6

Covered Bridge Ukulele

Twin brothers, Terry and Perry Bullinger are fresh uke builders from Oregon. They handmake ukes part time known as Covered Bridge. Terry sent this tenor over last week and we'll give it a quick review and sound sample. See what you think. This is a tenor size ukulele with a Cedar top and curly Myrtle sides and back. The Ko'olau ...
11

Working One Hand at a Time?

Which hand is more crucial for being a good ukulele player? Grab your uke and try using one hand at a time. Which one makes better music? A fun challenge. Could this have any benefit? Only one way to find out. Strumming/Picking Hand - Rhythm is the key! Think percussive. Make a beat. If it can stand on it's own ...
35

The Godin Ukulele- MultiUke Review

Robert Godin began making guitars in 1972 in Quebec Canada. By the eighties he had a successful factory of talented craftsman and was doing great work, but for other major manufacturers. Never publicly acknowledged, but I believe the Martin Shenandoah Series guitars were made by Godin. Eventually he focused on his own brands with Godin being the most innovative. As ...
3

Kanile’a Offers a New Satin

Kanile'a ukulele previously offered two finishes, satin or gloss. We often refer to their gloss finish as a UV finish. Conveniently misused term, UV isn't a type of finish. It's a method of curing finish. With powerful UV lights the lacquer dries within seconds rather than hours, days, and much longer like traditional nitrocellulose lacquer finish take to fully cure and ...
7

Aurora by Luna – Ukulele Review

It's kind of scary when an import "budget" brand comes out with a cheaper line. Corners have already been cut, affordable has already been the goal. So when a brand like Luna comes out with a sub brand like Aurora, I usually hold off. But these four ukes that Luna showed at the 2013 NAMM were eye catchers and I ...
6

Maui Music Ukulele

Peter Lieberman started out as a guitar builder but for the last 20 years has been a premier ukulele maker. For a while Peter ramped up his operation and had three other builders working along side him. In 1998 Peter's shop burned down when he ignited lacquer fumes while cutting a door jam with a sawzall. He injured his hand ...
9

DaSilva Ukulele – Advancing Artfully

This is one of my favorite models introduced at this year's NAMM. We put in our order at the show and 4 months later, here it is. The first thing that catches me is the design. DaSilva rethought everything that is a tenor ukulele from the ground up. An exaggerated arch in the back and slimmer body are just the ...
11

Ko’olau CS!

This model has been the top choice for many. The feel of the neck, bell like response, and rich harmonic sustain all make it an ultimate ukulele. This must be the 10th CS model in a row from Ko'olau that blew me away. The quality and precision Noa and Ryan are now coming with is, realistically,  flawless.Noa Bonk has been ...
42

Ukulele Pickups – 5 Great Options

Aloha friends! This is something I've meant to do for a long time. I'm always busy with orders and listing new product, but last night I bit the bullet and installed 5 pickups in the same model Pono. I needed to do this for my own knowledge as well. I usually hear pickups in isolated situations, instead of a true ...
5

Two New Tenor Models from Kanile’a Ukulele

At this years NAMM (music trade show) Kanile'a ukulele showed two new models to their line up. Previously these instruments would have been labeled "custom tenor", but they are now the KSTP and KSDLX. The KSTP is an all koa tenor with a slotted headstock. The KSDLX has a spruce top and koa sides and back. Slothead All Koa - ...