Ukulele Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Ukulele Facts

The ukulele or uke is a member of the lute family. It has four nylon strings and is usually played with the bare thumb and fingertips or a felt pick. Common types of ukuleles include concert, soprano, tenor, and baritone. The soprano is the second-smallest and was the original size. It’s referred to as “standard” in Hawaii.

The diminutive string instrument has origins in 19th century Hawaii, when Portuguese immigrants who worked in the sugar cane fields introduced a small guitar-like instrument called a machete. Native Hawaiians incorporated elements of European music and Spanish guitar to the playing of their own songs, and the ukulele was born. The instrument was a hit with King Kalākaua, a patron of the arts who arranged for it to be performed at royal gatherings. Today the instrument is synonymous with Hawaiian music and culture.

A plastics manufacturer sold more than 9 million inexpensive ukuleles after WWII, which boosted the instrument’s popularity in the United States. In the sixties, entertainer Tiny Tim made a splash when he appeared on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and played “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.”

Colorful Ukuleles for Sale

More Ukulele Facts

A person who performs on this string instrument is called a ukulelist. Notable ukulelists include Troy Fernandez, George Formby, Gordon Freitas, Kalei Gamiao, George Harrison, Joni Mitchell, Amanda Palmer, Elvis Presley, Jake Shimabukuro, and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam).

Hula Girl and Ukulele

Vintage Hawaii Travel Poster

Hula Girl and Ukulele Hawaii Travel Poster

Ukulele Marvel Jake Shimabukuro

Who doesn’t love Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody?” But have you ever heard it played on a ukulele? Musician Jake Shimabukuro was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He loves the instrument and began taking lessons from his mother at the age of four. Jake was the first ukulele player to sign with Sony Music. He was also the subject of an award-winning documentary, “Jake Shimabukuro: Life On Four Strings.”

Best Gifts for Music Lovers

We’ve created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite ukulele player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Ukulele collection.

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ADM Soprano Ukulele Beginner Start Pack

Product details:

21-inch basswood body ukulele with high-gloss finish
Four nylon strings
12 brass frets, blackwood fingerboard
Nickel Silver Frets marked on 5th, 7th, 10th of fingerboard
Handcrafted instrument at an affordable price
Starter Pack includes gig bag, strap, two spare picks, extra string, polishing cloth, digital tuner, 1 month free lessons
Perfect for beginners, both children and adults!

Soprano Ukulele Beginner Starter Pack with Gig Bag and All the Accessories You Need to Start Playing – 1 Month Free Lessons Ukulele Bundle Includes Digital Tuner, Extra String, Fingerboard Sticker, Chord Card, Strap, 2 Spare Picks, Cleaning Cloth

Ukulele Player

Best Ukulele Gifts Collection

We’ve designed 2,000+ products for string instrument musicians and fans. Our Ukulele Gifts Collection features shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, chef aprons, buttons, magnets, and more.

Ukulele Shirts and Gifts Collection

Unique Ukulele Gift Ideas

If you need to find a gift for your favorite ukulele player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.

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Soprano Ukulele Beginner Pack – 21-inch Basswood Ukulele Starter Kit – Gig Bag, Digital Tuner, Spare Strings, Picks Laminated Ukulele Chord Chart – Handy Poster Packed with 108 Ukulele Chords – Measures 8-1/2 x 11 inches Donner Concert Ukulele – 23-inch Mahogany Ukulele Starter Kit – Gig Bag, Strap, Nylon Strings, Tuner, Picks, Cloth Uke, I Am Your Father Funny Ukulele or Guitar Player Cotton T-Shirt – Available in Black, Asphalt Grey, and Brown