UKULELE BRANDS

UKULELE BRANDS

What are some good ukulele brands? This is my listing of current ukulele brands in existence. For detailed reviews of many of these musical instruments be sure to visit my Uke reviews page on the links above!

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Aiersi - Chinese brand with excellent prices and nice quality
Website: http://www.aiersiguitar.com

Anakoneke - Beautiful ukes, handmade to order in San Francisco, USA
Website - http://anakoneke.com

Ana'ole - Stunning looking handmade ukes from Hawaii
Website - http://www.anaoleukulele.com

Andy's Ukuleles - British luthier famed for his smaller than soprano range of instruments
Website - https://www.facebook.com/andysukuleles/?fref=ts

Antica Ukuleleria - Hand made stunning looking ukuleles from Verona, Italy.
Website - http://www.anticaukuleleria.com

aNueNue - Taiwan based far eastern manufacturer with a fast grown reputation for making good quality instruments.
Website - http://www.anuenue-uke.com/

Applause - ukes made by the guitar manufacturer Ovation, with similar stylings including the plastic bowl back.
Website - http://www.ovationguitars.com/applause/product/ukelele_uae148_4_5_m

Argapa - Made to order ukes from Stockholm, Sweden. Made by Sven Nyström
Website - http://argapa.blogspot.co.uk

Aria - budget instruments from the US based guitar maker, but ukes made in far east.
Website - http://www.ariausa.com/guitars/au120.html

Ashbury - budget UK maker (assembled in the far east) but considered to be reasonable quality starter ukes.
Website: http://www.ashburyguitars.com

Ashton - super budget ukes at the bottom end of the market - famed for gaudy colours and patterns such as the union jack uke.
Website: https://www.ashtonmusic.com

Barnes and Mullins - Old brand name now featuring a range of far eastern quality beginners ukes.
Website - http://www.bandm.co.uk/productSummary.aspx?GUID=147f346e-d699-4bc9-a2c8-da30d203d1ed

Barron River - Quality, made to order guitars and ukes from Cairns, Australia
Website - http://www.brguitars.com

Baton Rouge - A range of ukes made by an independent maker in Germany
Website - http://www.batonrougeguitars.com/index.php?id=87&L=1

Bean Sprout Banjos - excellent quality handmade banjos and ukulele banjos from USA
Website - http://www.thebeansprout.com/Beansprout/Welcome.html

Beau Hannam - Quite stunning handmade ukes and guitars from Australia
Website - http://www.beauhannamguitars.com

Beltona - high quality resonator ukuleles.
Website - http://www.beltona.net/ukulelespecs.htm

Big Rusty - high quality, handmade ukes and resonators by Russ Morin in the USA
Website - http://www.russmorin.com

Blackbird - Quite unique guitars and ukes, made in USA from carbon fibre
Website - http://www.blackbirdguitar.com/ukulele.html

Boat Paddle - high quality American made ukes with distinctive body shape.
Website - http://www.boatpaddleukuleles.com/

Bonanza  - Handmade ukuleles from Pete Mai out of Minnesota USA
Website - http://www.bonanzaukuleles.com

Bruko - German maker of quirky looking handmade solid instruments for an amazing price.
Website - http://www.brueko.de/en/

Bushman - US based company importing ukes from the far east - considered to be decent quality solid ukes but customer services have been questioned by many.
Website - http://www.bushmanmusic.com/

DL Cary - Custom Ukulele Luthier, accessories and luthier supplies
Website - http://www.dlccustomluthier.com/index.html

Captain - Mid to higher end ukes, handmade to order in New Zealand
Website - http://www.captainukuleles.co.nz/home.html

Caramel - Chinese brand that caused a stir with very low prices. Sadly some questionable quality control too.
Website - http://www.caramelukulele.com

Chennell - UK luthier with a leaning towards jazz style ukes, including their Jazz Box Ukes
Website - http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tobias.chennell/ukulele.htm

Clearwater - UK based company importing far eastern ukes of mid level quality and price, including their eye catching Vita shape uke.
Website - http://www.clearwaterinstruments.com/index2.php?uid=4

