Enter to win a cool, retro-look Moore Bettah Ukuleles t-Shirt!

Chuck Moore’s first ‘ukulele was made from a coconut. Today, he is the proprietor of Moore Bettah ‘Ukuleles on the Big Island of Hawai‘i where he starts each day with a prayer of gratitude; he’s fully aware that he’s a lucky man. A proponent of sustainable living, Moore crafts his award-winning instruments in a shop in the middle of a jungle using tools that run entirely on solar power. Like many Hawai‘i-based luthiers, Chuck uses koa wood for much of his work.

“Koa is so diverse. You never know what you’re going to get until you cut into it,” he says, noting the wood’s gem-like qualities.

Chuck’s ‘ukuleles are gems themselves. Adorned with inlays of ebony, ivory, or abalone, each ‘ukulele is a piece of artwork to be admired.

But never mind how they look, say the ‘ukulele players! How do they sound??

I overheard Kimo Hussey repeating James Hill’s assessment of Chuck’s ‘ukuleles at the Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival last year where Chuck displayed some of his instruments. Apparently Mr. Hill took one for a test drive and thought it was the best sounding ‘ukulele he’d ever played.

And these ‘ukuleles can rock! Former Fleetwood Mac lead guitarist Rick Vito pulls out his Moore Bettah ‘Ukulele when he performs with Mick Fleetwood’s Island Rumors Band (which also features Willie K and Eric Gilliam). So, I’d say yes. They sound pretty good.

Chuck has a great photo gallery on his site, featuring many of his ‘ukuleles, but take a look at this amazing double-necked uke:

Chuck has graciously donated one of his cool, retro-look Moore Bettah ‘Ukuleles T-shirts for today’s Honolulu On The Cheap launch contest. How cool is that??

To enter to win this prize (available in Medium, Large, Extra Large and 2X), simply add a comment to this post OR post about Honolulu On The Cheap on your blog, and send us a pingback. Complete contest details – and a chance to earn bonus entries – available here.

Entries must be received by midnight, Hawai‘i time on March 19, 2009.