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Welcome to the Wiki
My reasons for starting this Wiki is because when I started out making a website for Ukulele Corner, (where all of my Ukuleles live), I came across many different brands of Ukulele, and sometimes I wanted to know more about them, especially if I thought one should come to live in Ukulele Corner. Then there were all of the other Ukuleles that probably aren't going to make it to the Corner but even if I don't love them somebody might, and might like to know more about them. I started out making a Ukulele makers database website, (it actually started out as notes for me so I could keep track of what I had found out about the various makers and I included pictures to help me try and identify some of the unmarked instruments), on Google Sites but over time it has grown more like a wiki. Google Sites is no longer the right place to host the information so I am now porting all of the information I had there over to this wiki.

One of the reasons for moving to a wiki is for the ability to collaborate on everything so the invitation is out there for anyone to help me, or to add their own information and experience on their own Ukuleles Contact Lardy.Fatboy@GMail.Com If you want to join in.

This Wiki Includes

 * A Glossary of Ukulele terms and what they mean
 * A Database of Ukulele Makers past and present
 * Information on Musical Instruments similar to a Ukulele
 * Tips on how to play a Ukulele
 * A Gallery of other peoples Ukuleles sometimes with a review
 * Song sheets for the Ukulele

Further Notes
There a number of brand names have been used by a number of people over the years; sometimes even at the same time, particularly if it seemed like a good marketing ploy. Aloha, Hawaii and Waikiki are very popular as brand names but there are others - for example "Maxitone" was used by Bruno in the US and by George Houghton in the UK in the 1930's and to add to the confusion they both put the name on Banjoleles, but beyond the name there is no connection between them.

Whilst on the subject of brand names - on Banjoleles the metal tailpiece, (that holds the strings at the drum end), is often branded; this is usually the brand name of the tail-piece though, not the name of the Ukulele - same goes for tuning pegs; on any instrument. And whilst I am on the subject of Banjoleles, any 20th century made 8 string banjo is a Banjo Mandolin or a Banjo Cavaquinho (if it's from Portugal or Brazil): ALWAYS!

Another thing - I am aware that in Hawaiian the correct spelling is 'Ukulele with a ' in front of the U and the correct Hawaiian pronunciation is "Ookalele" but I am British and writing in English so the ' is dropped ~ I don't listen to Finns telling me how to pronounce Sauna either!