Master Luthier
Ronald Eiji Yasuda was born on November 15, 1936, and raised in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Born 85% deaf, Ron’s early years were difficult – he separated from his family during the weekdays to dorm at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind. He later integrated into Central Intermediate public school, then a Honolulu vocational school (now Honolulu Community College) to learn automotive mechanics and bodywork.
An opportunity with Kamaka Ukulele in 1958 changed the trajectory of Ron’s life.
He was a builder for Kamaka from 1958 to 1977 during their gold-label years. There, he learned the intricate art of luthiery, honed his skills in the craft, ignited a passion for woodworking, and, after 19 years, gained the confidence to pursue an entrepreneurial venture of his own.
In 1977, Ron’s Hobby Shop Ukulele Works was born. With the help of family and his dear wife Angeline (Kalahiki), the business soared. He developed a reputation to create koa instruments with exceptional sound quality, impeccable craftsmanship, and visual appeal. His work attracted attention from professional musicians to hobbyists, local elementary schools, hula halau, and Japanese ukulele clubs, to name a few.
Artistry
Over the years, Ron has experimented with alternative materials, implemented technological mechanisms, improved construction methods, and broadened customization, but always relied on his innate ability to tune each instrument to precise standards by tapping on the wood and feeling the vibrations.
Recognition
In 2014, Ronald and Angeline attended the 100th anniversary of the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind where Ron received recognition for being the First Deaf Entrepreneur in the State of Hawaii.
Leisure
Outside of his work, Ron was a waterman and traveler. He loved his Deaf Community and always pushed the boundaries of his ability by traveling abroad or taking his boat out to solo dive and deep sea fish.
After Angeline’s passing in 2015, Ron’s overall sadness, decline in health, and injury to his hand (a few years later) forced him into a long overdue retirement. In 2021 after his passing, his workshop was found just as he left it – a showroom with ukulele on display and a heavily populated maze of different zones for specific areas of the ukulele-making process. Also discovered were a handful of his final pieces, memorabilia, trinkets, and thank-you notes from his customers. Ron lived a relatively quiet life (literally and figuratively); however, his body of work and the gift of music he gave to the world will resonate for generations.
With love, Ron Yasuda Ohana.