is individually crafted by Luis Pilarte, offering a deeply personal connection between player, material, and sound.