Cocobolo - Nicaraguan hand made instruments
Website - http://cocoboloukuleles.com/index.html

Cole Clark - High quality ukes made in Australia - sadly no longer in production
Website: http://www.coleclarkguitars.com/products_ukulele.asp

Collings - Extremely high quality ukes from the extremely high quality guitar manufacturer. Sublime.
Website - http://www.collingsguitars.com/ukuleles.html

Cordoba - California based classical guitar company who make a range of mid priced ukes in the far east.
Website - http://www.cordobaguitars.com/guitars/ukuleles

Cursley Ukuleles - Hand made to order in the UK by Darryl Cursley
Website - http://cursleyukuleles.blogspot.com/

Da Silva Ukuleles - Top end, handcrafted US instruments
Website - http://ukemaker.com/

DeVine Guitars - Ultra high end ukes - stock and beautifully handmade instruments.
Website - http://www.devineguitars.com/

Digging Stick Ukuleles - hand made to order in Minnesota by Jeff Burger
Website - http://www.onlyuke.com/index.html

Donner - Chinese brand, fairly generic, but not the worst instruments out there
Website: https://www.donnerdeal.com/collections/ukulele

Eddy Finn - good quality ukes from quirky US maker - famed for the shark fin sound hole.
Website - http://www.eddyfinn.com

Eleuke - cheaply priced and fun electric ukuleles.
Website - http://www.eleuke.com/

Enya - Chinese brand behind the excellent X1 HPL series of instruments
Website - http://www.enyamusical.com

Epiphone - ukes from the far eastern offshoot of Gibson Guitars, including the  Les Paul shaped uke.
Website - http://www.epiphone.com/News-Features/News/2011/The-Epiphone-Les-Paul-Acoustic-Electric-Ukulele-Ou.aspx

Fender - Yes, that Fender - they make ukes too, with the traditional fender shaped headstocks!
Website -http://www.fender.com/products/index.php?section=acoustics&bodyShape=Ukulele

Ferangeli - Handcrafted ukes from a guitar maker in Cebu, Phillipines
Website - http://www.ferangeliguitar.com

Fidra - Fine handcrafted ukes by Simon Overton - made in Scotland
Website - http://www.fidraukulele.co.uk

Flea / Fluke - made by Jim Beloff and the Magic Fluke Company in the USA, these are different looking plastic backed ukes which are renowned for their tone and setup.
Website -http://www.magicfluke.com/

Flight - Good value instrument brand from Slovenia
Website: http://www.flightmusic.com/catalogue/ukulele

FV Guitars and Ukuleles - Handmade instruments made in Italy by Francesco Verginelli
Website - http://www.fvguitars.com/en

Gill - Handbuilt ukuleles by David Gill - from the USA
Website - http://www.crossroadswood.com/GillUkuleles.html

Glyph - custom, hand made ukes of high quality, from Maryland USA
Website - http://www.glyphukulele.com/

Godin - New line of ukes from French Canadian guitar makers.
Website: http://www.godinguitars.com/godinmultiukep.htm

Grenosi - Wonderful hand crafted instruments built by Gregor Now in Vienna, Austria
Website - http://www.grenosi.com

G-String - a Hawaiian 'K Brand' manufactuer - top of the line ukes from the Islands. If they are ok for James Hill...
Website - http://www.gstringukuleles.com/

Greg Bennett (Samick) - at the better end of the beginner ukes, nicely made and finished by this US based guitar maker.
Website - http://www.gregbennettguitars.com/acousticportal_ukuele.html

Gretsch - new line of ukes from this guitar maker with real vintage - sadly not made in the US factory, but still well regarded.
Website - http://www.gretschguitars.com/products/rootscollection

Griffin - Handmade ukes from Washington, USA
Website - http://www.griffinukuleles.com

Haleiwa - Stunning handcrafted Hawaiian ukes, built by Joe Green
Website - http://joegreenukulele.com

Mark Haley - UK builder of Dobro's and electric ukes
Website - http://www.dobromark.co.uk/page_2400578.html

