Dave's Extravagant Ukuleles: September 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.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Camp Ukulele

Making a new ukulele type based on the camp style ukulele of the 1920s. Mostly I like to do completely original designs, but this venerable old chestnut deserves a reiteration. It's beauty is its simplicity. It's round, that's it. I wanted to make it extra durable like it would actually be used at summer camp by the campfire or maybe taken out to the beach, so the construction is somewhat heavy. We'll see how it sounds. Should be done next week. I'll offer it for sale at Etsy--https://www.etsy.com/shop/DExtraUkuleles?ref=search_shop_redirect