Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Bolder – crispier – stronger overtones – mellower. The terms sound like adjectives used in wine reviews, but in this scenario they’re actually used to describe sound. In the most recent  Builder’s Spotlight, an event by the Hawai‘i State Archives, viewers met a Moloka‘i luthier whose work with different woods brings out those subtle variations. Hawai‘i State Archives is a division of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).

Eric DeVine of DeVine Guitars and ‘Ukuleles discussed how he selects the wood for his instruments. ‘Ukulele player Mika Kane also demonstrated the concepts DeVine shares, with well-known Kaua‘i musician Kimo Hussey as the series host.

This sophomore effort occurred on July 19 and can be viewed on the Archive’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/HawaiiStateArchives.

DAGS Director and Comptroller Keith Regan said, “This was a wonderful opportunity for people to better understand how incredibly talented Hawai‘i’s stringed instrument makers are and how much thought they put into their work.”

“Our featured builder, Eric, is one of the top makers in the world. I hope this series helps the audience appreciate the design process that transforms a piece of raw lumber into an artful masterpiece,” said State Archivist Adam Jansen, Ph.D.