Keith Ogata is a very individual ukulele maker from Hawaii who seems to have been going gently insane! His ukuleles look like no other and seem to be getting more crazy as time goes on which, in my book, can only be a good thing. You can see photos of some of his latest creations […]
Archive for the ‘Luthiers’ Category
Ecuador might not be the first place you think of when it comes to ukuleles, but that’s where Oceana’s Zac Steimle. He says the mountains of Ecuador have, “the perfect year-round relative humidity and tempter to build instruments. All their ukuleles are made by hand (not even using any power tools) using traditional techniques. You […]
Akulele are based in Bolivia so it’s not surprising that they take many of their design features from the Bolivian charango. Like the charango, Akuleles are one solid piece of wood and are often very ornate. You can find out more about them on their website. On Video
Black Bear ukuleles are made by Duane Heilman in Yukima, WA. He has made some very unusual ukuleles in his time. You can see a selection of them on his site with the most outlandish being this Picasso ukulele. Duane used to regularly sell new ukuleles on eBay and through his own site but he’s […]
Mya-Moe Ukuleles are made by husband and wife team Gordon & Char Mayer. Even though they have only been going since 2008 there’s already an impressive list of players using their ukuleles including James Hill, Mark Nelson and Lil’ Rev. As well as standard ukuleles, their range includes resonators and, most unusually of all, lap-steel […]
WaverlyStreet Ukuleles are made by Dave Gjessing in Ohio and you can buy his ukes from his website and occasionally on eBay. WaverlyStreet Ukulele Review And to test out the restringing issue:
Sprucehouse ukuleles are made by Al McWhorter in Eugene, Oregan. I’ve never heard, nevermind played, a SpruceHouse ukulele. But his uke building philosophy certainly appeals to me: “Simplicity is Elegance. The most successful designs are those that make the most of the least… Like the vintage Martin and Kamaka instruments that I admire so much, […]
Sonny D ukuleles are made in Hawaii (by a luthier called Sonny D) and are at the mid-high price range. They are the chosen make of the legendary Ohta San. On Video Ohta San jamming with his son Herb Ohta Jr. Herb on a KoAloha and I believe that’s a Sonny D Ohta San is […]
Review by Shelley Rickey: I own several ukuleles, like most people do that are into ukuleles. (Those of you who don’t have one yet…Watch Out! One seemingly innocent ukulele purchase and you’re all done with!) Anyway, one of my ukuleles is quite special and of which i’m exceptionally fond… Last year I was absolutely thrilled […]
Peter Lieberman is a Maui based luthier who makes ukuleles under the name of Maui Music. Looks wise, their most distinctive feature is the elongated sound hole (echoed by an unusual hole in the headstock). His most famous range is the K Range of ukuleles endorsed by the Hawaiian musician Willie K. I haven’t played […]