Hive - Hand crafted high end ukes from Jake Maclay in West Virginia
Website - http://www.hiveukuleles.com

Honu - a relatively new brand made by the Big Island Ukulele Co. Made and assembled in the far east, these ukes are made to demanding standards and finished and checked in Hawaii.
Website - http://www.bigislandukulele.com/

Hummingbird - Handcrafted ukes from Hawaii - made by Dale Thomas
Website - http://www.hummingbirdukuleles.com

Iriguchi - Beautiful, quirky ukes by Dave Iriguchi - handmade in the USA
Website - http://iriguchiukuleles.com

Imua - Highly regarded ukes from Honolulu, Hawaii
Website - http://www.imua-ukulele.com

Islander - 'budget' brand of the Kanile'a uke company in Hawaii - made in far east to their high standards - highly regarded new uke brand.
Website - http://www.islanderukulele.com/page1.aspx

Island Ukulele - handrafted in Hawaii by Raymond Rapozo
Website -http://www.ukuleledirect.com/

Kala - everybody knows the Kala brand - massive range of far eastern made ukes, with everything from the budget models to some rather nice mid priced ukes.
Website - http://www.kalaukulele.com/

Kamaka - Considered to be the oldest ukulele maker in the world, one of the KBrand uke makers in Hawaii making top of the line instruments for the likes of Jake Shimabukuro.
Website - http://www.kamakahawaii.com/

Kamoa - relatively new Hawaiian ukulele maker - favoured by Pierce Brosnan!
Website - http://kamoaukulelecompany.com/

Kanile'a - another top of the line K Brand uke maker from Hawaii by Joe Souza - superb quality. I play one!
Website - http://www.kanileaukulele.com/

Keli'i - Hawaiian, high end ukuleles from Waikiki

Kepasa - beautiful ukes, hand crafted by Kevin Crossett in Vermont, USA
Website - http://kepasaukulele.com/

Kiwaya - Japanese brand making superbly thin and loud ukes in the style of Martin - top quality.
Website - http://takumiukulele.com/kiwayaukuleles.html

Ko'olau - K Brand Hawaiian ukulele maker of impeccable quality. Played by the likes of Lyle Ritz.
Website - http://www.koolauukulele.com/

Ko'olana - 'budget' line from Hawaiian maker Ko'aloha - but still great quality. Assembled in the far east and finished in Hawaii.
Website - http://www.koaloha.com/products/koalana-ukulele/concert-koa/

Ko'aloha - Top of the line ukes from this K Brand Hawaiian maker with distinctive sound hole and headstock shapes. I play one!
Website - http://www.koaloha.com/

Koyama - Quirky looking lower end to mid level ukes from Taiwan
Website - http://www.koyamaukuleles.com

Lag - French in origin, ukes made in far east.
Website - http://www.lagguitars.com.au/2010/products/Ukuleles/babu100sbk.html

Laka - new brand from the Vintage guitar manufacturer - cheap and cheerful.
Website - http://www.jhs.co.uk/New%20Products/lakaukes.html

Lanikai - beginners ukulele brand of renown, particularly their LU21 model which is very popular with schools.
Website - http://www.lanikaiukes.com/

Lehua - Traditional looking wooden ukuleles from Portugal
Website - http://www.lehuaukulele.com

Lichty - handmade custom ukes in beautiful styles from US luthier Jay Lichty.
Website - http://lichtyguitars.com/

Stuart Longridge - High end, hand made ukes, built to order in the UK
Website - http://www.stuartlongridge.co.uk/Welcome.html

LoPrinzi - Extremely high quality hand made ukes from guitar luthier Augusto LoPrinzi.
Website - http://www.augustinoloprinzi.com/

LuLu - Quality looking ukes and customs from CT, USA
Website - http://www.luluukuleles.com

Luna - new far eastern beginners brand who seem to focus more on looks than anything else, some questionable reports about sound and build quality.
Website - http://www.lunaguitars.com/acousticproduct/ukuleleseries.php

