Vintage Ukulele
The ukulele, as we know it today, originated in Hawaii in the 1880s and rapidly gained popularity - mostly thanks to the enthusiastic support of King Kalakaua, Hawaii's last reigning monarch.
The instrument's basic design was derived from a small guitar called the machete, and first crafted in Hawaii by immigrant Portuguese cabinet makers.
Ukuleles now generally come in one of four sizes - each size with its own name:
* Soprano: Total Length = 21" (Playable fretboard = 13")
* Concert: Total Length = 23" (Playable fretboard = 15")
* Tenor: Total Length = 26" (Playable fretboard = 17")
* Baritone: Total Length = 30" (Playable fretboard = 19")
The original Hawaiian ukulele was the smallest of the four - the soprano - so that size is often referred to as the "standard".
The next size up - the concert - came onto the scene in the 1920s and was soon followed by an even larger size - the tenor. The baritone, the largest of the group, was developed in the 1940's. With each size increase came deeper tone and more volume.
Officially the ukulele is classed as a "plucked lute chordophone". In the United Kingdom it is usually spelt "ukelele" and the instrument is often affectionately nicknamed just "uke".
As the uke experiences a great resurgence in popularity these days, it's interesting to see the great variety of vintage ukuleles on the market - many at excellent prices. Well-made ukuleles get better with age and it is my feeling that the good vintage models will more and more be getting snapped up by players, collectors and investors.
Here are examples of vintage ukuleles available for sale today online. Click on the links for more information:
 Vintage Maccaferri Islander Ukulele Ukulele Uke  US $89.99
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 VINTAGE KAMAKA CONCERT UKULELE wORIGINAL CASE NEEDS SOME HELP NO ABUSE BUT US $202.50
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 Vintage Gretsch Uke Ukulele US $31.00
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