Ukulele & Accessories

 Ukulele and Accessories

We carry the top brands in the Ukulele industry. Kamaka, Kala, Martin, and more. In addition, the store also provides restring and repair services.

History of the Ukulele

The ukulele is a small, four-stringed instrument that originated in Hawaii in the late 19th century, though its roots trace back to Portugal. In 1879, Portuguese immigrants from Madeira introduced a small stringed instrument called the machete (or braguinha) to Hawaii. The machete inspired Hawaiian locals to craft a new instrument with similar characteristics, and the ukulele was born. The name “ukulele,” which translates to “jumping flea,” reflects the quick, nimble movement of the player’s fingers on the fretboard.

The ukulele quickly became a staple of Hawaiian music and culture, thanks in large part to King David Kalākaua, who embraced it and made it a part of royal performances. Its popularity grew beyond Hawaii after Hawaiian musicians introduced it to the mainland United States in the early 20th century, sparking a ukulele craze in the 1920s. The instrument saw a resurgence in the 1950s and has remained popular worldwide, particularly within folk, pop, and indie music genres.


Types of Sizes

Ukuleles come in several sizes, each producing a different sound and offering a unique playing experience. The four main types are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Each size influences the instrument’s tone, playability, and range.

1. Soprano

The soprano is the smallest and most traditional ukulele size, measuring around 21 inches in length. It is often regarded as the quintessential ukulele because of its light, bright tone and high-pitched sound. The soprano has a standard tuning of G-C-E-A and is known for its portability and ease of play, particularly for beginners or children.

  • Advantages: Lightweight, affordable, easy to play.
  • Tone: Bright, light, and classic “ukulele sound.”
  • Best For: Beginners, traditional Hawaiian music, and players with smaller hands.

2. Concert

Slightly larger than the soprano, the concert ukulele measures about 23 inches. It offers more room on the fretboard, making it easier for players with larger hands to maneuver. The concert uke also produces a fuller, louder sound due to its larger body size, though it retains the bright, jangly tone that defines the ukulele.

  • Advantages: More projection and volume, more space between frets.
  • Tone: Fuller and richer than soprano, but still bright.
  • Best For: Players transitioning from soprano to a larger instrument, those looking for a more robust sound.

3. Tenor

The tenor ukulele, at around 26 inches, is favored by many professional musicians because of its deeper, more resonant tone and greater versatility. Its larger size provides even more space on the fretboard, allowing for complex fingerpicking styles. The tenor is often used for more advanced playing techniques and can be tuned to different tunings (such as low G).

  • Advantages: More room for advanced techniques, deeper tone.
  • Tone: Warmer and more resonant, less “plucky.”
  • Best For: Intermediate and advanced players, performance and fingerpicking.

4. Baritone

The baritone ukulele is the largest of the four standard ukulele sizes, measuring about 30 inches. It has a tuning (D-G-B-E) similar to the bottom four strings of a guitar, which gives it a deeper, more guitar-like sound. While it departs from the traditional ukulele sound, it is ideal for players looking for a lower register and a smooth, rich tone.

  • Advantages: Deeper, guitar-like sound, versatile tuning options.
  • Tone: Deep, warm, and mellow.
  • Best For: Guitarists, those seeking a deeper sound, jazz, and blues styles.

Types of Wood Used

The tone and resonance of a ukulele are heavily influenced by the type of wood used in its construction. Different woods contribute to different sound characteristics, from bright and punchy to warm and mellow. The most common woods used in ukuleles include koa, mahogany, spruce, cedar, and rosewood.

1. Koa

Koa is native to Hawaii and is one of the most sought-after woods for ukuleles. Instruments made from koa are prized for their visual beauty and their traditional, warm sound. Koa produces a balanced tone that is both bright and full-bodied, making it ideal for players looking for a versatile, all-around instrument.

  • Tone: Bright, warm, and balanced.
  • Appearance: Highly figured with a rich, golden-brown color.
  • Best For: Traditional Hawaiian music, versatile players.

2. Mahogany

Mahogany is one of the most common woods used in ukulele construction. It produces a warm, resonant tone with a softer, mellower sound compared to koa. Mahogany ukuleles are often favored by beginners and intermediate players due to their affordability and solid tonal performance.

  • Tone: Warm, rich, with a slightly softer attack.
  • Appearance: Dark reddish-brown.
  • Best For: Folk, blues, and players seeking a mellow sound.

3. Spruce

Spruce is typically used for the soundboard (or top) of ukuleles and is known for its bright, punchy sound with excellent projection. Spruce ukuleles are louder and more responsive than those made from other woods, making them a good choice for players who need more volume.

  • Tone: Bright, crisp, with excellent projection.
  • Appearance: Light-colored, often with visible grain patterns.
  • Best For: Strummers, performers, and players seeking a loud, bright sound.

4. Cedar

Cedar is a softer wood compared to spruce, offering a warmer, more mellow tone. It is often used in high-end ukuleles, particularly for players who favor fingerpicking styles. Cedar ukuleles provide a softer, more nuanced sound, making them ideal for more intricate playing.

  • Tone: Warm, mellow, and complex.
  • Appearance: Light reddish-brown.
  • Best For: Fingerpicking, classical music, and players seeking a mellow tone.

5. Rosewood

Rosewood is usually used for the fretboard and bridge of ukuleles due to its hardness and durability. It contributes to a smooth, sustained tone and is known for its rich, dark appearance. While not typically used for the body of the instrument, it adds a warm, rich quality to the overall sound.

  • Tone: Warm, with good sustain.
  • Appearance: Dark, rich, with visible grain patterns.
  • Best For: Enhancing sustain and warmth in a ukulele’s tone.

Popular Brands

Several manufacturers are renowned for producing high-quality ukuleles that cater to different needs, from beginners to professional musicians.

1. Kala

Kala is one of the most popular ukulele brands, offering a wide range of instruments from entry-level to high-end models. Their Kala KA series is particularly favored by beginners for its affordability and consistent quality. Kala is also known for its innovation, including the introduction of the UBass (a ukulele-sized bass).

2. Lanikai

Lanikai produces mid-range to high-end ukuleles with a focus on quality craftsmanship. Their instruments often feature solid wood construction and professional-grade components, making them a favorite among intermediate and professional players. Lanikai also offers affordable models for beginners.

3. Kamaka

Kamaka is one of the oldest and most prestigious ukulele manufacturers, based in Hawaii. Known for its koa wood ukuleles, Kamaka has been producing high-quality instruments since 1916. They are a top choice for players seeking a traditional, Hawaiian-made ukulele.

4. Martin

Martin is a well-known guitar manufacturer that also produces ukuleles. Martin ukuleles are often praised for their craftsmanship and sound quality, particularly their vintage models, which are highly sought after by collectors and professionals.

5. Fender

Fender is a major player in the guitar world and has branched out into ukuleles as well. Fender ukuleles often feature a unique headstock design inspired by their iconic guitars. They are popular among musicians who already play Fender instruments.


Conclusion

The ukulele is a versatile, accessible instrument with a rich cultural history. From the bright and plucky soprano to the deep and mellow baritone, there is a ukulele size and wood type for every player and musical style. With numerous brands offering quality instruments, the ukulele continues to captivate musicians around the world, offering a sound that is both timeless and adaptable.