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, March 11, 2026

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

                            Note:  All ukuleles, Free shipping to contiguous 48 states.

CAT'S EYE Ukulele, Soprano, $282

The Cat's Eye Ukulele is my original design, and one of the first types of uke I ever built, with a body shaped like a cat's eye and the head stock like a cat's head. This is one my my favorite types to build because it's kind of on the wacky/whimsical side but at the same time time elegantly simple in form.

The top and back of this one are made of an unusually figured Ambrosia Maple.

I feel I need to say about some of my "novelty" ukuleles, this uke is not meant to be just a curiosity or a cute ornament for a veterinary eye doctor to display in her office. A child might like this little uke for sure, but it is not a toy instrument. It is a real ukulele suitable to any kind of music you like, very playable and and with a crisp bright sound.

Dimensions: 21" x 7" x 2 1/2"


MICHI-LELE, Soprano, $311 

Perhaps surprisingly to some, it turns out Michigan's Lower Peninsula is a good shape for a uke as far as sound qualities. In fact, as a builder of alt ukes, I have found that just about ANY shape ukulele (if it has a large enough body) is a viable shape for a good-sounding uke.

So this uke is not 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.

This Michi-lele is priced at 10% off the list price.

Dimensions: Approx. 21" 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






RAINDROP, Concert, $481

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.

This body shape is a well known uke type called by the name "teardrop" or "boat paddle."




CURVALICIOUS, Tenor, $393

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).

Frank Lloyd Wright said that architecture is a "plastic" art, meaning that the overall form and details of buildings may be largely shaped by the creative choices of the architect. This idea is valid for architecture, and I have found it to be translatable to the luthier's art as well--both in terms of visual aesthetics and musical qualities.

This uke has a top of rich Cherry wood, which I have found to be an excellent tone wood,with good volume and a sweet tone. It is currently tuned gcea (low g).

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 "




TROUBADOUR, Tenor, $458

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"




YOOPERLELE, Concert, $373

Coming soon!  Body shaped like the UP of Michigan, head stock shaped like the mitten "down below."


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