FAQ

Can I buy a ukulele directly from Ohana?

We sell our ukuleles through authorized dealers only. Many are small mom-and-pop-type shops, and the vast majority are small-business operations. Supporting Ohana means supporting small businesses around the world! You can check out our Dealers search page, or send us a message with your general location and we’ll help find your nearest Ohana dealer.

I have plans to visit Long Beach, CA. Can I come by Ohana HQ for a visit?

Unfortunately, due to machinery and a rather tight staff, we are unable to allow outside visitors at this time. Please catch us at local ukulele festivals and events throughout the year!

Is it true that Ohana sets up each and every instrument before shipping to their dealers?

Yes, we set up all of our instruments before shipping to our dealers. We check the construction of the instrument (body, neck, joints, frets, etc.), proper action, playability, finish, and verify intonation. Buzzing is never acceptable, and is also part of our inspection and setup process.

Where are your products made?

Ohana ukuleles are designed in the USA and manufactured in our factory in China. The products are then shipped to our headquarters in California for a final inspection and setup before being delivered to our dealers. Ohana carries a wide range of quality ukuleles—from basic models to higher end ones, there is something for everyone.

Does Ohana make any left-handed instruments?

There certainly are! Our all solid 35GCE-LH series made for left-handed players come in two sizes—concert and tenor. It features a cut-away on the left-hand side and an EQ on the right.

Can I re-string my Ohana to a left-hand instrument?

You can restring your instrument by flipping the GCEA strings along with some other slight adjustments to fit your playing needs. You may get in touch with an authorized Ohana dealer for this modification.

I understand that Ohana is making custom ukuleles that are in the USA headquarters, can you tell me more about it?

That is correct! We are proud to announce that we have opened up a shop here, called, Ohana Custom Shop—OCS for short. You can find or build your dream instrument through us, here!

I am opening up a shop and am interested in becoming an Ohana dealer. How do I do this?

Thank you for your interest in our ukuleles! Please get in touch with our office by email at info@ohana-music.com or by phone at (562) 997-9080 so we can learn more about your vision and how we can partner to bring quality ukuleles to your location.

Check out our blog for our full instrument care tips: Instrument Care Tips

How often should I change the strings on my ukulele?

Strings need to be changed occasionally. The Aquila strings that came with your instrument should last a while. Depending on how often you play, the typical lifespan of your strings can range from a few weeks to a few months. If you play often, say, 2 to 3 hours a day, then we would recommend changing them every 6 months. Another indication that the strings should be changed is a loss of proper intonation. The tuners will hold the strings in tune, but if any of the strings don’t intonate accurately then it is probably time to change that string. String buzzing (when it is not caused by other reasons) could be yet another sign that the string has deteriorated, and that is also time to replace it. Here's a pro tip: To lengthen the life of your strings, be sure to wipe them down after each play.

Which strings do you recommend when it comes time to change them?

All Ohana ukuleles are pre-strung with Aquila strings, unless otherwise noted. We work mainly with the string brands Aquila and Worth Strings, and each brand offers a great variety of strings for your ukulele.

I've heard that I should use a humidifier with my solid wood ukulele to prevent structural damage due to environmental changes. Is there a humidifier you recommend?

We currently carry the Oasis OH-18 Humidifier. They’ve been specifically designed for the ukulele, and hang from the two middle strings horizontally into the body of the instrument. Humidifiers are a good investment to help keep your ukulele hydrated and happy if you live in dry climates or use heating/air conditioning during inclement weather.

Instruments should be kept in an environment of 40 to 50% humidity. It is extremely important to note that sudden temperature changes can cause cracks. You should always make sure to never leave your instrument in the car where it can get very hot.

I’m expecting the delivery of my ukulele in the mail later today, coming from a bit of a distance away. I was wondering if Ohana recommends letting it acclimate for a period of time before opening the shipment. If so, what are your specific recommendations?

