Collection: Ukuleles & Mandolines

At Rock City Guitar Shop, we think it's important that when you go to buy an instrument it not only sounds good, but also fits your playing style and is therefore comfortable. That's why you'll always find different mandolins and ukuleles in our shop to compare timbres and quality levels. We are happy to help you find the instrument that perfectly suits you and your budget. 

Buying a ukulele

The ukulele is a stringed instrument native to Hawaii. However, many people do not know that it has its roots in Portuguese instruments such as the cavaquinho. The instrument became popular in Hawaii in the late 19th century and spread around the world from there. In general, there are four different types of ukuleles: the soprano ukulele, concert ukulele, tenor ukulele and the baritone ukulele. In this sequence, they grow larger and larger and acquire a deeper sound.

Ukuleles are really on the rise and have become increasingly popular in recent years because they are compact and sound cheerful. At Rock City Guitar Shop, we therefore have a collection of ukuleles suitable for both beginners and advanced players. We offer ukuleles from a number of Ukulele brands:

• Eastman ukuleles: Known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail. Eastman Ukuleles have a warm, rich sound and are loved by many ukulele players. With an Eastman ukulele, you get a fantastic value for money, good playability and traditional building techniques.
• Kala ukuleles: A leading brand for ukuleles. You'll find both affordable entry-level models and professional instrument at Kala ukuleles. A Kala ukulele is generally bright, durable and has good projection.
• Korala ukuleles: Instruments made in innovative ways, often with unique materials. These lightweight but resonant ukuleles are perfect if you want a slightly different sound or if you are starting to play ukulele and are looking for a high-quality instrument.
• Tanglewood ukuleles: A classic look, but built with modern technologies. This results in a well-finished instrument with a warm and full tone.

Buying a mandolin

The mandolin is a stringed instrument that descends from the lute. It is known for its characteristic double-chorded strings, meaning that each note is played by two strings at the same time. This gives the mandolin a sparkling and resonant sound. The mandolin originally became especially popular in Italy in the 17th and 18th centuries.

With the mandolin, we can generally distinguish two styles. The A-style mandolin has a pear-shaped body without carved horns. These are often used in folk and classical music because of their simplicity and clear sound. The F-style mandolin is more graceful in shape and has carved horns. These mandolins are especially popular in bluegrass and country music. Their projection is more powerful and they have a richer sound than A-style mandolins. 

A mandolin is a versatile instrument used in many traditional musical styles today, from bluegrass to classical music. It is an instrument that immediately stands out because it always ‘pierces’ perfectly through the mix. In our collection of mandolins, you will find a number of well-known brands, such as:

• Eastman mandolins: These mandolins are made entirely by hand and are known for their full tone and good playability. Eastman instruments are built according to traditional methods, but also stand out for their perfect finish.
• Tanglewood mandolins: Tanglewood mandolins have a warm and expressive sound. These mandolins are sophisticated instruments with a classic look.

Customisation and pick-up installation

Would you like to have a pick-up built into your ukulele or mandolin? That's possible at Rock City Guitar Shop. After its installation, you can easily amplify your instrument for live performances or recordings. With over 40 years of experience, we assure you of expert installation and advise you on the best pick-up for your needs and goals. Of course, we can also fully set-up and or service your current ukulele or mandolin for you.

Why Rock City Guitar Shop?

At Rock City Guitar Shop, we believe in a personal approach and a commitment to quality. Whether you are looking for your first ukulele or looking to upgrade your current mandolin, at Rock City Guitar Shop we are always ready to help you achieve the best instrument for you. We invite you to come and discover our collection in our shop in Eindhoven, even if you simply need advice.