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Showing posts from December, 2022

PSA - It's that time of year, low humidity season. Humidify, Humidify, Humidify Your Ukulele!

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UKE Republic here to deliver this most important Public Service Announcement to all ukulele players; Humidify, Humidify, Humidify your ukulele! And here's why: Low humidity levels can be highly damaging to ukuleles, as they can cause the wood to become dry and brittle. This can lead to cracks and other structural damage, which can significantly affect the sound and playability of the instrument. In addition, low humidity can cause the strings to lose their tension, resulting in poor intonation and a less pleasant playing experience. One of the most common causes of low humidity levels in ukuleles is exposure to extreme temperatures and changes in humidity. This can include exposure to forced heating systems commonly used in homes and buildings to keep us warm during the colder months. While these systems are essential for maintaining a comfortable environment, they can also have a negative impact on the humidity levels in a room, leading to dry air and potentially damaging your uku...

What sound are you wanting out of your ukulele? Consider tone wood attributes.

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The Sound of Wood: How Tonewoods Shape Your Instrument’s Voice ( And Why Some Age Like a Fine Wine ) When it comes to acoustic instruments—especially ukuleles—the wood isn’t just decorative. It’s the voice box, the emotional engine, and the reason why no two instruments are truly the same. Whether you're chasing a bright island jangle or a warm, smoky croon, your tonewood sets the mood. And it’s not just about the type of wood—it's also about how it’s crafted. Let’s break down the different types of tonewoods , how solid vs. laminate construction impacts your sound, and why your uke actually gets better the more you play it. 🌳 Solid vs. Laminate: What's the Real Difference? Solid tonewood means the top (and sometimes the back and sides) is made from a single cut of wood—no layers, no tricks. This wood vibrates freely, delivering natural resonance and a tone that matures over time. Yes, you heard that right—solid wood instruments “open up,” becoming warmer, richer...

The Big Ukulele Setup - What's It All About

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Why UKE Republic’s Pro Setup Sets the Standard Every Dealer Has Their Setup Schtick—Here’s Ours Since 2007, UKE Republic has earned its reputation by doing one thing exceptionally well: delivering expert ukulele setups that make every instrument sing . Other dealers have their reasons for how they handle setups—their own approach, their “schtick.” But here at UKE Republic, we’ve refined a method rooted in decades of hands-on experience and a commitment to real quality and playability. Because not all ukuleles are equal, and not all setups are created equal. How Other Dealers Approach Setup Some dealers aim for ultra-low action as a selling point, but that often leads to buzzing—especially on baritone ukuleles, which many dealers avoid because they’re tricky to set up right. Others tier their setup services—charging more for better setups or offering to push your order to the front of the queue for a fee. And some don’t do the setups themselves, farming the work out to third parti...