Tahitian Ukuleles


The purpose of this web site is to provide some information on the Tahitian style ukulele. Although there is quite a bit of information on the traditional Hawaiian style ukuleles, I could find very little information on the 8-string (dual string) ukuleles that are popular in Tahiti.

A Little Background:
Recently we returned to our favorite vacation destination, Moorea, French Polynesia. During this visit my wife purchased a local handmade ukulele. This ukulele is very typical of the ukuleles that are popular now in Tahiti. Not too long ago my wife started playing the ukulele. She took ukulele lessons at the local community college and has joined a local ukulele club which performs publicly several times a year. Her interest in the ukulele started over 25 years ago on our first visit to Moorea.

The Tahitian Ukulele:
I am not a musician and no expert on ukuleles. All I can do is share some pictures and an article that I found in the AREA magazine, a free publication of the SETIL Airports, which manages the Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport.

A picture of a Tahitian Uke next to a Martin SO-1

The Tahitian Uke is 28.25 inches long.

Sound:
Probably your next question is; "What does it sound like?"
It sounds like a Ukulele.
Like I said, I am no expert. A couple of the "locals" played the Uke pictured above and said that it had a good sound. They said that that this type of dual-string Ukulele is more adapted to the Tahitian style of playing. A faster strumming style than the tradition Hawaiian Ukulele playing style.


For more information "click" on the AREA magazine link below.


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