Learning Ukulele with Curt

30 - Ukulele Builders, Luthiers and Manufactures: B

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Luthier / Company Associations

Badley Made Ukes

BadleyMadeUkes

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Listing Info

from the Badley Made Ukes web site

Badley Made Ukes are meant to be played and enjoyed. We love to see these beautiful instruments and their music makers out and about. Please send us pictures of you and your uke and any special story you want to share.

Jack Badley, is a craftsman and musician, who has had an interest making musical instruments since his high school days. The path that lead Jack to Badley Made Ukes has had many turns, from building pianos, cabinets and in more recent years, guitars. Building guitars rekindled his love for music, inspiring him to join a band, and when a fellow band member brought home a ukulele from a trip to Hawaii in July 2011 to incorporate into their music, little did he know that Badley Made Ukes would soon follow.

During one evening practice, a fellow band member turned to Jack and said "you need to make an electric ukuele." That was all it took to start the wheels turning, and with the input, design and the luxury of a beautiful wood working shop of another friend, the first Badley Made Uke was created.

These are not your traditional ukuleles. Each ukulele is a hand-crafted one of a kind instrument made from upcycled materials.

More information available on the Badley Made Ukes's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Joseph Bandy, Bandy Studios

BandyJ

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Listing Info

from the Joseph Bandy, Bandy Studios web site

I custom build and repair guitars in my own shop and I couldn’t be happier. I thoroughly enjoy creating these instruments. I pay absurdly close attention to detail, but the result is very worth the extra time. My work has become my meditation as well as my creative outlet. Without it, I would be lost. And without my friends, family, and the others who have believed in me and supported my endeavors, none of this would have been possible.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bonanza Ukuleles

BonanzaUkuleles

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Listing Info

from the Bonanza Ukuleles web site

Offering a full line of ukuleles crafted from Wilsonart HiDef laminate. The unique sound will amaze.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Banjo Uke Kiwi

BanjoUkeKiwi

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Listing Info

from the Banjo Uke Kiwi web site

We are located in township of Russell, a picturesque township in the Bay of Islands along the Northland coast of New Zealand. Russell is renowned both as a fishing centre and as a holiday town with many historical interest.

BanjoUke started in 2012 with a radical thought – that we two, Curt & Ed, could develop and make a great banjolele that people could afford.

One that sounded as good as it looked, at a price far less than anyone else. It was a big ask, but we were totally confident we could do it.

We worked for a year – made 10 different models until we were satisfied. Voila – Our first hand made BanjoUkes!

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Barron River Guitars

BarronRiverGuitars

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Listing Info

from the Barron River Guitars web site

Every instrument is fully hand made from select timbers and finished to the highest of standards. Owning a hand built instrument made to your specifications is easier than you may think and happy to discuss your options and ideas for a custom built instrument. It’s just part of the service that you should expect when commissioning a build, or buying an instrument that I have in stock.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Beansprout Musical Instruments

BeanSprout

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Listing Info

from the Beansprout Musical Instruments web site

Aaron will be Beansprout Musical Instruments in early 2018.

If you are looking for a ukulele or banjo ukulele built by Aaron Keim, go to www.myamoe.com

Aaron will be Beansprout Musical Instruments in early 2018.

If you are looking for a ukulele or banjo ukulele built by Aaron Keim, go to www.myamoe.com

More information available on the Beansprout Musical Instruments's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bear Creek Guitars

BearCreekGuitars

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Listing Info

from the Bear Creek Guitars web site

In Hawaii, the Ukulele is an important part of the history and culture. It is the instrument that many Hawaiian school children learn, and continue to play throughout their lives. Bear Creek Ukuleles are precisely made, with sturdy but light construction, and fine detail. These are not miniature guitars. Every facet of the instrument is scaled down to the thicknesses and dimensions of the originals, creating a sound that is sweet, punchy and responsive. They’re made with Hawaiian Koa: either highly figured or straight grain Koa is available.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

BeaverCreek Guitars

BeaverCreekGuitars

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Listing Info

from the BeaverCreek Guitars web site

The manufacturer of BeaverCreek guitars has over 30 years of experience in designing, building, and distributing instruments worldwide. They continue to manufacture for several well known and respected brand names in the music industry.

In 2001, the BeaverCreek guitar brand was born and distribution, marketing, and sales efforts were targeted in the Canadian market. BeaverCreek offers a wide range of instruments that fill many product niches. These guitars are affordable solutions for one’s musical desire, interest, and curiosity.

