Tristan David White is a multi-layered artist and luthier working from the family run woodshop in the green hills of Na’alehu, Hawaii. As a second generation instrument maker Tristan has been making instruments for professional musicians under the family brands of White Guitars and Ukulele Pu’uwai for 25 years.

Retrobird is Tristan White’s new brand of heirloom instruments, held together by a cohesive design language honoring the beauty of vintage instruments, often taking inspiration from shapes and images found in nature. With a background in industrial design, sound engineering and music production, Tristan brings both a clear design and technically advanced instruments with world class tone.

At Retrobirds we are obsessed with the sound as well as the shapes and the wood our instruments are made of. Every single detail is crafted with intent - Tristan White, owner

Retrobirds Music release instrument collections in small batches, as well as custom instruments tailored for the individual player. The latest series, The Firebird tenors, was inspired by the local eruptions of Kilauea, creating new land. The Firebird inlay on their headstock is a symbol of renewal.

“We are excited to continue my family’s tradition making heirloom instruments of the finest wood in the world.”