DaSilva
Ukulele
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My Work
I'll be sharing photos of works in progress on these pages. Ukulele making is conceptually quite simple and understanding how they go together can help you select and maintain your ukulele.
Making each ukulele is a unique experience. The variety of designs, sizes, woods and techniques afford an infinite welcome variety to my work day. To share that variety with you, I will highlight some of my special projects on these pages .
My Shop
I am now in a 2500 sq. ft. workspace but have not had time to update the photos. Please check back as there are several new machines, more jigs, and lots of student ukes from my ukulele build classes.
Interested in trying to build your own uke? A favorite saying of mine is "To teach is to learn twice", so if there is anything you would like to learn regarding ukulele construction please let me know.
DaSilva Ukulele Co.
2547 8th Street, Suite 28
Berkeley, CA 94710
510 649-1548
email: mike@ukemaker.com
Copyright
@ 2007 Michael DaSilva
All Rights Reserved
My Label
I celebrate the wonder of wood everyday. I like to think about that koa tree that grew sometime in the 1800's that contributed the tops, backs and sides of my 1930's Martin 3K. And my last name means "Of the Forest". Hence the tree.
The scallops refer to the connections to the ocean that the Madeirans must have had when they travelled to Hawaii just as I feel since immigrating from Hong Kong in the 60's. My ancestry is Portuguese, tracing back to the Far East Portuguese former-colony of Macao, hence my last name. My great-grandfather was a merchant seaman and I like to think that he may have visited Hawaii at the time of introduction of the ukulele.
The branches represent the olive tree. The olive tree symbolizes fruitfulness and beauty and dignity. "Extending an olive branch" signifies an offer of peace.
The two ukuleles represent the endless variety in ukuleles and ukulele music as well as forever tying the U.S. mainland to Hawaii.
And the Portuguese phrase "Vivo Criar" is "Live To Create" Need I say more?
Wood
For those not able to visit, I will post photos of some of my wood stock to assist in designing your custom ukulele.