Rosebud’s ukulele luthier
There are only a handful of ukulele luthiers in Australia and they all come from a musical background. Chris Dovey of Rosebud came to music through his skills in fine woodworking.
After a career in furniture making and cabinetry Chris finally retired. He set up a workshop at home to keep his hand in, maybe to make a few pieces of bespoke furniture now and then. He retained all the tools and equipment he needed and had accumulated a fine collection of rare and seasoned timbers.
“My brother is a uke player and he goaded me into making my first ukulele” is how Chris tells the story. “I’d been making variations of boxes most of my working life. He challenged me to have a go at something different, so I did.”
From craftsman, to uke-maker to uke-player
Working from a set of plans of the iconic Martin ukulele Chris completed his first instrument – and his brother was amazed! A few ukes later Chris decided that if he was making them, he should learn to play them – and that’s how he came to SPUKES.
Chris insists that musical instrument making is strictly a hobby even though he has now established his own brand of Dove ukuleles..
Alan Blyth with his brand new Dove Uke.
Custom made ukuleles
He enjoys making to suit the special needs of individual players. Alan Blyth has just taken delivery of a bespoke design concert ukulele with a unique flat bottomed pineapple shape that can stand by itself.
Another nearing completion is for a player with some hand movement restrictions. The tuning pegs are on the top side of the head, and the head itself has also been scalloped to allow easier access to the lower frets on the neck.
Some luthiers build ukuleles with elaborate inlays, rosettes and bindings – almost works of art. Chris is also an artisan but he builds “works of happiness” for the singing strummer rather than the virtuoso. He uses fine tone woods and construction materials but pays close attention to the ‘action’ of the instrument, the playability, and how it suits the player.
Chris Dovey’s work on display at Peninsula Woodworkers.
Some of the processes in making a Dove ukulele
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Time patience and skill. O did I mention the love of “wood”.
Chris you have produced some beautifull instruments and they are unique, and you have inspired me not only with the construction but also to hang in and learn to play.
Roy Crea
Awesome job Chris, such beautiful craftsmanship and a magnificent sound. Ubeautukes is impressed!
Wow! Your Ukes look amazing Chris. I’m pleased to hear you were inspired by Steve.
Keep up the great work
Addie ( Wobbles Band member)
Hi Chris. Your ukes look fabulous. And your workshop is certainly more organised than mine! Just got my first guitar type uke finished but not to your standards. Sounds OK though. Will be studying these pics for construction clues. Keep up the good work Cheers
Tom McKendrick
Hi Chris,
I am very interested in purchasing a ukulele and I have done a bit of research and I also posted a question on ABC Classic fm Facebook article about learning a musical instrument in older age. That is how I found that you make ukuleles; your brother Gerard told me that you make ukuleles. And I would very much like to buy one that is made here.
I am in Camden, NSW.
Through my research I think I need a Tenor ukulele because I am 6′ tall and that size would be more comfortable to play. I am a beginner and I did play the guitar when I was at school.
I just want to get back to enjoying playing and singing again.
Could you please suggest a possible ukulele? Is there anything around $300?
Thank you and kind regards from
Sandra Dodds
0417321796
I am a 69 year old retired guy living in Launceston Tasmania
I am seeking a quality handmade Tenor ukulele @ A reasonable price.!
I love quality objects.!
I am only starting out.. but I am keen to play
Kind Regards
Andrew
0418206825
Hi Andrew . If you are a novice I would suggest you go to a local music store and try out a few ukuleles. You can get a reasonable instrument for between $100 and $200. Obviously these are Asian made, but generally are good quality. We have Kala and Lanakai ukuleles which are good value for money. I have a soprano ukulele made by Dave Aumann in Heathmont Vic tel (03) 8711 4421. He’s been making instruments for quite a while now. Finish craftsmaship etc is top quality. I also have a Dove Concert Ukulele made by Chris Dovey from Rosebud 0418 769 598. Chris started making instruments when he retired 3 or 4 years ago. He has just made a tenor guitar for me based on a Martin Template I found on line. it’s a very good instrument (4 strings tune like a baritone ukulele tuned DGBE) . I intend to fit ‘proper’ tenor guitar strings (tuned CGDA) when i can find some suitable ones. There’s also a luthier in Mornington called Joe Brady. He sells his ones through Nepean Music Mornington. I’ve seen them on sale for $1,000 plus. with Dave and Chris I think they do it for the love of it. Many hours are spent in the making, and they use rare and exotic timbers . Ebony,Blackwood Mahogany Rosewood etc etc. I paid $500 for my soprano (got a great discount) about 6 years ago. I paid around $650 for my concert ukulele. That one’s made from 100 year old solid mahogany with an Indian rosewood fingerboard. Hope all this helps. kind regards Alan Blyth