It is always a good idea to allow any all-solid instrument to acclimate for several hours; especially after air transit. Let the package stay in room temperature for 4-6 hours before unboxing it. After it’s unboxed, place the instrument in a case (if it’s not already in one) for several more hours before taking it out.

I’d like to upgrade the tuners on my ukulele to Grover tuners, from the Klusson-style ones that were pre-installed. How would one go about such an endeavor?

There will be a bit of handiwork to accomplish your desired modification. Luckily, the tuning post is of the same diameter, but the screws at the back of the headstock may need to be re-drilled. Grover 9NW, 9GW, or 9GB are all good candidates for replacement. If using a different metal tuner, be careful when removing the bushings to avoid damaging the top finish of the headstock.

The frets on my ukulele are a little sharp, how can I file this down at home?

The easier way to remove any sharpness is to use a sanding sponge and gently run it back and forth along the side edges at a 45-degree angle. This will take out the sharpness from the fret ends. If this is the fret surface that feels sharp, then you will need to loosen the strings, move them away from the fretboard, and then run the sanding sponge over the frets back and forth a few times. You can find these sanding sponges at many home improvement stores. Since Ohana ukuleles are set up prior to shipping to our Authorized Dealers, this should not be an issue for any of our instruments.

How do I install batteries?

Remove the empty battery holder from the output jack unit. Place two new CR2032 (1.5-volt coin-sized) batteries into the holder, one on top of the other, with the positive polarity sign facing up.

What are the operations for the chromatic tuner?

Press the button labelled "Tuner" to activate the tuner function and its LED display. Tune the instrument machine heads so that their proper string pitches are achieved. Press the tuner button again to turn off the chromatic tuner once tuning is completed.

What are the operations for the amplifier?

1. On the pre-amp unit located on the side of the instrument, dial all the knobs—volume, bass, middle, and treble—initially to the center of their setting.

2. Connect the 1/4" plug of your amplifier cable into the instrument's output jack, and the other end of the cable into the input jack of your output amplifier.

3.Turn on your output amplifier and adjust its controls to your desired setting. Strum or pluck the instrument strings to confirm that the amplification function is working properly. Now, adjust the volume, bass, middle and treble on the pre-amp to your desired setting.

4. To turn off the amplifier function, mute the main amplifier and then unplug the 1/4" plug from the instrument.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

-Remember to turn the tuner off once tuning is completed. Leaving it on will continuously drain the batteries.

-Amplifier will not operate while the tuner function is activated. Be sure to turn the tuner off to switch to the amplifier mode.

-Be sure to unplug the 1/4" plug from your instrument once you are done playing. Leaving the cable plug into the instrument's output jack will cause the batteries to drain.

I want to switch out gear tuners, but they're too big for the peg holes. How can I widen the peg holes without drilling it?

There is a hand tool that allows you to manually and gradually increase the size of the peg hole. Unfortunately, we carry tools like this at Ohana, but you can use a T-handle reamer to get the job done.

My ukulele has developed an issue that I believe is covered under the Ohana Limited Warranty. What steps do I take to make a claim?

We’re sorry to hear your ukulele has developed an issue. Please first get in touch with the Ohana Authorized Dealer it was purchased from. Your dealer will need to verify date of purchase and review the reported issue. Many times, the issue can be successfully troubleshot and resolved in-person or over the phone. If the dealer believes that it may be a warranty issue, they will contact Ohana to discuss the appropriate resolution.

I need a new part to replace one that has worn out due to normal wear-and-tear. Can you help me?

We would be happy to send along a replacement part. Please call our office at (562) 997-9080 or email us at info@ohana-music.com for cost information, as it varies depending upon the particular part being replaced.

What is the model # of the string set for your tenor 8-string TK-70-8, and how are they strung?

The GHS string set for the Ohana tenor 8-string is model “H-L8”. The string order of our TK-70-8 is strung as, from the top, Gg-Cc-EE-AA, or G4-G3-C5-C4-E4-E4-A4-A4.

