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House of Musical Traditions
7010 Westmoreland Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912
TEL: 301-270-9090
FAX: 301-270-3010
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Catalog > Stringed Instruments updated July 14, 2010
It's a Fluke! Miscellaneous Stringed Instruments Charangos
Irish bouzoukis
Octave mandolins
Bouzouki and octave mandolin books

Ukuleles
-- Bargain ukuleles
-- Fleas
-- Flukes
-- Kala ukuleles
-- Makala ukuleles
-- Martin ukuleles
-- Recording King Resonator ukuleles
-- Ukulele gig bags and cases
-- Ukulele books

Exotic instruments -- Cuatro, Dilruba, Er-hu, Esraj, Oud, Sarangi, Sarod, Saz, Sitar, Tambura, Veena


Octave Mandolins and Irish Bouzoukis

Trinity College

  • Solid maple top, solid mahogany back and sides, flat back
  • Fancy binding, engraved tailpiece
  • Soundhole border inlay, Fleur de Lis headstock inlay
  • Formerly made in Japan, now made in Korea

Trinity College 8-string Irish bouzoukis are generally tuned G-D-A-E (low to high), one octave below a mandolin, or in similar tunings. The short scale bouzouki, or octave mandolin, comes with all 4 string pairs tuned to unison pitches. The long neck comes with high octave strings on the G and D pairs (similar to the setup of a 12-string guitar), though either instrument can be strung either way. They are both very nice entry level instruments, made with all solid woods.

Trinity College Bouzoukis and Octave Mandolins can sometimes be backordered from our supplier. Please contact us to check our current stock.

For more information about bouzoukis, citterns and octave mandolins, see this article by Robin Bullock.

Trinity College bouzouki -- $620.00 (list $775)
26 3/8-inch neck. Comes with hardshell case.
Trinity College octave mandolin -- $620.00 (list $775)
20 1/8-inch neck. Comes with hardshell case.

Also see: Weber's Octave Mandolin

We sometimes have consigned bouzoukis in stock. Please send email for details.


Charangos

  • South American 10-string strummed chordophone, imported from Bolivia
  • Medium to high quality instruments
  • Armadillo or wood backs
    $150.00 to $200.00   What does the "quote" button do?

See also: Paracho Elite Charangos


Ukuleles

Makala Soprano Ukuleles

Over the years we have tried many brands of "budget" ukuleles, and we think the Makala (from the Kala company in California) is the best one out there. Our friends Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer recommended these to us. These ukes stay in tune fairly well, the tuners are better than on most cheap ukes, the bridges don't tend to become unglued (check out the cute dolphin bridge!) and they actually sound pretty good! They come in all kinds of fun colors and a soft black carrying case is included. If you're just getting started on uke, or have a small child who's not quite ready for a guitar, the Makala is perfect. Not all colors may be in stock -- please let us know if you are flexible on color choice.
Makala soprano ukulele with bag -- List $47.00, our price $36.95

Makala Baritone ukulele -- List price $105.00, Our price $84.95
Natural dark mahogany-colored stain. Also works great as a small guitar for children (tuning is the same as top 4 strings on a guitar).

Kala Ukuleles
Kala offers a wide selection of high-quality ukuleles and accessories. The following models are what we most often stock. Visit www.kalaukulele.com for the full range of choices, and contact us about any you might be interested in ordering. See below for case options to order with your uke.

Mahogany Series


The Kala Mahogany Series Ukuleles offer a full-bodied tone with plenty of sweet highs and mellow lows that combine for a full rich sound. Traditional white binding on the top and back accent the rich satin mahogany finish, while chrome die-cast tuners assure your instrument will stay in tune. GHS black nylon strings will bring out the ukulele's natural voice.

Kala Mahogany Soprano ukulele -- List price $88.00, Our price $69.95

Kala Mahogany Concert ukulele -- List price $135.00, Our price $99.95

Kala Mahogany Tenor ukulele -- List price $150.00, Our price $117.95

Kala Mahogany Tenor ukulele with Shadow active pickup and EQ
List price $220.00, Our price $174.95

Kala Mahogany Baritone ukulele -- List price $175.00, Our price $129.95


Solid Spruce Series

Fitted with a Solid Sitka Spruce Top and Mahogany back and sides, these ukes project a rich warm sound. Traditional White/Black binding accent the High Gloss finish. Die cast Chrome tuners will keep your instrument in tune.


