Ashton ukuleles are similar to Mahalo ukuleles. They’re colourful and cheerful ukuleles and, above all, cheap. They’re one of those ukuleles that schools will buy by the dozen for classes. The ukuleles are made from laminated maple with a fingerboard that is described as ‘ebonized’ (that means the wood has been stained to look like […]
Archive for the ‘Brands’ Category
Ashbury are a UK firm who sell a wide range of instruments including a range of ukuleles. Their ukuleles are fairly inexpensive (but not the very cheapest) and very similar to other ukuleles out there (such as Oscar Schmidt). The range includes a resonator ukulele very similar to the Johnson resonator. I have an Ashbury […]
Martin ukuleles are some of the most sought after ukuleles around. There are many avid collectors of Martin ukuleles around and people who refuse to play anything but Martins. Martin started producing ukuleles in 1916 and were the largest producer of ukes There are a number of different styles (from style 0 to style 5 […]
Makala ukuleles are the budget range of ukuleles from Kala. They are among the best in the budget price range. The Makala ukulele comes in the traditional wood look and also in a series of pastel colors (blue, pink etc.) with a dolphin bridge – these are particularly popular with kids. On Video Kirk Shimabukuro […]
Mahalo are a very cheap ukulele made originally in China and now in Indonesia. They’re most popular in the UK. Their bright colours and low price tag mean that they are very popular with schools and ukulele groups. They’re not the world’s greatest uke by any means but, considering the price, it’s a decent ukulele. […]
In the 1950s, there was a huge trend for plastic ukuleles. Leading the way was the Maccaferri Islander. Maccaferri had previously been famous for making jazz guitars – particularly those played by Django Reinhardt. When plastics first started to be used to make instruments, Maccaferri jumped on the idea. Plastic meant that ukes could be […]
Lyon and Healy made a wide variety of unusually shaped ukuleles including the Venetian (teardrop shape), the Camp uke (circular) and, most sought after of all, the Shrine ukulele (a bulging triangle shape). Their most prized ukulele is the Lyon and Healy 5K Shrine which you can expect to pay $25,000 for. Alternatively, MGM has […]
Leolani have long been associated with the cheap and cheerful, highly decorated tourist ukes. They have, however, moved to making more legitimate ukuleles and both AJ Rafael and Prescilla Ahn use Leolani ukuleles. Just be sure you’re buying one of their decent ukuleles rather than one of the junkers. Leolani On Video Prescilla Ahn performing […]
The early Lehua ukuleles were made in Mexico, but more recently they have switched their production to Portugal. Their ukuleles are made Australian Blackwood (part of the same family of Acacia wood as koa). The Lahua ukuleles have an uncanny resemblance to Cordoba ukuleles (which are also made in Portugal). I think it’s a fairly […]
Ko’olau are a high quality ukulele maker from Wahiawa, Hawaii. All Ko’olau ukuleles are handmade in Hawaii which ensures their quality (and also the price tag to match). Their caliber is attested to by endorsements from players like Ledward Kaapana, Lyle Ritz and Abe Lagrimas Jr. If you don’t have the budget for a Ko’olau, […]
