Name/Title
Martin UkeleleEntry/Object ID
2004.6.4Description
Description: Martin Ukelele:
The ukulele is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings. The tone and volume of the instrument varies with size and construction. Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.
The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian interpretation of the cavaquinho or braguinha and the rajao, small guitar-like instruments taken to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants. It gained great popularity elsewhere in the United States during the early 20th century, and from there spread internationally.
Ukuleles are commonly associated with music from Hawaii. One of the most important factors in establishing the ukulele in Hawaiian music and culture was the ardent support and promotion of the instrument by King David Kalakaua. A patron of the arts, he incorporated it into performances at royal gatherings.
The ukulele soon became an icon of the Jazz Age. Highly portable and relatively inexpensive, it also proved popular with amateur players throughout the 1920s, a role that would eventually be supplanted by the guitar in the early years of rock and roll. A number of mainland-based instrument manufacturers, among them Regal, Harmony, and Martin, added ukulele, banjolele, and tiple lines to their production to take advantage of the demand.Collection
Suomynona CollectionDimensions
Width
6-5/16 inDepth
2-5/16 inLength
20-5/8 inLocation
Location
Container
RightDrawer
Top ShelfShelf
LeftCabinet
F5Wall
NorthBuilding
Founders RoomCategory
Permanent
