Ukuleles, violins, and other bowed and plucked string instruments
Beyond the guitar family, string instruments like ukuleles and violins offer unique voices and playing experiences. These instruments span casual strumming to virtuosic classical performance.
The violin family dates back to 16th-century Italy, with Stradivari and Guarneri crafting instruments still considered the finest ever made. The ukulele originated in 19th-century Hawaii, adapted from Portuguese instruments brought by immigrants.
Violins produce sound through bowed strings on a hollow wooden body, offering extraordinary expressiveness and range. Ukuleles are small, four-stringed instruments with a bright, cheerful tone that makes them approachable for beginners.
Violin masters include Itzhak Perlman, Hilary Hahn, and Nicola Benedetti. Ukulele virtuosos like Jake Shimabukuro and Taimane Gardner have elevated the instrument far beyond its humble reputation.
A Stradivarius violin from 1721 sold for $15.9 million in 2011. The ukulele's name translates roughly to "jumping flea" in Hawaiian, possibly describing the finger movements of skilled players.