More information available on the BeaverCreek Guitars's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Beltona Resonator Instruments

Beltona

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Listing Info

from the Beltona Resonator Instruments web site

Beltona began as a partnership between Steve Evans and Bill Johnson in the UK in 1990. A luthier and engineer respectively and sharing an interest in resonator instruments, they set out to produce a couple of instruments for themselves replicating the best features of the originals but also making adjustments and improvements where they were needed.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Benoit de Bretagne

BenoitdeBretagne

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Listing Info

from the Benoit de Bretagne web site

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Big Island Ukulele Co

BigIslandUkuleleCo

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Listing Info

from the Big Island Ukulele Co web site

<img class="float-left" src="/images/logos/H/logo-HonuUkulele.png" alt="logo-HonuUkulele.png" width="61" height="68" />The company was started to fill a need in the market for reasonably-priced, very high quality solid koa ukuleles. Having roots deep in Hawaii in the forestry industry supplying Hawaiian koa to ukulele makers around the world, we felt we could capitalize on our ability to supply high quality koa at an affordable cost for our own line of instruments. Decades of experience in the wood industry working with some of the finest luthiers in the world gave us a special insight into and access to one of the most important parts of an instrument- the wood! You cannot ever build an excellent instrument if you don&rsquo;t start with excellent wood.

This is where our main competitive advantage lies- we are our own source of koa and other local Hawaiian tonewoods. From harvesting the tree to distributing our own instruments- we leave out all the typical middlemen and offer those savings directly to the customer without sacrificing quality! All of our koa is harvested from the Big Island of Hawaii in a manner consistent with best management practices and abiding by the Forest Stewardship Certification (FSC) standards.

More information available on the Big Island Ukulele Co's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bill Tapia Ukuleles

BillTapiaUkuleles

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Listing Info

from the Bill Tapia Ukuleles web site

Bill Tapia(tm) was celebrated worldwide as the 'Duke of Uke'. He performed with Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, and just about everyone who was anyone in the early Hawaiian music scene.

He taught ukulele to Shirley Temple, Clark Gable and many others from Hollywood's Golden Era. In Bill's hands, the ukulele became a magical instrument.

Now, you can create magic of your own. Built to Bill's exacting standards, Bill Tapia ukuleles will take you wherever you want to go, musically. Bill never compromised with his music and neither do his signature ukuleles.

Each instrument is hand-crafted, using rigorous construction methods to ensure great sound, high quality, and sublime playability.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bischoff Guitars & Ukulele

BischoffGuitars

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Listing Info

from the Bischoff Guitars & Ukulele web site

After studying performance on saxophone and guitar in the University of Wisconsin system, Gordon Bischoff proceeded to receive training in violin repair in 1974 at Redwing Technical College in Redwing, Minnesota. Using the skills and techniques from that training and incorporating every bit of printed material available on the subject he went on to pursue his true interest...guitars.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Black Bear Ukuleles

BlackBearUkuleles

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Listing Info

from the Black Bear Ukuleles web site

My name is Duane Heilman, and I am a luthier and owner of Black Bear Guitars and Ukuleles, a one man shop located in Yakima, Washington, in the U.S. I have been designing, building, and repairing stringed instruments since 1991, and creating ukuleles since 1998. My designs and construction techniques have grown out of years of study and observation of vintage and modern ukes. I try to incorporate my own artistic sense into each instrument as well, and sometimes the results can be quite different and full of surprises -- even to me!

I make only one-of-a-kind type ukes, and offer them for sale on here, on eBay under items by seller &ldquo;<a href="http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZfolkmusic" target="_blank">folkmusic&rdquo;</a>&nbsp;and on Jim Beloff&rsquo;s Flea Market Music web site under the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/marketplace/default.asp" target="_blank">Marketplace Ads.</a> I also make guitars and other instruments. If time permits, I take an occasional commission or order.

More information available on the Black Bear Ukuleles's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Blackbird Guitars

BlackbirdGuitars

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Listing Info

from the Blackbird Guitars web site

<img class="float-left mr-4" src="/images/ukulele/Blackbird-Ukulele-persective.png" alt="" width="122" height="112" />Blackbird Guitars was founded by Joe Luttwak and Kyle Wolfe and now includes fellow designer Troy Stevens. After years searching for a compact guitar worth bringing along for the ride, all they could find was thin sounding and fragile. Eventually they realized that none of the established companies would tackle this problem so they decided to do it themselves.

