25 - Ukulele Builders, Luthiers and Manufactures: K

The inspiration came from the Hawaiian Lap Steel. The bluesy, sweet melodious sound that can only be felt here in Hawai'i. We started building Authentic Hawaiian Lap Steel's & Ukulele's right here in Kaka'ako (Honolulu) and we are now part of a greater movement to bring forth the acoustic square neck design that requires no electricity or amp. Otherwise known as a Weissenborn Style guitar, it is an instrument that becomes so inspiring and personal, you will never let it go. Just like the Ukulele, you will find the same satisfaction, with an unlimited amount of potential.

Mike Upton is the founder of Kala Brand Music Co. in northern California. Established in 2005, Kala builds 140-plus models of ukulele, including travel and bass variations.Kala and Makala brand of ukuleles.

Since 1916, Kamaka Hawaii, Inc. has prided itself on producing only ukuleles of the finest quality -- durable, exquisite instruments that improve with age. Like the ukuleles, the company itself continues to withstand the test of time. The company's longevity shows its commitment to both customer and employee alike, and reflects other important values as well.

"Kamoa Ukulele Company" is dedicated to building high quality bell tone instruments. Our "One player at a time"; philosophy is the basis for the countless experiences that will resonate with you for years to come through the lifelong enjoyment of music on your Kamoa ukulele. From Exceptional student models priced around $100 up to divine custom masterpieces, we have a tailored Kamoa experience ready for you whether you are a true beginner or ukulele master.

We specialize in standard to professional grade musical instruments. Each ukulele is finely hand crafted using the highest grade, well-seasoned wood and scaled to produce a perfect intonation. These instruments are meticulously built by skilled craftsmen, under the guidance of Master Luthier, Joseph Souza. Our state of the art, humidity controlled facilities in Kaneohe, Hawaii allows Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele balance “Traditions and Technologies”. Every ‘ukulele comes with a 100% customer satisfaction, money back guarantee and our industry leading limited lifetime warranty.

No matter how you travel, it's still you going.

No matter how you travel, it's still you going.

**David Hurd**, who majored in chemistry, became an oceanographer in part on a whim. His senior year, he saw his first surf movie — Bruce Brown’s Surfing Hollow Days — in McGregory, he recalls. Then he saw an ad for the brand-new department of oceanography at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. Still sniffling from his umpteenth bout with the flu and nasty colds, he thought, “There is a better life. Aloha to Chenango Valley.

---

Please note that David Hurd have retired from active ukulele making and are no longer taking orders or doing repairs. David’s web site is a wealth of ukulele information.

No matter how you travel, it's still you going.

No matter how you travel, it's still you going.

No matter how you travel, it's still you going.

No matter how you travel, it's still you going.

Kepasa Ukuleles are custom made by Kevin Crossett in Middlesex, VT. Kepasa ukuleles are available in soprano, concert and tenor models, many of which are inspired by vintage ukuleles such as the LeDomino, Hollywood, Vita, and other makes and models from the mainland yesteryear. The Kepasa Madeira is influenced by the Dias style soprano, and the Kepasa Gypsy Rose is influenced by the early Selmer-Maccaferri gypsy guitars. All models are optionally available with the Mi-Si Acoustic Trio pickup system, as well as other pickup options. Kevin is also the owner of The GuitarSam music store in Montpelier, Vermont

My second home, Maui, and many years in ocean sports both on the mainland and the Islands naturally led me to the beauty of the Polynesian culture including slack-key guitar and ukulele.

Michael J King’s Modern MJK Soprano ukuleles instruments are inspired by the Martin 3/5K models of the 1930’s, though with less inlay on the fingerboard(just abalone side markers) and Maple bindings rather than plastics.

Nestled in the foothills of northern San Diego County, just inland from the coast, sits the small village of Fallbrook, California. Known for its mild climate and laid back lifestyle, artisans of different genres cultivate their craft inspired by the beauty of the valleys and mountains that surround the town.

On November 1, 2011, Kiwaya USA changed its name to Takumi Ukulele Company. As Takumi Ukulele Company continues to build a strong company to supply and service our customers around the world, we feel it is important to present a clear consistent image and direction.

KoAloha is proud to be regarded and recognized as one of the premier ukulele builders in Hawaii. Founder, Alvin S. Okami, has been called by many a modern day “Renaissance Man.” He is an inventor, an innovator, a composer/arranger, a singer, an accomplished oboist, an industrial designer, graphic designer, and overall brilliant conceptual and spontaneous idea man.

Saul Koll grew up in southern California just north of Los Angeles in a town called Newhall. He always had an interest in how things were made and what made things work. While other kids were playing sports, Saul was in the garage taking expensive toys apart and gluing the components into new weird new contraptions. At 12 he started to play the guitar and his compulsive tendencies were then directed to learning the instrument. It was about this time that he found a book on guitar making at the library in Redondo Beach. It was Classic Guitar Construction by Irving Sloan. One of the earliest writings on the subject and as it turns out eventually very influential.(Notice how even at the beach, Saul was at the library!) Saul found the book intriguing but beyond his skills at age 12. He continued his guitar studies and school and all the usual teenage stuff.

"Ko'olau Guitars and 'Ukuleles" are professional quality, hand crafted instruments. The shop is located in Kaneohe, on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii, approximately fifteen minutes from Honolulu, at the foot of the the beautiful Ko'olau Mountains.

Whatever You’d like to ask for - perhaps a jazz-mandola, bouzoukis, speciality guitars small or big, A or F mandolins, tenor guitars, ukuleles, a mando-uke, banjos, electric guitars and mandolins, carved tops and backs, fancy woods, custom inlays, french polish... whatever you’ve seen in the books or heard of... don’t hesitate to ask for your own special instrument. There will be a way to make your dream come true at a reasonable price!

Ken Potts has a DVD Building the Hawaiian Ukulele...

Orpheus Valley Guitars and Kremona Studio violins are the product of Bulgaria’s venerable Kremona lutherie, established in 1924. Enjoying continued success in many parts of the world, Kremona now offers their traditional European craftsmanship to North America. Recognized for superb build quality and solution-oriented pricing, Kremona musical instruments remain one of the industry’s astonishing values.

koki’o is the brand-new Asian series of the German quality manufacturer RISA Musical Instruments. RISA has been number one for electric Ukuleles worldwide for more than 10 years. We consequently follow our target to offer high quality instruments for a reasonable price with this new series of acoustic Ukuleles. The specification contains product features which are unknown for Ukuleles in this price range. Even the reasonable colored entry series features many highlights for a low price:

KLOS Guitars was born as an answer to the question of why are carbon fiber guitars so expensive. Hand crafted with extreme precision in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, our guitars blend the practical with the elegant. We keep the neck out of mahogany and blackwood so that your fingers have a familiar feel while making the body and soundboard out of durable carbon fiber. This hybrid wood and carbon fiber approach lets us keep the price well under $1000 for our acoustic model, while still producing a compact, durable, and great sounding travel guitar. Our #keepitKLOS philosophy is that music is meant to always be around us, so grab your guitar and take it with you everywhere you go!