Mark “Spanky’ Gutierrez was given a ‘ukulele by a friend that owns a local second hand guitar store in the spring of 2002. He had no idea how it would impact his life. It was a no name baritone and the intonation was way off beyond the fifth fret but he couldn’t put it down. Mark kept searching for a tune he couldn’t play on the little instrument but there always seemed to be a way to work it out.

The Jazz Uke™ represents the first evolutionary refinement of the ukulele since the Baritone was created. In an attempt to provide serious ukulele players with an instrument which compensates for some of the technical limitations of most standard ukuleles, the Jazz Uke (TM) was designed with a neck that joins the body at the 14th fret, a 17 7/8in scale, cutaway, and arched top.

Mark ‘Spanky’ Gutierrez says... Why you ask? As a very famous rodent once said “because we love you”! I was privy to some great ‘ukulele festivals in the early 2000’s. During that time I met some uke players that were not only great players but they were also great teachers! They had a passion for playing, teaching and they are great people too! I have said it before and I will say it again “uke people are the most open sharing folks you will ever meet. Those early festivals revived a life long passion in me that drove me back to college to get a Music Degree at UNO. I have always felt like I some how owed the ‘ukulele community something back... well here we are!