Michael Pereira is a luthier from California, USA. I started learning the ukulele right about when there was a rumor he was starting to wind things down with his custom shop. (See update below.) I always wanted one of his custom ukuleles after watching Ken Middleton play them and regretted not being able to get one at the time. Fortunately, he did make several “Luthier’s choice” ukuleles for sale. He sold them through Mim’s Ukes shop as well as local northern California music stores.
He decided to use as much of his existing wood stock and parts as possible. This ukulele was made from a California walnut tree that he had lying around for 10 years before he decided to slice it up and make as many ukes as he could from it. I was lucky to get one and it was my first “custom ukulele.”
I think this dark walnut is mostly used for back and sides of instruments. Including it as a top gives it a bright, punchy, tone. The strings might also have something to do with it. These are black Fremont flourocarbons.
The tuning pegs are also a bit unusual. I am not sure of the brand (probably Gotoh) but they are really sensitive and hold tight. I barely need to turn them to get into pitch. Maybe he also used up guitar tuners and installed them on these models. He also made custom guitars.
UPDATE: As I was writing this, I decided to look him up again. Good News!! It looks like he is still in business. Apparently, he also had a day job which might’ve been why he slowed down a bit on the custom work. Take a look; https://mpereiraguitars.com/. He is still making guitars and ukuleles that you can purchase from his website.
Anyway… I digress.
It’s a very simple, cozy, instrument with a nice punch. Take a listen
Sound sample:
Shot with an iPhone Mini, No Processing
Bonus Video from 2018: Ken Middleton playing the same ukulele in a tenor scale.
Just the Facts:
Top, Back and Sides: Dark California Walnut
Fretboard: Rosewood
Tuners: ?Gotoh? Friction pegs
Neck: Mahogony
Finish: Satin
Scale: Concert