In being on the look out for nice Ukuleles I see the work of a number of full and part time luthiers. The instruments they make look very nice and worthy of note.
Based in Seattle, Washington State he is largely self taught but did take some acoustic Guitar building classes with Harry Fleishman in 2001. He is predominantly a Guitar builder making all sorts of electric and acoustic Guitars both on spec and as custom orders, in the past though he has made other chordophones like Mandolins and at least one electric Ukulele. He is also taking on apprentices now and looking to expand and become more of a high end manufacturer than a one off luthier.
Based in Monticello, Iowa and self taught, he went full time as a luthier in 2007 He makes mainly Guitars and Basses but his catalogue does include some short scale Guitars and acoustic and electric Tenor scale Ukuleles. I have not seen any other scales but he has make some electric Taropatches that he recommends are tuned as a Baritone.
Based in Greenville, Virginia, he has been making chordophones since 1974. He currently works 3 day a week as a luthier for Huss and Dalton making acoustic Guitars and Banjos, is a writer on the the staff of American Lutherie magazine, and when he finds any spare time he makes Banjos and Ukuleles under his own name. With the Ukuleles he makes both acoustic and electric Ukuleles in all scales though primarily Sopranos and Baritones, including acoustic and electric Taropatches. He does take commissions sometimes but a lot of the time he builds in batches on spec.
