The Story of Sailor Brand Ukulele
In the quaint city of Austell, Georgia, an idea was born in 2007 that would soon set the ukulele world ablaze. Mike McQueen, the visionary owner of UKE Republic Ukuleles, a specialty dealer dedicated to the charming four-stringed instrument, sought something different for his store and online e-commerce platform, UkeRepublic.com. He envisioned a unique line of ukuleles that would stand out amidst the sea of similar offerings, a brand that would pay homage to the rich heritage of the ukulele while introducing an innovative approach to its construction.
Mike's quest for uniqueness led him to collaborate with master luthier Donna Chavis in 2010. Donna, renowned for her craftsmanship and innovative designs, shared Mike's passion for creating something extraordinary. Together, they embarked on a journey to develop a house-brand ukulele offering unparalleled quality and distinctive tonewoods.
Mike's vision was clear: He wanted to use tonewoods not typically found in other brands' ukuleles. Donna's first prototype was a revelation. The instrument featured a solid spruce top with bubinga wood back and sides, producing a rich, resonant sound unlike anything Mike had ever heard. When he first strummed the strings of this prototype, it knocked his flip-flops off.
Inspired by the craftsmanship of Portuguese cabinet makers like Manuel Nunes, who introduced the ukulele's ancestor to the Hawaiians, Mike decided to name his new line Sailor Brand Ukulele Company. This name was a tribute to those early artisans who brought the ukulele to life.
Sailor Brand Ukuleles quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional quality and unique designs. The Tan Label models, crafted entirely from solid tonewoods for the top, back, and sides, offered a rich, full-bodied sound that captivated musicians. The Blue Label models, featuring a solid tonewood top and solid poplar wood back and sides adorned with exotic wood veneers, were offered at a more affordable price without compromising on quality, providing a beautiful aesthetic along with their remarkable tonal qualities.
The demand for Sailor Brand Ukuleles quickly surpassed the small batch production capabilities. Each instrument, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, was highly sought after and often sold out before even being listed on UkeRepublic.com. Musicians and collectors eagerly awaited the release of new batches, knowing that each Sailor Brand Ukulele was a masterpiece in its own right, creating a sense of exclusivity and anticipation.
From its humble beginnings, Sailor Brand Ukulele has become a symbol of quality and innovation. The collaboration between Mike McQueen and Donna Chavis brought to life a brand that honors the ukulele's legacy and pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can be. Sailor Brand Ukuleles continues to enchant and inspire, a testament to its creators' unwavering passion and dedication, fostering a sense of inspiration and connection.
In the quaint city of Austell, Georgia, an idea was born in 2007 that would soon set the ukulele world ablaze. Mike McQueen, the visionary owner of UKE Republic Ukuleles, a specialty dealer dedicated to the charming four-stringed instrument, sought something different for his store and online e-commerce platform, UkeRepublic.com. He envisioned a unique line of ukuleles that would stand out amidst the sea of similar offerings, a brand that would pay homage to the rich heritage of the ukulele while introducing an innovative approach to its construction.
Mike's quest for uniqueness led him to collaborate with master luthier Donna Chavis in 2010. Donna, renowned for her craftsmanship and innovative designs, shared Mike's passion for creating something extraordinary. Together, they embarked on a journey to develop a house-brand ukulele offering unparalleled quality and distinctive tonewoods.
Mike's vision was clear: He wanted to use tonewoods not typically found in other brands' ukuleles. Donna's first prototype was a revelation. The instrument featured a solid spruce top with bubinga wood back and sides, producing a rich, resonant sound unlike anything Mike had ever heard. When he first strummed the strings of this prototype, it knocked his flip-flops off.
Inspired by the craftsmanship of Portuguese cabinet makers like Manuel Nunes, who introduced the ukulele's ancestor to the Hawaiians, Mike decided to name his new line Sailor Brand Ukulele Company. This name was a tribute to those early artisans who brought the ukulele to life.
Sailor Brand Ukuleles quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional quality and unique designs. The Tan Label models, crafted entirely from solid tonewoods for the top, back, and sides, offered a rich, full-bodied sound that captivated musicians. The Blue Label models, featuring a solid tonewood top and solid poplar wood back and sides adorned with exotic wood veneers, were offered at a more affordable price without compromising on quality, providing a beautiful aesthetic along with their remarkable tonal qualities.
The demand for Sailor Brand Ukuleles quickly surpassed the small batch production capabilities. Each instrument, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, was highly sought after and often sold out before even being listed on UkeRepublic.com. Musicians and collectors eagerly awaited the release of new batches, knowing that each Sailor Brand Ukulele was a masterpiece in its own right, creating a sense of exclusivity and anticipation.
From its humble beginnings, Sailor Brand Ukulele has become a symbol of quality and innovation. The collaboration between Mike McQueen and Donna Chavis brought to life a brand that honors the ukulele's legacy and pushes the boundaries of what the instrument can be. Sailor Brand Ukuleles continues to enchant and inspire, a testament to its creators' unwavering passion and dedication, fostering a sense of inspiration and connection.
WHere to buy sailor brand ukuleles
To purchase in-stock Sailor Brand ukuleles, visit UkeRepublic.com, where you'll find a selection of these high-demand, handcrafted instruments available for immediate purchase. Keep in mind that these ukuleles are produced in small batches and tend to sell out quickly. For those seeking a personalized touch, you can have a custom Sailor Brand ukulele built to your specifications. To discuss your custom build or for any inquiries, contact UKE Republic at +1 770-235-6606 or visit them at 5000 Austell Powder Springs Rd, Suite 250, Austell, Georgia, 30106 USA.