Ukulele Luthiers

Ratings

If you're after something a bit more special and unique than the usual, run of the mill ukulele you might want to look at buying a ukulele from a luthier.

Akulele
Bean Sprout
Black Bear
Candelas
JC Clark
Rob Collins
Compass Rose Ukulele
Da Silva Ukuleles
DeVine Ukuleles
Jupiter Creek Ukulele
Makapili (Thomas Macomson)
Marshall Stapleton
Chuck Moore
Keith Ogata
Palm Tree
Makani
Mya-Moe Ukuleles
Oceana
Pete Howlett
Lichty
Peter Lieberman: Maui Music Ukulele
Pohaku (Peter Hurney)
Mark Roberts
Sonny D Ukulele
SpruceHouse Ukulele
Waverlystreet Ukulele
William King/ Chantus Music Ukulele

19 Comments

  1. Jon November 26th, 2009 4:40 am

    No mention of Peter Hurney and Pohaku Ukuleles? I own two of Peter’s ukuleles. If I could afford them I would own more. The first uke I bought from Peter was a curly mahogany with cedar top soprano. It is simply one of the best sounding musical instruments I’ve ever heard. I can play it side by side with any other good ukulele and everyone, including non ukulele players is impressed.
    Peter also has a wonderful sense of fun. I think many of his instruments are visually both clever and lovely.

    His web address is http://www.pohakuukulele.com/

  2. Woodshed November 26th, 2009 2:23 pm

    Thanks for pointing out the omission, Jon. I’ve fixed it and included your comment.

  3. Laouik April 18th, 2011 3:11 am

    Mr T’s Guitars might belong here. He makes Kiwayas, but also custom-made ukes under his own name. Site’s in Japanese, but Google Translate is there to help, as always.

    http://www.guitar-shop.co.jp/ukulele/

  4. Khairi June 22nd, 2011 10:44 am

    Could anyone give me one good luthier with decent ukuleles at cheaper prices?

  5. John Cook September 5th, 2011 1:09 pm

    Hi there,I see that my Resonator Uke Video of “I know you rider” was posted on your blog, thanks. I hope you will consider adding me to your list of custom builders. I make some rather unique resophonic Ukes.
    I also post build pics and info as well as video clips to my FB page so folks can see the building process. https://www.facebook.com/JavaJones
    Custom build prices tend to be quite high, but these things take many many hours of work to build…It really is a labor of love,
    Mahalo,
    John Cook
    Lightnin’ custom resophonics.

  6. tn November 15th, 2011 6:03 pm

    Aloha,
    Thanks for compiling such a great list. I’d like to add:
    Pegasus by Bob Gleason
    http://www.pegasusguitars.com/
    and
    `Oiwi `Ukuleles by David Tachera
    http://www.oiwiukulele.com/
    Both of them, awesome luthiers.

  7. jddennis November 27th, 2011 7:24 am

    One that’s near me is Dave Means: http://www.glyphukulele.com/

  8. andy January 28th, 2012 11:34 pm

    any one own a ukulele made by AYERS ???

    I have a tenor model utckk koa cutaway
    what do you have and any opinions would be appreciated
    any one got the same model as me?
    let me know what u paid for it and your view on it .

    thank you
    regards ..andy

  9. Robbie "Ukule" Lee February 21st, 2012 7:48 pm

    If you really want to go premier check out
    Ken Pots ukulele
    Lives in Maui makes GORGEOUS ukulele’s

    http://kpukuleles.com/home.html

  10. Mark Roberts April 22nd, 2012 1:21 am

    I invite you to check out my new website.
    http://www.roberts-guitars.com

    Also I was recently a featured artist on OPB Art Beat television, for my ukulele work. You can stream the episode at the link below.

    http://www.opb.org/programs/artbeat/segments/view/987

  11. Toni Maloon November 8th, 2012 1:12 am

    I would love to be added please.

  12. Woodshed November 8th, 2012 7:46 am

    Toni: I couldn’t get your link to work.

  13. E November 24th, 2012 2:54 pm

    My daughter is studying Music Therapy at OU. she recorded in nashville this summer and figured out pretty quick she needed a ukulele.
    i am totally confused and want to suprise her one for christmas. i would rather purchase something really great vs. a retail version. i am confused. there are so many! can anyone give me a tip or two? here is her sound:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7lPTqT6AVM

  14. Evan Binkley December 8th, 2012 2:06 am

    Hi I am a Evan Binkley luthier and ukulele designer based in Hong Kong and I’d like to introduce you to my ukuleles: https://www.facebook.com/FishUkulele

  15. Quico December 20th, 2012 8:57 am

    May I recommend that Kerry Char of Portland, Oregon be added to your list of top Ukulele luthiers.

    I have several of his instruments and he makes high end wonders…exquisite workmanship and easy to work with Kerry.

    http://www.charguitars.com/custom-builds/ukuleles/

  16. Manu January 28th, 2013 5:18 am

    Hey guys!
    My name is Manu Pozzi, I´m a musician from Argentina and I’m staying here in Oahu until may. I’m also a video maker and I’d like to make a mini video interview to a ukelele luthiers, do you know how I could contact one to ask him/her?
    I was told that Locals and Ka’Ohana Ukuleles would be a good idea, cause I’m looking for hand made ukuleles, not mass produced ones.
    If you could help me I’d thank you a lot!

    Yours,

    Manu

  17. Roger February 26th, 2013 3:40 am

    Zachary Castro, Ka’Ohana Ukuleles, ohanawoodcraft@msn.com. I recently purchased a six string tenor from him. I could not be more pleased.

  18. elbowsanchez March 26th, 2013 9:30 pm

    Please add Lymana Ukuleles.

    http://www.lymanaukulele.com/index.html

    How could we not, seeing he created ukuleles for Bill Tapia.

    Aloha!

  19. equina May 15th, 2013 3:48 pm

    Kindly include Boat Paddle Ukuleles: http://www.boatpaddleukuleles.com

    Jerry just built me the most beautiful and best-sounding ukulele I have ever played.

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