The Taro Leaf Double Soundhole 30 Year Anniversary model has evolved from the past 34 years that the maker has lived in Anahola. The taro still grows here, fed by clean, flowing mountain water; it is the source of physical as well as spiritual health for the Hawaiian people. Corruption has all but made it impossible for the taro to grow. Until the taro is restored to its rightful place in the Hawaiian Kingdom the struggle for the right to self determination and justice for the Hawaiian people will continue.

This guitar possesses the wet sound of the mountain stream, clear and sustaining, something like a waterfall with the taro leaf soundholes so close to the players ears. This design also extends the vibrating surface of the top, which allows a hugh amount of sound to pour out of the soundholes. . After all these hundreds of years of guitarmaking it sometimes seems there are few innovations left possible to make "better" sounding instruments in this "Golden Age of Luthierie".

With this guitar, another dimension of sound opens...

Back Image of Taro Leaf
With the completion of the last group of six guitars, 3 pictured above, the Taro Leaf model has established itself as the maker's contribution to the Hawaiian Renaissance. Living on Kauai for over 34 years with the taro, building guitars with the magnificent Koa for many of Hawaii's musicians and composers, led Sussman to create this model. Reception and demand have earned the model its premier position at Anahola Stringed Instruments and orders are now being accepted.

This guitar, left, is made of medium density Koa from Kokee, downed in hurricane Iniki. Gorgeous to look at and gorgeous to play, the mid range of this guitar has a wonderful presence which provides a strong foundation for the highs and lows to easily balance the tone of the tree itself.. It has a big, crystal clear, and balanced sound with a wide frequency range and huge midrange. "I admit I never made a guitar that had so much of an effect on so many people, including myself, and the question became could I make another one like that? I am truly grateful to say, yes. Which tree would you like to have one made of?"

The soundhole bears the shape of the taro leaf, the heart of Hawaiian mythology. The taro leaf also seems to unlock the heart of the Koa. The sound of these guitars pours out of the soundholes and drenches the player with big luscious bass tones warmly balanced with crystalline highs. Played soft or loud, the experience is undeniable.

These guitars, below right and left, are made of a different Koa tree also from Kokee and hurricane Iniki. This tree has the lightest density and color the maker has ever used. The weight of the guitar is of great controversy and Mickey came to see this tree as an opportunity to make a very light Koa guitar. His curiosity paid off and he now offers an additional koa sound. The sound of this tree is most noticeably very sweet. Something like an old all mahogany Martin only bigger and thicker with a more ringing high end and still with the bass drenching the player.

For those who resist the seduction. "...words can never express..."  
The spruce top Taro leaf model (left).
Everything you've wanted in a guitar--big, thick, full balanced, warm and responsive.

The nylon string model also possesses the tonal characteristics of the Taro Leaf guitars described here. These guitars are very hard to put down. If you are willing to make room in your life, orders are being accepted and visitors are welcome to come to the shop here in Anahola and play one.

 
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