Kala Solid Spruce Tenor ukulele with cutaway, Shadow pickup with EQ
List price $359.00, Our price $275.00



Kala U-Bass -- List price $599.00, Our price $499.00

The Kala U-Bass is truly a groundbreaking short scale (20 inches) bass that produces the same pitches as a standard bass instrument (tuned EADG). Available in fretted and fretless (by special order) models, the U-Bass is strung with proprietary polyurethane strings that incorporate a great bass feel with balanced tension--they are a true pleasure to play. Extremely portable (meets carry-on standards), the U-Bass can go anywhere. It has custom Hipshot tuners and a passive Shadow pickup system that features 4 individual piezo elements and compensated saddles. It has a solid mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge. This unique product is the result of a collaborative effort between Kala Brand Music and Owen Holt of Road Toad Music. All U-Bass come with a custom hard foam case.

Due to high demand, the U-Bass currently has limited availability. Please contact us for current availability.

See a demo by Mike Upton of Kala Ukes!
Recording King Resonator Ukulele -- List $399.99 $299.99
Available in Nickel-Plated Bell Brass (pictured) or Matte Champagne finishes.
  • soprano uke imported from China
  • 6-inch biscuit bridge cone
  • mahogany neck, bound fingerboard, pearloid peghead overlay
  • nylon-covered rigid foam case included

National Resophonic Soprano ukuleles

SPECIAL ORDER ONLY -- Includes hardshell case.
For Concert size, add $30.00

Model List Price Our Price  
Wood (Mahogany or Maple) $1080.00 $972.00
Steel $1210.00 $1089.00
Style N, nickel-plated brass $1480.00 $1332.00
Style B
nickel-plated brass with engraved border
$1710.00 $1539.00
Style 2, nickel-plated brass $2090.00 $1881.00
Style 3, nickel-plated brass $2580.00 $2322.00


Flea ukulele in Tiki design Our Store Has Fleas!

This new soprano-sized uke -- brought to you by the same people who make the popular Fluke ukuleles -- offers easy playability, great sound and plenty of personality at an impulse price. Great for kids, adult beginners and players of all levels.The soprano scale Flea has 14 frets. Concert scale Fleas with 15 frets can be special ordered. Every Flea includes a "Flea Bag" denim gig bag. Available in 8 yummy colors, or 6 different soundboard designs by special order (Tiki Flea pictured at right).

Optional Flea custom hardshell case, $65.00
  • Specially made to hold a soprano or concert Flea
  • Manufactured by Gator Cases
  • Three-ply wood construction
  • Exterior finished in brown Tolex
  • Interior finished in black plush
  • Accessory compartment
  • Lock and key


Flea Soprano ukulele with denim Flea Bag -- $179.00


It's a Fluke! It's a Fluke!

Introduced in January 1999, the FLUKE ukulele has rapidly gained a dedicated following of folks who sing (and play) its praises. This uniquely streamlined ukulele is made entirely in the USA by the Flea Market Music, Inc., with manufacturing overseen by its designer, Dale Webb. The FLUKE offers unmatched ease of play, warmth of tone, and great personality for its price range. Comes with padded nylon gig bag. Can be ordered with an optional Fishman internal pickup if you prefer to play plugged in. Available in 6 different designer colors.

Optional Fluke custom hardshell case, $72.00
  • Specially made to hold a concert or tenor Fluke
  • Manufactured by Gator Cases
  • Three-ply wood construction
  • Exterior finished in brown Tolex
  • Interior finished in black plush
  • Accessory compartment
  • Lock and key

Top Back/Fretboard Neck Bridge Strings Scale Frets Length
Laminated Australian Hoop Pine Injection molded thermoplastic Maple Maple Hilo black nylon 15.5 inches 15 23 inches

Designer Colors!
Acoustic Fluke -- $199.00
Flukes can be special-ordered in a larger tenor size. Other options include a Fishman pickup, exotic hardwoods, or specialty prints on the soundboard. Please contact us for details. Visit the Fluke website at www.fleamarketmusic.com to see the special soundboard designs.

Ukulele gig bags and cases

Black cordura gig bags -- $19.95
Great value and protection, 12mm padding, accessory pocket, Black Cordura material, adjustable shoulder strap.

Hard foam cases -- $44.00
Sturdy hard foam shell, very lightweight. Black nylon exterior w/zipper closure. Accessory compartment & 2 straps.

Hardshell cases -- The best protection. Heavy duty black hardshell case with latches, plush interior, leather handle.

Soprano -- $72.00

Concert -- $76.00

Tenor -- $80.00