Beltona are a very highly respected maker of resonator instruments including ukuleles. They have a rather gruesome claim to fame: Tiny Tim was playing a Beltona ukulele when he had a heart attack and died. In fact, that very ukulele turned up on eBay in March 2009. They might have lost one supporter, but they’ve […]
Archive for the ‘Brands’ Category
Clearwater are a UK based musical instrument company who sell a number of re-branded ukuleles – most notably their version of the BugsGear EleUke and their Harmony Vita uke copy. On Amazon UK On Video
Mainland Ukuleles are a small business based in Nashville, Indiana. They were started by Mike Hater (who goes by HoosierHiver online) and his wife Tootka. Mike’s been very involved in the ukulele community through forums and the Ukulele World Congress festival which has made him and Mainland much loved. You can find out more about […]
Ibanez have a long history in guitars. Despite the name, they are made by a Japanese firm called Hoshino Gakki. They adopted the rather more Western-friendly name back in 1929 when they began importing guitars made by Spanish luthier Salvador Ibanez. As it happens, Salvador Ibanez made ukuleles. However, it wasn’t until 2009 that Ibanez […]
Riptide ukuleles are fairly new on the scene. They are made by Boulder Creek Guitars (in China). Their most obvious feature is the oddly placed soundholes – one in the top corner of the soundboard and one on the side. The one on the soundboard is presumably to make way for some fancy bracing on […]
You wouldn’t guess it from the name, but Ortega are a German ukulele manufacturer. They are primarily a classical guitar company (they’ve been making them since 1996) but have a range of 6 ukuleles. The only place I’ve seen this ukuleles for sale is on Thomann, but I’ve used them a couple of times and […]
I expect the name ‘Rogue’ is intended to conjure up a dashing, play-by-my-own-rules character. But the pile ‘em high, sell ‘em cheap philosophy brings to mind a much more seedy character. On Video Rustler540 plays a song using a Rogue Ukulele. On eBay On eBay UK Video Review Rogue Review Before Rogue Review After
Aria are another guitar maker trying to grab a chunk of the budget ukulele market. On eBay On Amazon UK
BeBop ukuleles are aimed exclusively at children. On eBay On eBay UK
If you’re a smart puppy, you’ll have guessed that Uluru ukuleles come from Australia. If you’re a really smart puppy you’ll have guessed that Uluru ukes are made by Ayers Guitars. Ayers launched the Uluru at NAMM 2010 so there hasn’t been much feedback on them yet. If you’ve tried one out, be sure to […]
