The music world lost a true artisan with the passing of Robert “Bob” Thomas Gleason on January 29, 2025, at his home in Kurtistown, Hawaii. At 79, Bob left behind a remarkable legacy as the founder of Pegasus Guitars & Ukuleles and a beloved figure in the luthier community. Born in San Francisco, California, Bob’s life was defined by his passion for crafting instruments that brought joy to musicians worldwide.

Bob Gleason was more than a luthier; he was a cornerstone of the Big Island’s musical and woodworking communities. As the owner of Pegasus Guitars & Ukuleles, he handcrafted instruments renowned for their quality and playability, each one a testament to his meticulous skill and deep love for music. His expertise extended to Hilo Strings, where he contributed to the craft of ukulele and guitar strings, enhancing the sound of countless performances. A 45-year member of the Guild of American Luthiers, Bob was a past presenter at Guild conventions and a contributor to Guild publications, sharing his knowledge with generations of instrument makers. His leadership as past president of the Big Island Ukulele Guild and Big Island Woodworkers Association further cemented his influence, fostering a community of creativity and craftsmanship.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was an avid tennis player and a warm presence in Kurtistown, Hawaii, where he lived until his final days. His dedication to his craft and community touched countless lives, from musicians strumming his instruments to fellow luthiers inspired by his work. Despite his accomplishments as a luthier, Bob also remained an avid student, striving to perfect his craft until the very end of his life.

Bob’s passing marked the end of an era, but his instruments continue to sing, carrying his spirit in every note. Those wishing to honor Bob’s memory are encouraged to support local luthiers or play a tune on a Pegasus guitar or ukulele, keeping his passion alive. Rest in Aloha, Bob Gleason — your craftsmanship will resonate for years to come.

— Chuck Moore

I knew and worked with Bob Gleason for many years. We went to 9,000 ft. on Mauna Kea to cut koa together. My favorite, almost-weekly phone call was to Bob regarding wood, or people, or tools. Usually he had bought at least three of the same tool, and had already decided that it worked (or didn’t), and we would talk of the future and what we could do better.

We spent time on Kauai for several years with Paul Arrington, Woodley, Edmond Tavares, and several others. Bob was the last one of our small group of luthiers I expected to leave us so soon. I miss his phone calls. I have started to call him about something, only to realize that he is gone.

— David Lawrence

I recall first meeting Bob at one of the GAL Conventions in the 1990s. I attended one of his workshops and found it very informative. Bob seemed very approachable and free to share his vast knowledge. This was invaluable to me as a new luthier. We exchanged information and kept in touch.

Shortly after, I visited him at his shop on the Big Island. Those were the days before using GPS on phones, so I had to follow instructions on paper to get to his house/shop well off the beaten path.

I was very impressed by his operation and further encouraged in this new “second career” of mine. I tracked a lot of his career after that because I appreciated his approach to lutherie (not too much math, not too much science).

I soon started purchasing materials from him through his website. I continued purchasing until he retired that business. He curated the site so he could answer every question about everything he sold.

I will miss him.

Aloha ‘Oe (farewell to thee), Bob.

— Nathan Ching

In today’s world, we see few individuals who have really found their niche. Bob did! He was passionate about making instruments and showing others just how to do it, and his interactions were informative and sincere.

Thank you, Bob.

— Tom Braverman

I met Bob Gleason at a GAL Convention in Tacoma nearly twenty years ago. He was presenting a workshop class on ukulele building and scale length. My wife and I were moving to Hawaii, and Bob invited me to a Big Island Ukulele Guild meeting at his home in Mountain View. Bob lived with his wife, Anne, in the wonderful home they had constructed. The shop is way bigger than the house, and surrounded with by all kinds of plants and flowers.

Bob was one of the most giving, kind, and generous persons I have ever known. He was shaped by his experiences in Vietnam and the loss of his first wife. After she died, he raised Robin, their son, as a single Dad. Robin went to Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, became a builder and repair person, and now has children and works as a firefighter in Hilo. After Bob moved to Hawaii from Washington, he met Anne. Bob and Anne ran Hilo Strings and Pegasus Guitars together, and they had a daughter, Le’a.

Bob and Anne are strict vegetarians and I remember Bob saying that he just doesn’t like killing things. They both played tennis competitively and they loved watching all the major tennis tournaments on TV. They always had big dogs which they walked every day. They also took classes on music theory and playing ukulele from Andy Andrews who leads the Puna Ukulele Kanikapila Association.

I remember Bob saying that having long hair always meant something to him. It was more than a symbol. He took lutherie seriously and he was willing to try new approaches to instrument making, but his preference was for traditional woodworking. For example, he was an avid dovetail-neck-joint guy. He used to say that he hated bolt-on necks and that the dovetail was the only real bit of woodworking in a guitar or ukulele.

He loved beautiful koa and he used to go up Mauna Loa with his friend and sawyer, Jay Warner, and cut koa logs. He also sold ukulele sets of koa, mango, and other Hawaiian woods. At one point he got rid of his rosewood and ebony, and made instruments out of native Hawaiian woods out of respect for the Hawaiian culture. He was a careful builder and he did amazing work. He was a great teacher and was devoted to the Big Island Ukulele Guild.

He taught us how to tie bindings on with huge rubber bands and he helped us make tools to join plates. He told me about a time when Robert Ruck showed up one Christmas, and they built a classical guitar together in one week. Le’a still has that guitar.

Politically, he was an avid liberal and the recent big-money politics of our country drove him crazy. He and I attended a class in Indiana with Grit Laskin on inlay. He hated CNC machines, and he was quite talented at doing hand inlay. He had integrity and he was straightforward in telling you what he thought about things. After his brain injury, he was in the hospital a long time, and then he went home and the family called hospice. Friends gathered to show their love and friendship as he was in and out of consciousness. He was able to sit up and talk and interact, but he was confused as well.

I really miss him. He occupied such a wonderful space in this universe and his life shined a light on what is important and what is fantastic about friendship, music, and instrument making. With gratitude I say, “Aloha, Bob Gleason.”

— Woodley White