They lived close to each other on Oahu, and played together often, but the original desire to become a duo never happened. And it’s interesting that he and Lyle Ritz always had plans to team up to produce jazz ‘ukulele recordings. Chong is honored for his lifetime contribution to Hawaiian jazz. And eventually he followed that passion.Īnother well respected musician who joined our “hall of fame” was Benny Chong. But his real musical love and passion was jazz ‘ukulele. Lyle Ritz was known for his bass playing, for Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Herb Albert, the Righteous Brother, and many others.
He played LA studio sessions with every famous group on the scene. Ritz was respected for over 50 years, going back to the days of the Wrecking Crew. One of the three we were honored to have playing our ‘ukuleles was Lyle Ritz. Then for the next 50 years it because simply a fun “toy” until the 1990’s. Jazz ‘ukulele goes back many years, to the 1920’s and 1930’s. (we mention “endorsement” because we have never had what is termed “sponsors” who sign contracts and require them to play our instruments). We were approached and eventually “endorsed” by three of the most respectable jazz ‘ukulele players in the world. One positive motivation was having some of the biggest “hitters” on our side. So except for a few realistic musicians who were seeking a high quality ‘ukulele, we had a limited amount of customers. We wanted to be proud of what we made, and we wanted them to last forever. And so, Ko‘olau guitars and ‘ukuleles were born.Ĭompared to most other brands, our first Ko‘olau instruments were expensive.
LYLE GUITARS 1802T PRODUCTION YEARS PROFESSIONAL
Our goal from the beginning was to produce the most professional quality stringed instrument possible, regardless of the time and cost required. And now there is a demand for higher quality. ‘Ukuleles were always popular in Hawaii, and eventually throughout the world. Then about twenty five years ago we decided to focus more on manufacturing, especially ukuleles. In addition to making instruments, we specialized in the repair and restoration of acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, violins, and almost every other imaginable stringed instrument.
Our family history of making and restoring stringed instruments began 40 years ago.