Pete Howlett Ukulele Explorations

I was alerted to Pete Howlett’s work after watching the following BBC video short and decided to take a closer look at his instruments.

After seeing this movie short I decided to commission a baritone ukulele which is due in 2016.

After joining Pete’s FB group I was alerted to a terrific sounding Makore tenor ukulele that was demonstrated by Pete’s new apprentice Tommy. I have always had a policy of only buying ukuleles that I can have in my hands, BUT in this instance I broke my own rule and purchased it. I am delighted to say that the sound and playability is superb and this instrument will definitely be used in future band recordings.

pete howlett ukuleleThe Makore also looks terrific and as with all great custom builds there is exceptional attention to detail. This was the second of Pete’s instruments I have played. The first one was during a visit to Pete Doleman in recent times. As a collector of high end ukuleles I have played a lot of instruments from all around the world and to date have favoured Shimo’s instruments from Japan and Bill Collings ukuleles from Austin Texas. I have interviewed both these builders for Uke Magazine. I also have good experience with Rob Collins from Yorkshire who makes fine instruments.

Its great therefore to discover Pete’s work and I was alerted to the fact that somebody was selling one of his level entry “Marmite” ukuleles on eBay. This particular ukulele was a prototype built in 2012. Below is a video of the Marmite which are wonderful no frills, but great sounding instruments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WLywI1bzZM

This will be my travelling ukulele and even though this is the least expensive of all instruments I have bought it’s pound for pound extraordinary value at sub £300. In fact I would say it’s the best sounding and ukulele at this price point and better than many ukuleles at twice the price!

I think Pete is an exceptional builder and would highly recommend checking out this instruments, see http://petehowlettukulele.co.uk/