UKE Republic Ukuleles

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...

2017 Winter NAMM Impressions and NEW Items at Uke Republic Always a fun time going to southern California and attending the 2017 NAMM show but it's also serious work going over all the new products, trying them out and choosing new things to introduce at Uke Republic . Some of these items are available now and others will be made available throughout the year. To start off, there was plenty to see and try. New ukuleles were abounding, so here are some highlights. First, let's start with Blackbird. Blackbird Guitars and Ukuleles Blackbird continues to impress us with their innovations using their own Ekoa material to produce their new tenor -Farallon and concert Clara. The sound is so sweet and it's nice to know it's made from a sustainable and green material.  Joe Luttwak (L) of Blackbird Guitars and Mike McQueen of UKE Republic Kala Brand Ukulele Kala introduces an eight string baritone from their cedar/acacia line. It has a big full sound ...