It started innocently enough with the typical design process: produce as many ideas as possible and prototype them. It helped having all the latest tools such as three-dimensional CAD (computer-aided design), computer controlled laser cutters and routers as well as advanced materials such as carbon-fiber, and structural foams. Also being based in the San Francisco Bay Area meant access to many of worlds great steel-string luthiers who consulted and encouraged the project along so development continued. It quickly became clear that their non-traditional backgrounds were resulting in radically new directions. The result was part mountain dulcimer and part F1 race car that harmoniously balanced technology with traditional craftsmanship. All Blackbird Guitars are built in our shop in San Francisco overlooking the Bay.

More information available on the Blackbird Guitars's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bluegrass Ukuleles

BluegrassUkuleles

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Listing Info

from the Bluegrass Ukuleles web site

Bluegrass Ukuleles is a two man custom ukulele shop located in Louisville, KY. Playing and building over 40 years has brought us to a passion for building ukuleles. Although our specialty in the last few years has been cigar box tenors, we also build traditional ukes ranging from mahogany to koa wood.

Bluegrass Ukuleles is a two man custom ukulele shop located in Louisville, KY. Playing and building over 40 years has brought us to a passion for building ukuleles. Although our specialty in the last few years has been cigar box tenors, we also build traditional ukes ranging from mahogany to koa wood.

More information available on the Bluegrass Ukuleles's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Blue Maui Ukulele

BlueMauiUkulele

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Listing Info

from the Blue Maui Ukulele web site

John (Colly) Norman was born in the late 40&rsquo;s and grew up in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida. &ldquo;When I was 18, hanging around as a teenager in Miami, I had a friend named Skip Ruck whose brother was always in their parents&rsquo; garage building guitars. Though I never met the brother, the idea of building a musical instrument intrigued me throughout the next thirty five years of construction, custom woodworking, aviation, and other creative endeavors.&rdquo;

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Blue Star Guitar Co.

BlueStarGuitarCo

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Listing Info

from the Blue Star Guitar Co. web site

Allen Woody and Bruce Herron co-designed the original Konablaster electric soprano ukulele using these scientific means: The body is a tracing of a canned ham, and the peghead is shaped like a Pineapple! Hawaiian fare at its best! The scale is 14" and is tuned either high G (re-entrant) tuning, or drop G.

One single coil pickup and one volume - simplicity at its finest. The original bridge was the now infamous 30-06 shell casing. This is not intonatable and thus slightly dissonant - just like Woody thought it should be. As ukuleles generally go strapless, we covered the sides and back with Ozite amplifier carpet for Non-slip Comfort. Deluxe models can come with a thru-body bridge with adjustable saddles for spot-on intonation. Std. models still use the empty shell casing - should damage occur, you can still find a replacement shell anywhere in the world! And it's just Kool!

More information available on the Blue Star Guitar Co.'s web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bohemian Guitars

BohemianGuitars

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Listing Info

from the Bohemian Guitars web site

Bohemian Guitars is an Atlanta-based guitar manufacturer that creates one-of-a-kind electric guitars, basses, mandolins, and ukuleles, using unconventional materials such as vintage oil cans and lunch boxes. Founded by brothers Adam and Shaun Lee who grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company was inspired by the resourceful residents of the local townships who re-purpose used materials into playable instruments.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Boulder Creek Guitars

BoulderCreekGuitars

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Listing Info

from the Boulder Creek Guitars web site

Boulder Creek Guitars&nbsp;was the born from an idea that was developed over 15 years ago by Mike Shellhammer. Mike, having spent his life in the music industry as a musician, store owner and product developer felt that there was a better way to brace a guitar than what was considered standard.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Box-A-LeLe Company (the )

Box-A-LeLeCompany(the)

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Listing Info

from the Box-A-LeLe Company (the ) web site

As a pioneer in uke-innovation, Ray came to worldwide prominence by creating a ukulele out of a Campbell’s Soup can (The Warhol Soup-A-Lele) and inventing the “Lunchbox-A-Lele,” (a ukulele/lunchbox... suitable for playing and carrying your sandwich and music book) followed by appearances on numerous International, national and local TV, radio, Internet news programs and talkshows. His pieces have been featured and displayed the world-over in numerous art gallery and museum exhibits.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Breedlove Guitars

