This is the second ukulele in my limited series "Up in the Air." For the series, each ukulele will be a unique work that will not be repeated, and the number of ukes will be limited to ten. Some will be custom-built, as I get requests, and some I will just build and offer as they are completed. For more info, email raberdavid@yahoo.com.
The Raindrop has a good sized body, with strong volume and a pleasing tone.
As a maker I am into "extravagant" shapes for the ukulele, and that applies to this instrument especially because it defies one major law for stringed instruments: It is asymmetrical (free form).
Dimensions: Approx. 26"x 8 3/4" x 2 5/8"
MICHI-LELE, Concert. $398
For those not familiar with my work, let me just say, this uke may fall into the category of a "novelty" instrument, but it is by no means meant to be just a toy or a conversation piece--or something for proud Michiganders to display on the mantelpiece---it is a real instrument that can be used every day for any kind of music people play on the ukulele. It is well-built and sounds great!
This concert-sized Michi-lele with a dramatic Spalted Maple top and back would be a great gift for any proud Michigan resident who loves to play the ukulele, or as a very special musical gift for a kid--, or perhaps for a player with a few ukes already, and looking to add a very unique item to a personal collection.
Dimensions: Approx. 2"x 8 " x 2 "
Here's a link to a dedicated uke player who received a Michi-lele as a gift some years ago. I guess he likes his Michi-lele, because he has used it for several songs on his YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFqIG8RgZFM
MICHI-LELE, Tenor, $434
(Also see common info in the concert size listing above.)
A sweet-sounding Michi-lele for a larger hand or anyone who prefers the tenor size. Figured Maple top and back.
Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 8 1/2" x 26 3/4"
This uke in the basic form of a
lute is aimed a the
Renaissance Fair audience as an instrument worthy taking to the fair as a part of the cosplay outift--and providing not only the look but the music, since this instrument of four strings, tuned and sized like a tenor ukulele, is suitable for any type of music, including genuine Renaissance or Medieval ballads. "
Greensleeves," for one, sounds great strummed on this uke, and I can provide a fine chord arrangement along with it, on request.
This uke with its fulsome, shapely body puts out a robust, sweet noise indeed--a great accompaniment for folk and jazz songs as well, and suited to both the casual and expert player.
The top is made of Birdseye Maple, the back of stripy Western Red Cedar for the look of a lute back.
Dimensions: Approx 26" x 9" x 2 1/2"
The Michi-lele is the most popular type of uke I build--with a body shaped like the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, the "Mitten," and a head stock shaped like the Upper Peninsula, the "UP." Recently I started building the Yooperlele, with the peninsulas reversed--the correct arrangement, no doubt, according to folks who see the remote, wilder UP as the more important part of the state (and this is not only people born and bred Yoopers, I'm sure.)
Dimensions: Approx 25" x 8" x 2"
--Yooper resident or native Yooper in exile--Your Total Price: $350--
PENNY SHIELD, Soprano, $329
The US Mint stopped making new pennies last November, and I took this event as an opportunity to memorialize the one-cent coin--with an original design based on the shield emblem appearing on the latest type of penny. A feeling of nostalgia, I guess, plus my continual quest to create new and interesting forms for the ukulele, led to this unique creation. It may end up being the only one of its kind--tho I welcome custom orders,, that could include a personal monogram. or other special features.
The top and back of this uke are made of Black Cherry--a good tonewood for the purpose, plus it is a wood native to the USA, and a reddish color for a copper penny.
Dimensions: 2" x 8" x 2 1/8"
Check over here for a rendition of "Pennies from Heaven" played on the Penny Shield: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027943045229
YOUR CUSTOM ORDER, Soprano to Baritone, $299-$535
A custom order of whatever kind is all about your choice(s), and may fall into these general categories:
1. I can build you any type uke I have ever offered as a "stock" item, with pricing according to my current list prices.
2. For any ukulele generally similar to a stock item, and without any special or personalized added features, I will quote the stock list price plus 5%. For example, let's say you would like a uke similar in shape to Penny Shield uke but maybe wider toward the neck.
3. An original, new body and/or head shape would add 10% to the list price of a stock uke with a body of the same complexity--basically meaning the same time and effort to build that shape, plus the new design work.
4. In addition to the above, smaller special features or personalized features would be add-ons to the base price, from as little as $10 to $35 or more, based on specifics of the work to be done.
For any custom uke, I can offer various wood types that I currently have available in my stock of reclaimed wood. I send you pix of wood samples by email, and you decide. Then the collaboratyion continues by email, establishing what you are looking for in your uke, big features and small, and we end up with a list of specs, a precise line drawing submitted to you, and a price. Once we are agreed, you give me the go-ahead, and I go ahead. When the uke is complete, I send you pix, and once youy accept the uke and I have payment, I send it off to you. I do not consider any custom under any strict obligation to buy the final product, but I do ask for a $100 deposit for a custom uke before I start working on it, half of which is refundable if the uke is not accepted for any reason; 100% refundable if the uke is not presented to you as a finished product for whatever reason.
Like I said, a custom order uke is all about choices--and I hope all these points and provisos indicate the wide range of choices I offer in the way I do the process. Whatever personal preferences or ideas you have for a ukulele, chances are good I can accomodate you--all the way to offering you the opportunity to basically design your own alternative ukulele, in collaboration with me as to feasibility and the "nuts and bolts" of turning your inspiration into a legit, quality ukulele you will be proud to own and play, or perhaps give as a special gift.