Mahalo - who HASN'T played a Mahalo - bright, and very cheap. There may be some good ones in their more expensive lines, but I've played too many bad ones to be prepared to test that theory.
Website - http://www.mahalo-ukulele.com

Mainland - great value mid level instruments, made in the far east and finished by hand in the USA - my first 'proper' uke!
Website - http://www.mainlandukuleles.com/

Makala - budget brand from Kala that proves that cheap as chips can actually work. I regularly recommend a well setup Makala Dolphin to new players on a tight budget.
Website - http://www.kalabrand.com/ukulele/makala

Mako - Pretty, handmade ukes from Kahului, Hawaii - named after the shark!
Website - http://www.makoukes.com

Marshall Stapleton - English Guitar maker with a nice line in unique looking handmade fine ukes.
Website - http://www.wix.com/marshallstapleton/guitars#!about

Martin - high end ukes from the king of acoustic guitars. Also make nice strings!
Website - http://www.martinguitar.com/ukuleles/index.html

Maton - Mid to high end ukes made in Australia
Website - http://maton.com.au/product/maton-ukuleles

Mele - high quality ukes factory made in Hawaii and played by the likes of Warren Buffett and Dave Matthews.
Website - http://meleukulele.com/

Moore Bettah Ukuleles - Stunning original ukes, handcrafted in Hawaii
Website - http://www.moorebettahukes.com/

Mya Moe - made to order ukes from the USA. Recently changed hands to new builder.
Website - http://www.myamoeukuleles.com/

Nalu Ukulele - solid ukes specced in the USA, built in China - mid priced and great looking
Website - http://www.nalu-ukulele.com

National - resonator ukes from the daddy of resonator guitars.
Website - http://www.nationalguitars.com/

Noah - Traditionally crafted solid wood ukuleles, made in Vietnam but distributed out of the UK
Website - http://www.noahukuleles.com

Ohana - as ubiquitous as Kala - another good quality far eastern made uke with a massive range of styles and shapes.
Website - http://www.ohana-music.com/

Ortega - mid priced good quality ukes.
Website - http://ortegaguitars.com/en/products/ukuleles/

Oscar Schmidt - range of beginner to mid level ukes from the US guitar maker Washburn.
Website - http://www.oscarschmidt.com/products/ukes/

Outdoor Ukulele - Made in Oregon, USA - totally plastic construction
Website - http://outdoorukulele.com

Palm Tree - Quality ukes, hand built to order in Colorado, USA
Website - http://palmtreeukuleles.com

Pepe Romero - Well regarded guitar luthier - now making ukuleles
Website - http://www.peperomero.com/luthier/?page_id=286

Po Mahina - beautiful handmade ukes from Hawaii
Website - http://www.konaweb.com/mahina/ukulele.html

Pono - 'budget' line from the Hawaiian maker Ko'olau - costs reduced by assembling in far east and finishing in Hawaii - great quality and looks.
Website - http://www.koolauukulele.com/pono.html

Pukanala / Puka - Relatively new brand from the far east with a range from beginner ukes to higher end solid models.
Website - http://www.tomandwill.com/searchnonpub.asp?b=Pukana-La&p=0


Riptide - ukes from the Boulder Creek Guitar Co, famous for odd placement of sound holes, and use of sound ports on the sides.
Website - http://www.bouldercreekguitars.com/uk_index.html

Risa - German brand famous for their headless (and bodiless) stick electric ukulele, but now also make traditional acoustic ukes

J Romero - Handcrafted ukulele banjos, made in Canada
Website - http://www.romerobanjos.com/specialtybanjos.html

Shimo Guitars - handcrafted guitars and ukes from Japan
Website - http://www.shimoguitars.com/

David Simmons Luthier -
UK Luthier and maker of all sorts of stringed instruments including the ukulele
Website - http://www.davidsimmonsluthier.co.uk

Spruce House - Simple, yet quality handmade ukes from Oregon, USA
Website - http://www.sprucehouseukuleles.com

