Kiwaya ukuleles are based, and made in Japan. Over there, they are known as ‘Famous ukuleles’. You’ll find them proudly declaring ‘Ukuleles since 1919’, which isn’t exactly true. Kiwaya were established then, but they were a gramophone maintenance company. It wasn’t until Kitaroh Okamoto (the man now most associated with the company) joined in 1957 […]
Archive for the ‘Brands’ Category
I strongly recommend against getting involved with Bushman Ukuleles. I’ve seen more complaints against then than I have all the other ukulele manufacturers put together. You can read below the number of people who have had problems with the company. Or you can read about the 13 complaints lodged with the Better Business Bureau and […]
Koa ukuleles are my favorite ukuleles. I love the look and sound of them. Unfortunately, I’m not so keen on the price tag. Koa Pili Koko ukuleles are made from Acacia wood (a close relative of koa) and look at sound almost identical to koa. However, the wood is much more abundant, and therefore cheaper, […]
Johnson ukuleles are a budget range of ukuleles. They are made in China and laminated. Johnson’s most popular ukulele is their resonator. It’s very similar in look to the much sought after National Reso-phonic ukuleles. Obviously, the quality of the Johnson is not the same as the National, but it’s a good alternative for those […]
Melokia ukuleles are popular in the exploding ukulele scene in Thailand and they’re starting to spread to other countries. They have a number of solid ukuleles in mahogany and acacia (the same family as koa). They’re made in China so the prices are very reasonable for solid ukes. On Video kobguitar7 does a Groove Rider […]
Keli’i ukuleles are a Hawaiian brand and the cheapest of the Hawaiian K brands. They’re officially labeled ‘Made in Hawaii’, however, according to Hawaii Music Supply their bodies and necks are made in China. They’re still highly regarded but aren’t 100% Hawaiian made. On Video The Baron drops some SRV on his Keli’i tenor. On […]
The Kau’wela Ukulele Company is a Hawaiian firm based in Kailua. They describe their ukes as being, “built strictly to traditional Hawaiian ukulele specifications,” which I would guess means they are not made in Hawaii (although they are set up there). The Kau’wela ukes’ most distinctive feature is zebrawood: an African wood named after its […]
Kanilea Ukuleles are a Hawaiian company run by Joseph and Kristen Souza. All their ukuleles are made in Hawaii and you can take a tour of the factory if you happen to be on Oahu (you can find out more on their website). More recently they’ve come out with the entry-level Kanilea Islander range which […]
Kamaka ukuleles are one of the most venerable ukulele companies around. The company was started by Samuel K. Kamaka, who had previously been an apprentice for Manuel Nunes (one of the original ukulele makers). They were the only Hawaiian uke makers that survived the war years and are increasingly popular today thanks in no small […]
This is my favourite ukulele. It cost me AU$40 to tide me over while I was living in Sydney. Despite the fact it wasn’t reallybought as a long term uke affair, the bond between uke and human has grown and grown. The reasons why I love my Savannah ukulele: Number 1. It has a lovely […]
