For more than 20 years, esteemed U.K. luthier Pete Howlett has been building world-class ukes, often generating lengthy customer waiting lists in the process. When he began, he made an “open declaration” that he would retire from building once he hit…
Bohemian Guitars has made quite a splash with its oilcan-bodied instruments, which have already landed in the hands of artists from G. Love to Valerie June to Hozier. Just recently, the company unveiled its Boho Series 2.0, and included in…
Ukulele magazine friend and contributor Lil Rev—who performs and teaches across the country with his uke, harmonica, and warm smile—is taking a break from work to care for his wife Carol, who is in treatment for lung cancer. The Milwaukee-based family, which includes…
By Kenny Berkowitz They’re young, they’re phenomenally talented, and they’re dreaming of becoming the next Jake Shimabukuro. And why shouldn’t they? Meet the future stars of Hawaiian ukulele. Brittni Paiva Hometown: Hilo, Hawaii Covers: “Boogie Woogie Bossa Nova,” “Somewhere Over…
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By Audrey Coleman Photography courtesy of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra It’s not that nobody has ever thought of writing a concerto for the ukulele. In 1999, the Wallingford (Connecticut) Symphony Orchestra commissioned uke player-composer Jim Beloff to write Uke Can’t Be Serious:…
Portland-based luthier Mark Roberts, who builds custom ukuleles recognized for their tone and signature side sound ports, got quite a surprise in March when he received a message through his website regarding a new commission. It was from Coca-Cola’s advertising…
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By Elizabeth Robson / From the Winter 2014 issue of Ukulele Magazine For many people, the cheery ukulele might seem the antithesis of punk rock’s loud, angry attitude, but to a growing number of punkers in the United Kingdom, the…
Kala has added two new ukuleles to its already extensive line of 200 models. The Kala Comfort Edge Tenors are designed to allow a player’s forearm and wrist to rest comfortably on the edge of the uke while playing. The Comfort Edge comes in…