UKE Republic Ukuleles

At UKE Republic, we’re proud to offer instruments with more than just good looks and great tone  -  we seek out ukes that tell a story. And KoAloha Ukuleles? Oh, they sing one. From humble beginnings in Honolulu to global recognition, this family-owned company has carved a name into ukulele history - one lovingly crafted koa uke at a time. Born From Reinvention (and a Whole Lotta Heart) In the mid-1990s, Alvin “Pops” Okami, a creative soul with roots in invention and music, shifted gears after his plastics business folded. Armed with ingenuity and aloha, he built a tiny ukulele that actually played. That spark led to the founding of KoAloha  - a name blending “koa,” the prized Hawaiian tonewood, and “aloha,” the spirit behind everything they do. Soon, the whole Okami family joined in. Pops is now senior VP, Pat “Moms” Okami keeps the books, while sons Alan and Paul handle the helm - one as president, the other as KoAloha’s master luthier. From day one, their family-fir...

  This one's for you! Posted by UKE Republic | Keeping It Strummy Since Day One There’s something magical about the people who find their way to UKE Republic . Maybe it's the sound of four strings calling them home. Maybe it's that offbeat mix of island soul and front-porch friendliness we’ve always aimed for. Or maybe it’s because of you, our incredible uke-loving community, that we’ve come this far. This post is a big ol’ virtual bear hug and tip of the straw fedora to all of you. The Day-Oners To those of you who’ve been with us since our scrappy start, when this whole “let’s just sell ukuleles” idea sounded wild to some and wonderful to others, you know who you are. You remember when our inventory was humble, our signage was handwritten, and we were still figuring out how to spell "setup" correctly on receipts. You believed in us before algorithms and unboxings. You’re the roots of this operation. The Just-Passing-Throughs To the road warriors, road tr...

Have Your Low G and High G, and Play Them Too! Hey there, fellow uke enthusiast! So, you’ve been strumming away on your ukulele and loving it, but now you’re wondering about that big question: should you go with Low G or High G strings? It’s a common dilemma for us uke players, and I’m here to help you figure it out. What’s the Deal with Low G and High G? High G Strings High G strings are the traditional choice for the ukulele. When you’re tuned to High G, the fourth string (that’s the G string) is tuned higher than the third string (C). This setup gives you that classic, bright, and jangly ukulele sound that makes everyone think of sunny beaches and palm trees. Why High G Rocks: Super bright and happy sound Perfect for strumming chords Gives you that iconic uke vibe Lightweight and easy to play But…: Not great for lower melodies and solos Can feel a bit limited for more complex music Low G Strings Low G strings are a bit different. Here, the fourth string (G) is tuned lower, below the...

In honor of its 10th anniversary, we proudly introduce the Romero Creations ʻEKOLU TINY TENOR —an enchanting tribute to the rich tapestry of global music. Echoing the Hawaiian word for "three," "Ekolu," this limited edition masterpiece pays homage to the harmonies resonating from instruments like the Sanshin of Okinawa and the balalaika of Russia. Crafted through the collaborative genius of Pepe Romero and Daniel Ho, this instrument embodies the essence of musical heritage from around the world. Designed with both innovation and portability in mind, the ʻEkolu Tiny Tenor inherits the celebrated legacy of its predecessor—the Tiny Tenor—where a tenor scale instrument is ingeniously condensed to concert size without compromising its robust sound. At UKE Republic, we ensure unparalleled performance with our Pro Setup, guaranteeing optimal sound and playability for every musician. Inspired by Daniel Ho's musical journey in Inner Mongolia, where the mesmerizing sound ...

  Hey there, parents and music teachers! 🎶 If you're on a mission to mold the next generation of musical legends, we've got a pro tip that will strike a chord with you – kickstart their journey with a ukulele from UKE Republic. Let's dive into why this tiny instrument is the key to unlocking your mini- maestro's full musical potential. 1. Size Does Matter (Especially for Little Fingers): Ever seen a tiny human trying to wrangle a massive guitar? It's like watching a superhero take on a skyscraper. Enter the ukulele – compact, lightweight, and tailor-made for those little hands. No more wrestling with an oversized instrument! 2. Strings? We Keep It Simple: Four strings on a ukulele vs. the six on a guitar – we believe in keeping things sweet and simple. Less string drama, more focus on perfecting those chords. It's a recipe for musical bliss. 3. Chords That Won't Make Fingers Cry: Our ukuleles come with a smaller fretboard and fewer strings, ensuring that yo...