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Thread: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

  1. #1

    Default Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    Does anyone know where, in Java, Pono mandolins are made? It is a huge island with, I think, three distinct areas/states/something. I have a number of Indonesian friends and if it is convenient, maybe I can stop by the factory when I visit.
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  3. #2

    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    I guess no one knows. Either that or it is a secret location known only to those of calloused fingers and a hatred for all things banjo.
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    “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” ― Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  4. #3
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    FWIW, the Pono website doesn't seem to give an address, but it does say About:
    "Kilin Reese . . . . before settling in the beautiful beach town of Kailua, Hawaii."
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  5. #4
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    Kilin has posted elsewhere that they are made in Indonesia and then set up in Hawaii:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...octaves!/page3
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  6. #5

    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    Yes, but where?

    I have friends staying in Java right now, so I might be able to go there for a visit if I knew where to go.
    Loar LM-370

    “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” ― Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  7. #6
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    OK, that thread has the name of the owner with a phone number. It might be a good idea to simply call and have a conversation. You'd have to have an appointment to go there anyway. You could also simply send him a PM here on the Cafe. The message with that information is below:

    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...=1#post1550097
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  9. #7

    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    You can find a phone number on the Pono website. By far, ukes are the majority of their builds. I have two parlor guitars, a six and a 12 string, and there is not a piece of plastic on either. Likely you will get the owner on the phone. Sometimes you tend to forget just how small these companies are. I had a RedEye question once and got the owner/designer on the phone. At the time he had Austin musicians building them on his kitchen table.
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  10. #8

    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    I can’t speak for all models, but mine was made in Indonesia...

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  11. #9

    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    My guess is that the factory is not used to having visitors, and may not even have a way of doing that unless you have a business relationship/purpose for the visit.

  12. #10

    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    Quote Originally Posted by Marty Jacobson View Post
    My guess is that the factory is not used to having visitors, and may not even have a way of doing that unless you have a business relationship/purpose for the visit.
    I doubt that. Indonesians are a friendly people as a general rule, and they are most welcoming.
    Loar LM-370

    “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” ― Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  13. #11

    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    Quote Originally Posted by DocT View Post
    I doubt that. Indonesians are a friendly people as a general rule, and they are most welcoming.
    Sure, Indonesians are very friendly and very smart people, as far as my experience goes.
    I was thinking more along the lines that it's a production shop, and there are staffing and/or liability concerns with any production shop if you start having random people walking around.

  14. #12
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    Default Re: Where are Pono Octave Mandolins made?

    Its the Ectonesians ya have to watch out for...Just call or email Kyle at pono. He will tell you if and where you could tour.
    No matter where I go, there I am...Unless I'm running a little late.

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