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Ukulele Manufacturers
The ukulele manufacturers that first began producing ukuleles for the public in Hawaii were Kumulae, Nunes and Kamaka. Of these three, Kamaka remains as the king of ukulele manufacturers. However, even their survival was threatened when the music became so popular that other mainland companies tried to take over the market. Now, the ukulele industry is experiencing a rebirth, and more and more companies and individuals are coming on the scene to continue the Hawaiian tradition on the islands themselves. Crazy about your ukulele? Tell others about the brand you play on! Mainland Competition It's hard to imagine a ukulele company that isn't located in the islands, but they do exist. Around 1915, mainland companies tried to capitalize on the fanatical love of the ukulele at the time by manufacturing their own version and stamping them with the words: made in Hawaii. This was done deliberately to fool people into buying ukuleles made outside Hawaii. In a way, this very act helped to protect the legacy of the ukulele by forcing the Hawaiians to act to preserve their heritage. They trademarked the phrase, made in Hawaii, U.S.A, and petitioned to make the sale of merchandise with this stamp a misdemeanor if they were, in fact, manufactured outside the islands of Hawaii. This successfully resolved the issue of fake Hawaiian ukuleles infringing on the Hawaiian markets. Eventually, the demand for ukulele music fell significantly at the end of the 1960's. With that demise, the number of manufacturers decreased, leaving Kamaka struggling but still alive. It wasn't until the sound of the ukulele was rediscovered and brought back through the works of people like Jumpin' Jim Beloff and his Flea Market music, that the industry went into a rebirth. Many Manufacturers Today Now, the islands have many notable ukulele manufacturers. Kamaka remains as the highest-quality and oldest manufacturer of fine ukuleles. Along with them, you can also find KoAloha, who is also in a similar quality and price range. Other manufacturers on the islands include Maui Music, Ko'olau, Pono, Island and G String Ukuleles, and more. Every now and then you even see individuals who are taking up the manufacture of ukuleles to continue this fine tradition with newer types: the fluke ukulele, for one. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, and whatever brand of uke you want, if you are in the market for a new ukulele, I strongly recommend you check out my favorite online music store, Musician's Friend . . . What Brand Is YOUR Ukulele?Tell others about your ukulele. What's the brand? What do you like about it? What could be better? How did you buy it? Your story will help others decide when looking for a new instrument. And don't forget to send us a nice pic of your ukulele (yes, you may be on it, too!) Brands Other Visitors Have Talked AboutClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Asonu Tahitian Ukelele (Ukarere) http://asonu.com
Nice
Regal
C.F. Martin & Co.
KoAloha Super Concert
Tangi I got lucky and found a good deal on a used Tangi ukulele. It's beautiful and it literally makes music all by itself. It is made of Koa, and …...
Kamaka
Mahalo Les Paul
Mya Moe Not rated yet
Cordoba 20TM Not rated yet
Cordoba Not rated yet
Le Domino from before 1960 Not rated yet
I play a Kala Soprano Ukulele Not rated yet
Lanikai "Figured Maple" concert uke Not rated yet
Kala KA-MS Not rated yet
Cordoba Not rated yet I got it at Sam Ash Music. I've never owned anything so easy to learn to play on. Although it …...
Hilo Baritone from China Not rated yet I bought this little ukulele from a friend who had just gotten it from a woman whom bought it new, then passed away. I only paid $40 for it, with …...
Vineyard Concert Not rated yet
Kala KA-TE/C Not rated yet
Nalu Hokua, Kimo Jones #228, Kanile K2T, Kala FMT all Tenor Ukuleles Not rated yet
Kamaka Tenor 4 String Not rated yet
Kala KA-FMT Not rated yet
Kala KA-ST Not rated yet
MAHALO Not rated yet
Greg Bennett Not rated yet
Lanikai: Perfect for anyone who doesn't want to spend too much Not rated yet
Mele 6-string tenor Not rated yet
Applause Not rated yet Sorry Lanikai but your instruments live too much with humidity. Today they are OK but tomorrow you can't …...
Flea and an Ohana and soon a Kala Not rated yet I purchased a Stagg ukulele on Ebay …...
My first was a Hilo, then a Lanikai and finally a handmade Concert Uke from Portugal Not rated yet
Mitchell Not rated yet
Leolani Not rated yet
Kala Not rated yet
Kala Not rated yet
Kala Not rated yet Banjo Ukuleles Bushman Ukuleles Cigar Box Ukulele Fender Ukuleles Flea Ukuleles Fluke Ukuleles G-String Ukuleles Gibson Ukuleles Hawaiian Koa Ukuleles Johnson Ukuleles Kala Ukuleles Kala Ubass Kanilea Ukuleles Koa Ukuleles Koaloha Ukuleles Koolau Ukuleles Lanikai Ukuleles Mele Ukuleles Moore Bettah Ukuleles Oscar Schmidt Ukuleles Ou2 Ukuleles Oscar Schmidt ou13 Soprano Ukulele Oscar Schmidt Concert Ukulele ou5 Oscar Schmidt ou53s Baritone Ukulele Pineapple Ukuleles Tahitian Ukuleles Martin Ukuleles Resonator Ukuleles Rogue Baritone Ukuleles RISA Ukuleles Hilo Ukuleles Electric Ukuleles Cordoba Brand Ukuleles Ukulele Concert Cutaway Kamaka Baritone Ukulele Kawika Ukulele Harmony Ukulele Mahalo Ukulele Eleuke Pono Ukulele Big Island Ukulele Vintage Ukuleles Kumalae Ukuleles Augusto Dias Manuel Nunes Return to Home Page from Ukulele Manufacturers Buy a Ukulele | History | Resources| Manufacturers | Ukulele Videos | Favorite Links Contact Us |
