Stories

Uke Tales: Pixie Dust, 1,000 Beansprouts, Defining Jazz, Your Favorite Ukulele

This edition of Uke Tales features your responses to our queries about favorite ukes and jazz music, plus some heartwarming personal stories. Thanks for writing in!

Great Ukes: Gibson’s Creative and Innovative Ukuleles are Still Sought After by Collectors

Gibson ukes are not just instruments but artifacts of artistry, innovation, and the enduring charm of the Jazz Age.

Ukulele Magazine Editor’s Note: Summer 2026

Considering its size, it’s no surprise that the ukulele travels well. And while it is remarkable how quickly it is often embraced when introduced to a new culture, that’s not exactly surprising, either. Something I am continually amazed by, however,…

Great Ukes: The Guckert Jazuke’s Experimental Design Intended to Bring a Banjo-Uke Sound to Jazz Groups

Created sometime in the early 1920s, the Jazuke is basically a hybrid banjo ukulele with an odd design.

Jim Beloff’s ‘mid-century modern’ Explores Hope, Loss, and Joy with a Healthy Dose of Tasteful Jazz

A wistful thread weaves through the songs, pulled by a needle of hope.

Jefferson Ukes Were Eye-Catching, Cheap, and Durable Enough to Overlook Their Awful Sound

Some of the most enjoyable ukuleles on the planet weren’t made to be great-sounding. Take a look!

Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group and Ukulele Kids Club Brighten Lives of Children in Hospitals

Ukulele Kids Club has grown into a global effort that has provided nearly 17,000 instruments to hospitalized children.

Remembering Uncle Zac

Both in his professional career and personal life, Peter Zaccagnino (aka Uncle Zac) inspired as many people as he could to play the ukulele.

Uke Makers: Tomas Braverman Draws from his Furniture-Making Background to Craft Museum-Quality Ukuleles in Hawaii

Learn about this unique woodworker and his unusual path to making fine ukuleles.

Build Story: The Process, Makers, and Pros and Cons Behind Commissioning a Custom Ukulele

A look at the process, how long it takes to get a custom instrument, how much it costs, and how to make sure you get just what you’re looking for.