Stagg - UK based distributor of cheap end far eastern ukuleles. I can never get past the name myself..
Website - http://www.staggmusic.com/en/products/guitars/traditional_stringed_instruments/ukuleles.html

Fred Stevenson - UK builder of replica Ludwig Wendell Hall Banjoleles
Website - http://www.ukuleleman.co.uk/handmadeukes.htm

Tangi - top of the line handcrafted ukes from Hawaii.
Website - http://tangiukulele.com/

Tanglewood - good quality beginner ukes from the UK guitar maker.
Website - http://www.tanglewoodguitars.co.uk/products/banjomanduke.html

Tin Guitar - tremendous handmade ukes made to order by UK Luthier Rob Collins.
Website - http://www.tinguitar.com/

Tom and Will - British makers of instrument bags and accessories, including ukulele gear
Website - http://www.tomandwill.com

Twisted Wood - Canadian based brand
Website - http://twistedwoodguitars.com

Uluru - relatively new brand of quality instruments made in Taiwan based on Australian luthier designs.
Website - http://www.uluruukulele.com/

VTAB - Range of new Chinese ukuleles that punch well above their weight
Website: http://www.vtabmusic.com

Stuart Wailing - UK builder of resonators and ukulele resonators
Website - http://www.wailing-guitars.co.uk

Wise - quality ukes, hand made to order by Scott Wise in Western Australia
Website - http://www.wiseukulele.com

Zemaitis - ukulele range from the famous UK guitar maker
Website - http://www.zemaitis.net/zemaitis-ukulele.htm

78 comments :

  1. Hi, I am Susan. I know nuts about ukulele but am keen to learn. For a start, I need to get a good ukulele. However the many choices gave me a headache! Haha... So would need your assistance to recommend a few good brands from the list above so it is easier for me to source for it. Thanks much! :)

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  2. Hi Susan, there are certainly lots to choose from. For a beginner though, go to the beginner tips section at the top menu and you will find articles about buying ukes. Also check reviews section for some ideas too!

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  3. Seems that 'Quex' by Ukulian are missing!

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  4. Hi Barry-don't forget about Moku Ukuleles in SF,CA
    www.mokuukes.com

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  5. Also, Captain Ukuleles - hand made in NZ!
    http://www.captainukuleles.co.nz/home.html

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  6. I have an old Le Domino, natural wood finish with the domino images around the sound hole. Can someone help with some research tips. This belonged to my father and no idea how old it is.

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  7. Whatever uke you choose, I recommend a hands on trial at a music store before you buy. You can buy online but make sure you play that model (probably at a music store) before you order.

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  8. Don't forget APC ukuleles from Portugal! You can wacth videos about them in youtube! And the site is http://apc-instruments.com/.

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  9. Any experience of ukes from Skylark guitars - look well-made and reviews of the guitars are very positive? Appear good value for money e.g.....

    http://www.skylarkguitars.com/skylark-ukuleles-731-0/skylark-uk18n-ukulele-1897-0.html

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  10. Not personally Giles. They may be great but in my experience good guitar makers do not necessarily make good uke makers. There are of course exceptions!

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  11. Hi, Barry,

    Can you add Rick Turner to this list?

    (http://www.rickturnerguitars.com/tenor-ukulele.php

    You have a brilliant website.Cheers!

    Fellow UUer,

    Gillian

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  12. Of course (amazed I didn't have him to be honest! ) oops!

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  13. I have been very happy with my Koa Pili Koko. www.pilikoko.com

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  14. I agree with anonymous. I have a Koa Pili Koko and am amazed with the quality. These little gems are great solid body ukes that are affordable and sound superb.

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  15. I've just bought a Giulkiari soprano, ever heard of this - seems good qulaity and has nice sound...
    SteveW

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  16. How good are the ukes from Taiwan or Vietnam? I see them on ebay selling anywhere from 99 cents to 45 dollars. Are they a good deal? I want a uke that's inexpensive but on par in quality with the best Martin or Kamaka.

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  17. Brunswick is missing. Apparently UK based but can't find a website or anything on them.

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  18. They probably should be added, but not really UK ukes - beginner far eastern imports.

