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Ukulele workshop in Berkeley

Ukulele maker Mike DaSilva plays one of his instruments in his Berkeley workshop.

Ukulele maker Mike DaSilva plays one of his instruments in his Berkeley workshop.  (Robert Durell / For The Times)

Thanks to the Internet, the humble ukulele is pushing its recent popularity well beyond anything that old-time performers Don Ho, Arthur Godfrey or even Tiny Tim, could imagine.

Ukulele

DaSilva shapes a ukulele. He has been making them for five years.  (Robert Durell / For The Times)

Ukulele

DaSilva’s workshop. Ukuleles’ latest wave of popularity began around 2001, the year of former Beatle George Harrison’s death. Harrison was well-known in uke circles.  (Robert Durell / For The Times)

Ukulele

DaSilva’s workshop. In recent years, online videos and social networks have helped foster interest in ukuleles.  (Robert Durell / For The Times)

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DaSilva’s ukes sell for $600 to $3,000. Imported, mass-produced ones can be $30.  (Robert Durell / For The Times)

Ukulele

“The number of new players keeps going up,” DaSilva says.  (Robert Durell / For The Times)

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