Dave's Extravagant Ukuleles: February 2018

Ukulele Manifesto

While most ukuleles look like mini guitars, other popular forms have emerged--the Bell, the Pineapple, the Fluke. The variety may be due to the uke's reputation as a whimsical, "fun" instrument, inspiring non-conformity in design; and the uke's small size makes design experiments cheaper and easier.

For someone like me who likes to design and make things of wood, and who also likes ukulele music, the uke's design possibilities have proven irresistible. I have not been immune to the whimsy factor either. The results, you see here on this blog.

I make ukuleles at 2nd Chance Wood Co. in Durand, MI (https://www.facebook.com/pg/2ndchancewood/posts/?ref=page_internal) . The ukes are made entirely of recycled wood from old Michigan barns and urban reclaimed wood. The instruments are for sale at the 2nd Chance store in Durand, MI. Individuals or dealers may also contact me at raberdavid@yahoo.com.

Saturday, February 24, 2018

It's a Michi-lele!

The Michi-lele is a concert-size ukulele with a body shaped like Michigan's lower peninsula and a headstock shaped like the UP. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHY? Why not? I enjoyed working out the design and putting it all together, it's a joy to behold, it sounds sweet (IMHO), and hey--it's Michigan! Both peninsulas! For a real thrill, Michiganders, float this in a tub of water and there is our state in its natural surroundings. This version has a top and back of spalted maple

The Music Corner

The Music Corner at 2nd Chance Wood Co. as of November of last year. One of my favorite newer types that I have built is second from the left, a soprano I call the Brandy Bottle Ukulele, this one made entirely of black walnut. I like the simple monochrome scheme, and the walnut seems to be a good "sound wood."

The Cat's Eye and Other Ukuleles

First ukes I made about a year and a half ago. Far left and right, two different versions of the Cat's Eye Ukukule--the body shaped like a cat's eye, the headstock a cat's head. Cute, huh? On the second version I decreased the sound hole size to increase volume. Second from the left is a Texalele--self-explanatory. This I made to go to a 2nd Chance Wood Co. spin-off store down in Austin (store since closed).Second from the right--this one I call a Fat Triangle. Thought I came up with this shape on my own, but it turns out a uke similar to this was made in the 20s. This particular one has sound holes formed by actual knot-holes in the wood (which is cedar).