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  19. Snail Ukuleles deserve a mention. They are relatively new, designed in Hawaii and made in China. They are priced like a Kala or lower, but are much better. They selection is heavily biased toward concert size. They now have some distribution in the US.

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  20. I have a kealoha bought for 80 australian dollars, tuning can drift and the gears aren't terrific. One is pulling out of the tuning key head so will have to glue it in!

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  21. What about Korala, I've had a UKT-70 for a year now and it's a great instrument. It looks good with it's high gloss finish I believe that is is solid wood, it sounds really great and holds it's tune brilliantly. Check it out !

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  22. Ever hear of Pacific Island from Honolulu? I just went to a large flea market in Honolulu and they have a permanent tent with lots of ukes. I've just not heard of that brand. Prices were good and at first glance, they seemed to have an ok sound.

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    Replies
    1. I bought one that says Pacific ukulele.....it sounds descent.....but the vender makes a pickup for ukes.....it is awesome

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  23. I just went to a large flea market at the Aloha Stadium and there was a vendor with Pacific Island Ukuleles from Honolulu. Anyone hear of this brand? Good prices but....

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  24. I've got one of these and it's great, but it's not on your list:

    http://saigonguitars.com/ukuleles/

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  25. Yes Ian I will add them. They make Noah brand ukes and I know the guy behind them. If you check out the reviews section of this site you will see I reviewed one of their tenor ukes. Got a review of a concert coming soon too

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  26. Great site, thanks for the info, clicked :-)

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  27. Hi Barry Would you add our brand to your list. We're Manea Ukuleles. Handcrafted ukuleles from the South Pacific. Our small fledgling company is based in Kapaa, Hawaii on the island of Kauai. We specialize in handcrafted Hawaiian style ukuleles and we also are purveyors of the rare and hard to find Tahitian/Cook Islands style ukuleles from the islands of Tahiti, Rarotonga and Rapa Nui. Our website www.maneaukuleles.com and our FB page is https://www.facebook.com/maneaukes

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  28. Hi
    I'm Luna and (15). And I’ve want to buy a uke for some time but for I am a beginner I have no idea where or how to look for one. I am playing guitar for almost a year now and I was wondering if should buy a tenor or a soprano uke. Me and a friend of mine went to a shop (Alphenaar) and they had different size ukes and I liked the tenor size but I don’t know if it’s good to start learning. I also wondered if you knew anything about the brand Korala. And if you do, would you recommend it?

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  29. Don't let anyone ever tell you one size is better than others. Scale sizes dictate sound only. Sopranos are brighter and more percussive, tenors are more resonant. Check out the beginners tips section of this site. There is a Korala review in the reviews section too!

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  30. I come across a ukulele I can't find any history or knowledge about wondering if u may be of help it says inside koa handcrafted by melvin e lopez moa o mele #57 dated 12/31/1999 and where the hole is there is the letter m carved out please respond to me if you could thanks so much

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  31. I have an 8 string Brudda uke...top 2 strings have octave strings, but not much info available..any thoughts?

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  32. They are tuned an octave apart. The other two tuned identical to each other

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  33. My son in law showed up with a 6 string tenor from Honolulu with a brand Pacific Ukelele Model ESU-T610. It sounds nice, but one of the strings broke and I'm not sure how to tune it. I've tried to find out where it was made, also.

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  34. What about Gold Tone?

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  35. Have you heard of/tried Zither Heaven ukuleles? They make interesting looking minimalist instruments. Here's a review I found of their banjo ukulele:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HwnecVKiIA

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  36. How about this bamboo instrument marketed under the name of a Moseley, Birmingham ukulele club?: http://www.moselele.co.uk/?page_id=674

    They have some nice reviews for the 'bambookulel', (as they call it!) and also supply gig bags guranteed to fit!

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  37. Yes - I have reviewed two of their instruments - check the reviews section on the menu bar at the top

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  38. Brunswick website: www.BrunswickGuitars.com

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  39. Aloha nui Barry! Would you include our brand to your list. We're Manea Ukuleles from the island of Kauai, Hawaii. www.maneaukuleles.com

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  40. do you have any easy ukulele tab songs? :)

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  41. your Ukulele reviews page link goes to a Giphy page!

