Artists

These certainly aren’t all of the ‘ukulele artists, but they are some of my favorites.

David Kamakahi

‘Ukulele: Koaloha Custom Tenor w/Cut-away

Strings: Worth Clear Heavy Polymer Low-G

Pickup: Fishman Prefix Pro Onboard

Effects: Boss DD-6 delay

Playing Since: age 15

Discography:

Interview with David

David Kamakahi entered the world of music in kind of an odd way; when he first started teaching himself ‘ukulele he hid the fact from his dad (Rev. Dennis Kamakahi). He kept practicing in secret for about five months, then one day Uncle Dennis needed an ‘ukulele player for one of his gigs. David got the job, and he ripped it up. Now years later, David is one accomplished guy. He has been recorded on numerous albums and was featured on the movie “Lilo & Stitch 2” in the song “Always”. He is also a 1st Dan black belt and a member of the International Karate Federation.

Herb Ohta Jr.

‘Ukulele: Herb Ohta Jr. Signature Line Tenor Koaloha

Strings: Worth Clear Heavy Polymer Low-G

Pickup: Fishman Prefix Pro Onboard

Effects: Boss DD-6 delay

Playing Since: age 3 (stopped playing for five years when he was 12)

Dicography – Solo:

Duo:

Books: Discovering the ‘Ukulele, Exploring the ‘Ukulele

Interview with Herb

Herb Ohta Jr. learned his first song on the ‘ukulele from his Grandma when he was three; it was “Happy Birthday”. Herb took lessons from his father Ohta-San up until age 12 when he started to have other interests. He continued playing music through high-school, but played the viola, not the ‘ukulele. Inspired by the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau at 17, Herb once again became interested in Hawaiian music and the ‘ukulele. Now Herb teaches ‘ukulele 6 days a week, and continues writing and performing his awesome music.

http://herbohtajr.com

Jake Shimabukuro

‘Ukulele: Tenor Custom Built Kamaka

Strings: D’Addario J71 Pro Arte

Pickup: Fishman Acoustic Matrix NT1

Playing Since: age 4

First Gig: Honolulu Café

Dicography:

DVDs:

Interview with Jake

Using old-school playing skills and techniques never heard of by most of us, Jake Shimabukuro has become one of the best known ‘ukulele players in the world. Jake’s mom taught him his first chord at age four “I was hooked,” he said. Although lately he has decided to tone down his playing, Jake was known as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ‘ukulele” because he so often plays through a distortion pedal. After years of playing Jake has successfully recorded seven albums, made two DVDs, and played and recorded with numerous well known artists like Bela Fleck, Ziggy Marley, and recently Jimmy Buffet.

http://jakeshimabukuro.com

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