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About Michael DaSilva
The ukulele bug bit me in 1999. A discussion with a new acquaintance about things we have in common such as woodworking and bluegrass banjo playing led to his telling me how musically expressive ukes are and how easy they are to build. He then offered to give me plans for a ukulele he had built himself. I just had to follow his lead. Then, believe it or not, I found a 1930’s Martin "1" ukulele for only $100 at a local music store and I learned a few songs quickly. Since then I can't stop living and breathing ukes.
I began collecting more ukuleles (Martins, Kamakas, Macaferris, etc.) and ukulele music (100+ cds). A favorite instrument to play is my Martin 3K and as I became more and more amazed by its tone and projection it became the model for the first ukulele I built. I have been woodworking (furniture and sculpture) as a hobby for years and studied as much luthier information I could find, so in February 2004 I completed my first ukulele. And I have not stopped since.
DaSilva Ukulele
Co.
2547 8th Street, Suite 28
Berkeley, CA 94710
510 649-1548
510 291-2943 fax
email: mike@ukemaker.com
Copyright
@ 2006 Michael DaSilva
All Rights Reserved
About My Ukuleles
I build my ukuleles as light as possible for tone and projection and pay very close attention to intonation, action and playability. Looks are only a slightly lower priority, but the natural beauty of wood and following proven designs easily takes care of that.
I build various standard sizes and styles. And I welcome custom orders. Custom orders involve upgrades or different wood selection, design changes, inlays and personalization, and pretty much what ever you can think of. I have a stockpile of master grade koa, spruce tops, mahogany, ziricote, cocobolo, rosewood, ebony, primavera and much more. I am open to exploring different designs but not at the expense of not achieving a great sound. As I like to build in batches, there will likely be one or more custom styles also available for sale on the website most of the time.
So, I can make a ukulele for you in several ways. You can simply purchase one of the standard inventory models or an occasional custom design as they become available. These will be posted on this website. I can send one to you on 48-hour approval if necessary. Or you can custom order and we will collaborate to get you the ukulele you have been thinking about. The custom order can be based on a standard model (we can better predict the sound) or try something new.
I can deliver an instrument in as little as 30 days but would normally promise 30-60 days at this time. Custom orders can take longer, not because of build time, but due to discussing and deciding on different design issues. Elaborate ornamentation can lead to more build time.
Here is a short video some videographer friends put together about my ukulele building - media\madebyhand_uke.mp4