BreedloveGuitars

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Listing Info

from the Breedlove Guitars web site

Breedlove Guitars was established in 1990 by luthiers Larry Breedlove and Steve Henderson, while working at Taylor Guitars. After moving to Oregon, Breedlove and Henderson began specializing in custom, fingerstyle six and twelve string guitars. In 1991 the first Breedlove guitar model appeared, after experiments with the JLD bridge truss system and various bracing techniques. Around 1994, Larry&lsquo;s brother, Kim Breedlove, joined Larry and Steve as a master craftsman. Breedlove strives to be environmentally conscious, and is &ldquo;dedicated to selecting alternatives to endangered rainforest woods.&rdquo; Breedlove has since expanded to include mandolins and ukuleles.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Brian May Guitars

BrianMayGuitars

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Listing Info

from the Brian May Guitars web site

"Brian May Guitars" has a concert model ukulele, designed by the Queen guitar legend himself. With a body shape reflecting the double cutaway curves of May's iconic Red Special guitar, the antique cherry colour is also a nod to his famous instrument.

The Brian May Uke (usually £225 but currently with a special introductory price of £195 on the Brian May Guitars site) is constructed with sapele back and sides with a spruce top. It’s also ready for the stage with an under-saddle piezo pickup and Fishman KULA preamp.

To order or find out more visit www.BrianMayGuitars.co.uk

Brian May Guitars has a concert model ukulele, designed by the Queen guitar legend himself.

With a body shape reflecting the double cutaway curves of May's iconic Red Special guitar, the antique cherry colour is also a nod to his famous instrument.

More information available on the Brian May Guitars's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Dale's Ukuleles

BrownDale

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Listing Info

from the Dale's Ukuleles web site

The Daluke&nbsp;(derived from Dale&rsquo;s Ukuleles) journey began over a decade ago when Dale made his first ukulele. His goal has always to been to build from the finest of woods, displaying the beauty found in each piece. Although luthier techniques have many commonalities, Dale has developed his own unique building style including many jigs and tools to improve his craft.

<span>Over the years his ukuleles have been constructed from a variety of woods including mahogany, curly maple, redwood, poplar, koa, myrtle, rosewood, and elm. Each wood offers its own beauty and tonal quality. A series of elm ukuleles was made from a neighbor&rsquo;s tree that had to be removed due to disease. The neighbor is a single mom who was heartbroken to see the tree go. Dale&rsquo;s first ukulele from the tree was presented to her as a gift giving her a lasting memento of the great tree.</span> <span>Many Daluke ukuleles have been raffled for charitable causes raising over $25,000 to date. This is one way Dale feels he can help bless others.</span>

More information available on the Dale's Ukuleles's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bruko Ukuleles

BrukoUkuleles

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Listing Info

from the Bruko Ukuleles web site

There are more than 100 years of experience in every Br&uuml;ko ukulele. The tradition of our family business began in 1890, when master luthier Alois Kollitz started producing violins and working up tone woods in Rothau (Sudetenland).

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Brunkalla Fine Stringed Instruments

BrunkallaMartinF

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Listing Info

from the Brunkalla Fine Stringed Instruments web site

One-of-a-kind 4-string, 5-string violins &amp; violas, mandolins, bows, acoustic guitars, ukuleles and unique accessories, hand made in the shop of Brunkalla Violins.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bucks County Folk Music Shop

BucksMusicCompany

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Listing Info

from the Bucks County Folk Music Shop web site

Since 1966, we have been serving the music community through our Retail Store, Repair Shop, Teaching Center and Manufacturing Facility. The heart of our business is focused on all things related to acoustic music. We specialize in, but are not limited to, Folk, Bluegrass, Irish, Native American and World music.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bugs Gear (Stringnet Co., Ltd)

BugsGear

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from the Bugs Gear (Stringnet Co., Ltd) web site

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Jason Burns Instrument Repair

BurnsInstrumentRepair

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Listing Info

from the Jason Burns Instrument Repair web site

We offer complete services in repair and restorations. We service guitars, violins, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and most all stringed instruments. If you have any questions about our service please feel free to contact us.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

Bushman Ukuleles

BushmanUkuleles

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Listing Info

from the Bushman Ukuleles web site

Bushman Music Works, know as a harmonica company started a line of ukuleles, Bushman Ukulele. Later sold to a company in CA. No word on what's going on with the brand as of 2020.

I don't believe the Bushman Ukulele is being manufactures.

More information available on the Bushman Ukuleles's web site.

Even more information, discussion and comments on this listing below.

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Just browsing over both books, they look fantastic! I'm a guitarist and uke player for over 25 years and was thinking about writing a ukulele book but you've already written what I think are the best, most comprehensive and thorough books I've ever seen for the instrument. I just might end up buying every book you've written and I'll be giving my highest recommendation for your books to my friends and students. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such great books!Peter Rhee

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