You don't have JavaScript enabled in your browser. This web site makes use of JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript.

English Top Page > About Ukulele

Welcome to the activities page. Here you will find many interesting things to do on the island of Kauai. There is not enough room to list everything to do here. If there is something that you would like to do, but can not find, please send me Mail. This list is of course a work in progress. We try to keep it as up to date as possible. It is also a growing list so let us know what you are interested in.

About Ukulele

Ukulele Sizes

g01_04_sUkulele Sizes
・Standard (Soprano)
・Concert
・Tenor
・Baritone
Usually 4 strings 6 and 8 strings are made too.

Standard through Tenor are common. The Baritone ukulele is not made very often.


g01_03_sSizes for Island Ukulele.
・Standard:Length = 54.8 cm
・Concert:Length = 62 cm
・Tenor:Length = 70.3 cm
Not all ukuleles are the same size and shape. The sizes are similar though.


・Standard (Soprano)
This is the smallest of the ukuleles that are made. They are good for small people or those that just want to play a small instrument.


・Concert
Larger than the Standard. It has a deeper and louder sound.


・Tenor
This is the favored ukulele for hawaiian entertainers. It is larger with deeper louder sound. It is also often made in 6 string and 8 string versions.

Ukulele Strings

g01_07_sUkuleles usually have four strings. They are usually made of nylon. The low g has a wound string.
On Concert size 6 string is available.
On Tenor size 6 and 8 string are also available.
The 6 and 8 strings have some wound strings.

Ukulele Shape

g01_06_sUkuleles can be made in any shape. they are traditionally made in the shape of a small guitar.

Another popular shape was that of the pineapple ukulele. This had and oval body that resembled that of a pineapple. They are still sometimes made.

The amount of curve on the ukulele varies from maker to maker and they some times change their shapes.

Ukulele Material

g01_08_sUkuleles have been made out of many different materials.
Wood is by far the most common. Koa is a Hawaiian hardwood that is very good for ukuleles.

Island ukuleles usually have a Koa body, Mahogany neck, Ebony fretboard, and Spruce for the braces and kerfed lining.

Curly Koa

g01_02_sCurly Koa is Koa with a wavy grain. It gives the ukulele a striped appearance. It is very beautiful and is more rare. This means that it is more expensive. It comes in different grades. The grading is of course subjective.

Grades of Koa
Normal - No noticeable curl.
Medium Curly - Some about half curly.
Full Curly - All curly.
Super Deluxe - All curly with very distinct stripes.