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  42. Just tried it on several machines here and a tablet John - it doesn't for me?

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  43. do you mean that it does for you?

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  44. No - it doesn't - it goes to reviews page

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  45. Not sure what you mean by bowl back? You mean bowl back ukes? Yes, owned a few.

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  46. Some dead links in this list. Specifically, the Kala and Makala links, and Eddy Finn. Not sure if there are any others. Thought you would like to know.

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  47. Hi Baz. Love your website & your entertaining & informative reviews...both written & video. I've just purchased a lovely, solid mahogany Kremona Mari tenor & love it to bits! Got it from Omega Music who are so helpful, reliable & definitely not out to rip players off. Kremona website is: www.kremona.com
    Keep up the fab job you do Baz for all us fellow uke players of hugely mixed experience.
    Regards from Joyce

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  48. Love your reviews, Baz. Have you any thoughts, positive or otherwise, on pineapple shaped ukes? Do they sound different to traditional shaped ukes? Because of being let down on delivery dates after ordering a Kala, I ordered a Lanikai LU21P, and, of course, now have both. Like them both (can't tell difference between them, except Lanikai holds tuning better), but would I have been better to have gone for a traditional type, or is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Starting lessons tomorrow, so will hear what my teacher thinks, but would appreciate your opinion.

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  49. Hi Eve - it is of course very subjective, but I do think they sound different, but in a good way. I find that pineapple ukes have a slightly rounder and fuller tone than the traditional figure of eight. I really like them! Incidentally - when you say the Lanikai 'holds tuning better' - I wouldn't personally rule either out on that basis. Tighten the tuners (if they are friction pegs, but only if they are friction pegs) and let the strings settle. They will both hold in due course. No uke, properly set up, loses tuning. Back to the original question - I love pineapples an absolutely they are serious instruments and no better / worse than any other!

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  50. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  51. Hi Barry,
    First of all a great web site for us Ukulele enthusiasts.
    Any reason why you haven't included Noah Ukuleles as a supplier? Only you have given very balanced reviews for the products?
    Oh, I have a grandson aged 7 who I have got interested in the uke, any possible recommendations in regards of good value makes.

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  52. Ooh - that's embarassing Tony - it's just that I havent updated this page for ages. Will add Noah.

    For a child - I'd refer you to my reviews page for suggestions, but for what it's worth, I bought my 6 year old daughter a Makala Dolphin and and Octopus Soprano. Both sound decent and are tough!

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  53. hi barry!

    ever heard of the brand Mentreel? if you do, is it a good or bad quality brand?

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  54. Hi Barry - appears this page has not had a comment in a while, any way, going for it. Love the site and all your reviews. All intelligent and like that while you offer up your opinions, but you always state that, yeah, its your opinion. Keep it all up!

    So bought an $85 Cordoba 15CM for 6 yr-old daughter, 6 months ago. She didn't take to it, but loves her new keyboard, so not pushing it cause she's playing music! I, however, can't seem to put the thing down (after been long time but weak guitar player). So now I'm ready to upgrade! After reading your reviews and comments and suggestions, I have narrowed down to two that I have found online (not Amazon). Both laminate, but believe good quality, no on-board electronics, both pretty buy not gaudy, both well built and well reviewed, and many of other traits you talk about. The Snail UKT-528 (per your great review) and a Takamine GU-T1 (both tenors). The Takamine series was a one and done thing, so can't find much on it. I bought a Takamine guitar 20 years ago and is only guitar I've owned and will ever own, so part of me wants to stay in the family.

    I don't live in location where I can easily go try ukuleles in person, so have to go with internet. I think I am going to buy both and send back the other with 30-day return guarantee.

    SO - I think I'm just typing to hear myself talk, but would think it great to hear your thoughts... just cause. Main question is that Takamine is all mahogany and the Snail is the zebrawood ... thoughts on the two compared to each other?

