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Ukuleles

Ukuleles come in several different sizes. The smallest and most common is the 'standard' or 'soprano' size.  A variation on the standard is the 'pineapple' ukulele, which is a solid oval shape, unlike the "figure eight" shape of the standard.

 

The next largest size is the 'concert' size, which is slightly larger and has a longer scale length.  After that comes the 'tenor' size, which again is slightly larger and has a longer scale length,  and which is available in 4, 6, and 8-string configurations. 

 

The 6 and 8-strings are still in four courses,  just with two doubled courses on the 6-string tuned an octave apart,  and four doubled courses on the 8-string, two being an octave apart and two in unison. 

 

The most common Hawaiian tuning for the standard, concert, and tenor  is G-C-E-A from low to high.  The largest ukulele is the 'baritone', which is tuned D-G-B-E.

 

A couple of other sites for ukuleles enthusiasts to check out would be www.fleamarketmusic.com and www.ukuleles.com .  Both places have lots of information to browse through.  Whether you are trying to identify a ukulele's make or just trying to find some kindred spirits, you will find  them there!

 

Kamaka Ukuleles                       Lanikai/Kala Ukuleles                Applause Ukuleles 

C.F. Martin and Company          Koaloha Ukuleles                       The  Magic  Fluke  Company

 

Kamaka Ukuleles

Probably the most well known of the Hawaiian made brands, the Kamaka family have been producing Hawaiian koa instruments since the very beginning.  They have seen the ukulele go through waves of popularity in the 1920's, the 1950's, and now, in the 1990's.  All Kamaka ukuleles are made from Hawaiian koa and most of them use Schaller friction-style tuning machines.  

Our delivery time runs approximately 2 months.   Please call or e-mail for current stock information. 

    HF1 Standard              HP1 Pineapple            HF2 Concert              HF3 Tenor 4, 6, 8             HF-4 Baritone

       

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C.F. Martin and Company

The most famous name in the history of the American steel string guitar,  also enjoys popularity in the world of ukuleles.  Like many instrument makers, Martin took advantage of the ukulele craze of the 1920's and produced several models utilizing all mahogany construction on standard models and Hawaiian koa construction on some deluxe models.  Many of these ukuleles are prized as collector's items. 

In the summer of 2000, they reintroduced the Style O standard ukulele out of their Mexican facility.  Please call or e-mail us for availability.

Currently, the Martin company are producing three models.  The SO Standard ukulele is a solid mahogany ukulele being made out of their Mexican facility.  In Nazareth, they recently introduced two limited edition models, the Style 5K and the Style 5 Daisy.  The Style 5K is a recreation of their top-of-the-line ukulele made from solid flamed Hawaiian koa and a special "torch" head stock inlay.  The Style 5 Daisy is a recreation of a special ukulele made for the wife of C.F. Martin III.  It shares the same appointments as the 5K, but uses rare solid figured mahogany in it's construction. 

For 2008, Martin rolled out three new ukuleles based on their Style 3 sopranos.  Each one shared the multi-ply bindings and special appointments of the venerable Style 3s, but using three different body woods.  The three tone woods are figured Hawaiian Koa, solid mahogany, and solid cherry wood.

 

    SO    Standard or Soprano Ukulele NEW  (Mex.) 

 

 

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The Magic Fluke Company

A newcomer to the world of instrument manufacturing, the Magic Fluke Company has taken the ukulele market by storm.  It started out with an idea and a desire by "Jumpin' Jim" Beloff to promote ukuleles as a serious instrument.   While championing his cause with own line of instructional books and videos under his own Flea Market Music company,  Jim discovered there was not a single "decent" beginner's ukulele out in the market place.   So, the "Fluke" was born.   

While it's looks are unconventional, it's sound and playability will astound you!   Utilizing a one piece synthetic back/sides "bowl" and a phenolic finger board, the company was able to bring to market a concert sized instrument for less than $200 with a carrying bag.  It currently comes in six standard colors, six custom finishes, and a pickup option.  In our opinion, it represents the best price/performance value in the market today.

Now, we introduce the "Flea",   a soprano sized ukulele with a look and sound of it's own!  The Flea also comes with a redesigned carrying bag, four color options,  and a lower price point!

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Koaloha Ukuleles

Koaloha is a relative newcomer to the world of ukulele making.  Nevertheless, they have quickly established themselves in the market place with unique features, both inside and outside.  They have all Hawaiian koa construction, Schaller friction-style tuning machines, oval sound holes, and a unique heel shape.

         Standard or Soprano Koa Ukulele   

        "Pineapple" shaped Koa Ukulele     

        Concert Koa Ukulele

        Tenor Ukuleles!                      

 

            
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Applause Ukuleles

Applause is made by the Ovation company in their facilities outside of the USA, in Korea.  The aim is to produce Ovation's famous round back designed instruments at a more affordable price.  The quality and the construction of these instruments are incredible.  Standard and Tenor sizes are available with various finishes and pickup options. 

               

 

Lanikai and Kala Ukuleles

For years, we have searched for a ukulele line that would be meet our high standards of workmanship and playability, while being affordable for the would-be uke virtuoso.  Well, we found two!  We are pleased to introduce the Lanikai and Kala brands of ukuleles.  The Lanikai ukuleles have great playability, sound, and at a price that might surprise you.  Lanikai ukes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.  The Kala ukuleles feature the same qualities as the Lanikai brand, plus some unique looking models in various color/multi-string combinations.                                                                      

   

Standard Ukulele                                  Tenor 6 Ukulele

Concert Ukulele                                    Tenor 6 Ukulele w/Pickup

Tenor 4 Ukulele                                    Tenor 8 Ukulele

Tenor 4 Ukulele w/Pickup                    Tenor 8 Ukulele w/Pickup

                   

 
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ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF FASHION...

You've probably seen them in your town.  They've extended their reach beyond the Hawaiian Islands, across the United States, Canada, Japan, and the world!  People have traveled great distances to acquire them....tourists buy them by the dozen to take home a little Hawaii with them.  Introducing the official ISLAND GUITARS T-SHIRT!!  Available in many colors and sizes.  Call or E-mail us for more info!

 

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