OEM

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
Throughout the history of the Ukulele there have been manufacturers who made Ukuleles, (or other musical instruments), for distributors, music shops or other people to brand. Usually the actual maker does not leave any makers mark on the instrument so it can be a matter of guesswork as to who is the original manufacturer, so they are often referred to as the OEM, an abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

This practice is still as prevalent today as it has always been