    Thanks again for all the effort you put into this corner of the ukulele world!
    Duncan

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  55. Duncan - I'd get the Snail myself. heard mixed things about Takamine - great guitars, but a great guitar brand doesn't necessarily translate into a great ukulele - they often totally over build them.

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  56. Have you heard of Flight Ukuleles? Curious what you think of them. I got two of them... on one of them the tuning was off... when the open string was in tune the 4th and 5th fret were out of tune. On the other one the tuning was fine.

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  57. Yes there are reviews of two of them on the reviews page. I must update this list to include them

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  58. Hello! A guitar shop recommended an Ashton concert ukulele for my daughter, who already plays acoustic guitar, and I liked it so much that I started looking at ukuleles online and almost accidentally bought a Mugig concert uke, which seemed to have very good reviews, any thoughts on these?

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  59. There is an Ashton review on this site / one of the worst ukuleles I ever looked at. Mugig review coming in a few weeks but don’t have my hands on it yet so can’t comment

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  60. I saw!Of course, not until after I'd bought one :/ Quite liking the kid's Ashton concert uke (not one of the cheaper painted ones) but then, I'm a total newbie. Mugig mahogany concert uke coming on Friday, quite excited, although I know it isn't solid wood, I see nothing but positive reviews so far.

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  61. Hello! I own 2 Kumu Koa ukuleles, a concert (model CF-52) and a tenor (model TF-72). They're really great! Warm and authentic sound. It would be good to add Kumu Koa to your list. Best wishes, Maurice (The Netherlands)

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  62. I was one of those people that went to the big Aloha stadium swap meet and market.
    There were a few ukulele vendors. Their spots looked organised.
    The one I bought (Monkeypod wood $267.00) from had a professional looking setup with a nice range of various woods. (mahogany,Koa, Monkeypod etc)
    It seemed like he represented himself as one of the makers.
    He had a tool belt, sang and strummed the ukes. They looked well made and great sound.
    They are called Hawaii Ukes.
    I did a search online and what I came up with is an importer of Korean made Ukes.
    I wanted a memento. But I guess I should look for ones that have labels inside? But then real local ones I gather can be much more pricey?

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  63. I came across a used tenor ukulele a few years ago called a Badley Made Uke. The luthier’s name was Badley thus the unique play on words. He is from Bend, Oregon USA. It is a very well made Uke and sounds wonderful. He had a website in the past but I cannot seem to find it now. Do you have any information on Mr. Badley and his work. Thanks. I enjoy your reviews and info very much. Barry (yep! Another Barry I am)

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  64. Hey Barry, bought a "viDar" concert (RU-160C). Solid Spruce top (looks like 1pc top and back, nothing laminated) Rosewood back n sides. Holds tune very very well. Great sound, really projects. Just wondering if u have any info on this? Has a nice oval wood-burned label inside and a carved out name on the headstock. Glossy finish. Cost me $120, new, a bargain I think. Did not research before the buy but can find nothing... maybe uv heard something?

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  65. Very useful. I was hoping to find a list like this so that I can try, over the next few months, to write a talking blues featuring uke makes. Thanks for taking the time.

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  66. Hello Baz
    In process of purchasing a ukulele and like the 'look' of one from Australia called leaf but cannot find much about themin particular the sound have you ever come across them please thank you in anticipation of a reply' Regards..

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  67. Hi Barry. Am thinking of buying one of few of Tiki ukuleles. Have you heard of them? Any opinion?

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  68. I think you might want to update Mya Moe. They are most definitely in business (saw them at a festival this summer). Wish I could afford one!

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  69. Bonjour Barry
    Je débute et j'ai un Ukulélé Concert de marque LAG. Qu'est-ce que vous en pensez ?

    Bravo pour votre site, j'adore !

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  70. Breedlove is now making some pretty sweet ukuleles - they use some interesting tonewoods, like myrtlewood. The wood is sourced primarily from Alaska and the Pacific NW, ukes are assembled in China and shipped back to Oregon for QC. I love mine!

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