Hearo Guitars
Handcrafting Custom Guitars with Aloha
Luthier Jennifer Toomata proudly holds Scarlet “The Tree of Life,” a handcrafted parlor guitar she built under the guidance of professional luthier Derek Kiernan. This beautiful instrument features a bearclaw spruce top, Nicaragua rosewood back and sides, koa binding and bevel, and paua & mother-of-pearl inlay work. A true testament to craftsmanship and artistry!
The Hearo Foundation creates handcrafted guitars that not only produce beautiful music, but also support meaningful change. What began as a dream to give back through music evolved into a full-fledged guitar-building workshop.
Each guitar is custom constructed with premium materials, ensuring rich tone and lasting quality. But more than that, every purchase supports hands-on learning, and opportunities for aspiring musicians and artists.
Premium Woods Generously Donated by Hearne Hardwoods
Every Hearo Guitar starts with high-quality, hand-selected tonewoods. Thanks to the generous support of Rick and Brian Hearne from Hearne Hardwoods, we are able to craft instruments that look and sound beautiful.
The striking grain patterns in this curly koa tonewood is just one of many offerings of high-quality woods that each bring their unique tonal characteristics and visual appeal to our handcrafted guitars. We offer classical (e.g., spruce and walnut), exotic (e.g., zebrawood, bocote), and even unique (e.g., ovangkol, avocado) choices of tonewoods.
These premium woods allow for custom builds that ensure musicians can find an instrument that perfectly matches their style, tone preference, and aesthetic vision.
Featured Guitars
Each guitar is given a special name, reflecting its character, the story behind its creation, or the distinctive features of the wood and craftsmanship.
Shuhari
Parlor – Sitka spruce top, curly koa back & sides, walnut binding, and a Mother-of-Pearl inlay.
Mahina Hoku
Parlor – Redwood top, Walnut back & sides, featuring stars and moon inlays in spruce.
Scarlett "Tree of Life"
Parlor – Bearclaw Spruce top, Nicaragua Rosewood back & sides, Koa binding & bevel, with Paua and Mother-of-Pearl inlays.
Explore the Hearo Workshop in Action!
From shaping and sanding to inlay work and assembly, these hands-on moments capture the dedication and craftsmanship that make each guitar unique!