I just purchased your Tiple from my local Ohana Authorized Dealer. I’m really looking forward to playing your instrument. Is there any info with specs or warranty that you can email me? Is it “C” or “D” tuning with the LaBella strings? Any advice on pickups and recommendations for a case or bag?

The Ohana Tiple is only recommended in C-tuning due to the high tension from the steel strings and this unique instrument’s short scale. The Ohana UCH-27L hardshell case will accommodate the TK-35-10 Tiple’s additional depth and length. GHS offers a Tiple string set with model # CU-TPL. These are steel and vintage bronze strings with ball ends. Starting from the bottom string with the A-course, they are 010 – 010 / 012 – VN26 – 012 / 015 – VN34 – 015 / 010 – VN22. LaBella also offers a Tiple string set with model # TP20. These are phosphor bronze wound strings with ball ends. Starting from the bottom string with the A-course, they are 010P – 010P / 013P – 026W – 013P / 015P – 034W – 015P / 010P – 022W. A skilled luthier can install a pick up of your choice, such as a MiSi or LR Baggs 5.0.

What type of case will fit my Ohana Vita ukulele?

The best option for storing the soprano size Vita VK-70 would be the UCV-24 hardshell fitted case. The Vita series ukuleles will also fit in a UB-24 (10mm gig bag) or a UCS-24 (25mm soft case).

Is there a specialty case made especially for my Ohana Sopranissimo?

Yes, we offer two protective options designed especially for the Ohana Sopranissimos. One is a 10mm fitted bag, the DB-17; the other option is a hardshell case in black, the UCH-17.

Can I tune my Ohana Sopranino or Ohana Sopranissimo higher than GCEA?

The beauty of music is that different keys can evoke different tones and moods in songs, and some players enjoy exploring open tuning such as ADF#B (Key of D) on their ukulele.

Still, we recommend keeping to the standard GCEA (Key of C) open tuning on all Tiny Ukes, as higher tuning equates to higher tension effected by the strings onto the bridge and the overall structure of the instrument, especially with the shorter scales. Over time, this prolonged stress can lead to undesired consequences for the Tiny Uke, such as broken strings or popped bridges.

Is there a specialty case made especially for my Ohana Sopranino?

Yes, we offer two protective options designed especially for the Sopraninos. One is a 10mm fitted bag, the DB-19; the other option is a hardshell case in black, the UCH-19.

I purchased an Ohana Super Concert ukulele, the CK-35L. Do you offer a hardshell case for it?

Yes. Our UCH-24L extended length concert hardshell case is specifically designed for the CK-35L Super Concert.

I own both your soprano and concert pineapple-shaped ukuleles. Do you make a hardshell case for each of them?

We have specialty cases available for most of our unique shape, scale, and vintage reproduction products. The UCP-21 is the hardshell case for your Ohana soprano pineapple, and the UCP-24 is for your Ohana concert pineapple.

What hard cases can I purchase that would fit my Ohana OBU-22 acoustic bass?

The three-quarter-size acoustic guitar case from the Gator brand, model GWE-ACOU-¾, fits the Ohana OBU-22 short-scale bass very well.

What replacement string options can I use for my Ohana OBU-22 acoustic bass?

The OBU-22 currently comes standard with silverwound, nylon-core LaBella Microbass Silverback strings for optimal sound and play. Replacements can be purchased online through various retailers, as can flatwound string sets such as the LaBella Microbass Flat Wound string set. Just be sure to look for string sets suitable for short-scale bass (25 inch scale).

If your OBU-22 was purchased with phosphor bronze roundwound strings installed, replacement sets are also available directly. Please get in contact with us via phone or the Contact page below for assistance.

I just purchased a new Bell Shaped SKB-35. I was wondering if your DB2 case could hold the Bell along with a tenor ukulele. Also, what would be the best case for just a Bell? Thanks!

The bell-shaped uke will fit inside the DB2-27 soft case, so one compartment could be for the bell uke and the other for your tenor uke. By itself, the bell uke will fit into either a 10mm padded concert size gig bag (UB-24BK), or a 25mm padded soprano size gig bag (UCS-21BK).