No. 52, Spring 2026

In this jazz-focused issue, we feature an interview with Jim Beloff about his new album and his relationship with jazz uke pioneer Lyle Ritz. Plus, an exploration of Gibson’s stunning custom and rare ukuleles from the 1920s and ‘30s, expertly researched and photographed by Sandor Nagyszalanczy.

Learn to play two jazzy songs (“My Funny Valentine,” a la Chet Baker, arranged by Victoria Vox; “Coquette,” a la Django Reinhardt, arranged by Christopher Davis-Shannon); as well as one earworm of an Appalachian tune, “Red Rocking Chair,” arranged by Marcy Marxer. Daniel Ward’s bossa nova lesson brings a different flavor of jazz to explore, while Brian Liu’s instructions on putting together Hawaiian chord solos deconstructs a familiar Hawaiian song.

We’ve also got a review of newcomer to the uke market, ‘Oli Ukulele, and explore their approach to crafting quality ukes at a reasonable price. Plus, an interview with Florida builder Donna Loprinzi, who took over her father’s guitar-making business and now mostly makes ukes; a look at the short-lived Jazuke of the 1920s; a well-deserved award for a uke club in New Hampshire; and much more!