Ukulele Related News from NAMM 2020

Yes, I can't help but think that the "Space Case" will be a nightmare for static electricity and dust with that clear plastic window in the top. For sure it will scratch relatively easily.

Though I do kind of like the design of the case with the design of the uke. Definitely sets the brand apart from all of the others.

I like this ukulele and at least the "Jetsons" case would be easy to find in a group of black and tweed cases.
I am concerned about the nut width. The most common complaint with the Lava guitar is the very narrow nut width. Does anyone know the width of the Lava Ukulele nut?
By the way, you can find the Lava U ukulele on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/LAVA-pluggin...oost/dp/B083V1HGGC?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
 
Interesting to see that the only Best In Show award for NAMM 2020 that went to a ukulele, went to the Flight Travel ukes.

Listed on the award as Hal Leonard (think they are part of that stable) - the award was more specifically for the ability for the Flight Travel to have any graphic you like (in reason) put on the top if you spec it as a business purchase. Think it was linked to a line of them they did for a teaching programme or somesuch.
 
Well a positive spin on the new Fender ukes is that when they show up at Guitar Center they can't help but be better than the house brand Mitchell ukes they sell now.


Ha Ha! Too true!

When I last was in a GC (I shudder to think of it) the Mitchell ukes on the wall all seemed way overbuilt, lacking in tone and badly in need of a setup, but were priced lower than the Luna, Cordoba and Stagg ukes that were hanging next to them.

So for the uninformed buyer, shopping by lowest-price, I'm sure these were a first choice.

Maybe the Fender guitar-looking ukes will become "a thing".

Shopping for looks seems to be what attracts many people to buy something, with function as an instrument, or even a "good" instrument as an afterthought.

I myself will not be considering any Fender ukes.

Also - a huge thanks to all for posting and sharing all of the info in this thread - it is nice to see that ukes and uke makers are alive and well and still promoting new products!
 
Joe Souza walking us through the news from Kanilea. Next to the pineapple P1 and this years platinum model, they also have an inlaid "Endangered Birds" series that will be played by artists and then auctioned:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOL6mlMjAUY
 
This video about NAMM first time exhibitors has a section where they show the lineup from "Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar" (HUG), including their pineapple mentioned earlier in this thread (starting at 2:01):


https://youtu.be/YDu-m8RfYr8?t=122
 
The new fender ukes look good(I really like the jazzmaster one in white), but I'll pass as for the same amount of money you can buy the Grace Vanderwaal one that has a Fishman in it. Anyone try the fender brand pre-amp or pickup yet?
 
This video about NAMM first time exhibitors has a section where they show the lineup from "Hawaiian Ukulele and Guitar" (HUG), including their pineapple mentioned earlier in this thread (starting at 2:01):


https://youtu.be/YDu-m8RfYr8?t=122


That takes pineapple to a whole new level. It's competes with the Pop's https://www.theukulelesite.com/shop...le/koaloha-pineapple-sunday-tenor-custom.html with Dino Muradian's Pyrography.

I wonder if that pineapple is heavy due the back carving? Anyway it's a cool looking uke.
 
I like this ukulele and at least the "Jetsons" case would be easy to find in a group of black and tweed cases.
I am concerned about the nut width. The most common complaint with the Lava guitar is the very narrow nut width. Does anyone know the width of the Lava Ukulele nut?
By the way, you can find the Lava U ukulele on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/LAVA-pluggin...oost/dp/B083V1HGGC?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

$400 seems rather pricey for an injection molded uke, even if it does have metal frets. I wonder what it would cost without the fancy electronics?
 
That takes pineapple to a whole new level. It's competes with the Pop's https://www.theukulelesite.com/shop...le/koaloha-pineapple-sunday-tenor-custom.html with Dino Muradian's Pyrography.

I wonder if that pineapple is heavy due the back carving? Anyway it's a cool looking uke.

I held and played it. It is not light, like a vintage Martin soprano. It is probably comparable to a heavier built tenor. I think the scale may be concert. They only made like 12 or 14 of them. It’s really fun. Unlike the pyrography, the back is not smooth. It is all textured. It was comfortable to hold and play. May be a bit challenging to keep dust and other little bits from settling in. I really like how the soundboard is not a uniform shape and had to be hand matched to the sides. Really a unique instrument. Sounded pretty good too from what I could hear

It was as if you had a pineapple and sliced it in half.
 
Joe Souza walking us through the news from Kanilea. Next to the pineapple P1 and this years platinum model, they also have an inlaid "Endangered Birds" series that will be played by artists and then auctioned:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOL6mlMjAUY


I still love that blue Kanile'a. And I appreciate all that Kanile'a does for the environment, like the ukulele that will be auctioned off from their Endangered Bird series. They have such beautiful koa too. Too bad the neck doesn't work for me. But, it sure is eye candy.
 
Unlike previous years, HMS did not post lengthy discussions with the "crew" about NAMM. I've enjoyed these in the past. I'm wondering if Andrew of HMS missed NAMM or was feeling poorly.
 
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He has released a bunch of recent NAMM videos, the newest with Pepe Romero (SR) playing a Pepe Romero JR guitar in his hotel room. Here's a couple of my NAMM 2020 favs from Andrew:





There's actually 10 videos on the HMS NAMM 2020 playlist, but, yeah, no long BS style videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6nYkmn-q9zOeG0G_CY3FfgMBBP9IxOjN


Dang! I loved watching Pepe Romero Sr's fingers just dance across the fingerboard! Just amazing.

Thanks for posting these vids Peter. And Andrew for making them.
 
Andreas David from Gute Ukulele showing and playing the new high-end version of Ohana being built by luthier Peter Marreiros in California. The video is in German, what he is saying is that head of Ohana Luis Wu wants to enter the high-end segment with a small line of instruments that are made in America. Andreas bought the one that Luis brought to NAMM and says that it reminds him of Eric Devine's instrument (up to the Kasha bracing):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ2LfGB_fXY
 
Andreas David from Gute Ukulele showing and playing the new high-end version of Ohana being built by luthier Peter Marreiros in California. The video is in German, what he is saying is that head of Ohana Luis Wu wants to enter the high-end segment with a small line of instruments that are made in America. Andreas bought the one that Luis brought to NAMM and says that it reminds him of Eric Devine's instrument (up to the Kasha bracing):
Seems to be working for Kala, so I guess it makes sense on the surface. But look at Mr. Marreiros site: http://cornerstoneukes.com/

How is anything coming from that shop in any way remotely tied to Ohana ? :confused:
 
Seems to be working for Kala, so I guess it makes sense on the surface. But look at Mr. Marreiros site: http://cornerstoneukes.com/

How is anything coming from that shop in any way remotely tied to Ohana ? :confused:

Interesting relationship between Peter Marreiros and Ohana but not that surprising, considering Peter's shop is about 1/2 hr away from Ohana in Long Beach. From what I know, Peter is a long time well respected guitar luthier and in the past few years got into building ukuleles. I am happy for him that he was able to hook up with Ohana.
 
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