Ukulele

Ukuleles are synonymous with Hawaiian way of life, however, the ukulele commonly called a uke, isn't actually truly from Hawaii. The Ukulele is based on Portuguese musical instrument called a machete, immigrants arrived in Honolulu brought the small, four-stringed machetes. As a result native islanders fell in love with the sound! Even Hawaii's King at the time, David Kalakaua, even took up playing one himself.

The machete was given a brand new tuning and a new name, and the present day ukulele (or "jumping flea" in Hawaiian) was born. The instrument's portability and unique tone have received worldwide renown. Lately, the instrument has seen a massive resurgence in recognition, thanks to such ukulele player's as Beirut, educate, Jake Shimabukuro, and Israel kamakawiwo'ole. 

Ukeleles look like miniature-sized acoustic guitars and were traditionally built out of Hawaii's koa wood. Nowadays, most are made from high-quality mahogany, Most beginner ukeleles are made from plywood or laminate woods - however, a few are made from plastic. Ukelele strings were commonly made from catgut (animal gut), but manufacturers now select nylon polymer. Common ukes have a guitar-shaped body, however, others have pineapple, or maybe bell-formed our bodies. You can also now find many electric ukuleles, that include a tuner, pickup and many other features.

Ukuleles come in many different variations

Size and popular tunings of standard ukulele types: