Here’s something new and unusual–a fellow in Oregon, Scott Seelye, who is trying to gather $125,000 in funds on Kickstarter to finance manufacture of a serious plastic soprano ukulele. His prototype, in black, is a nice-looking but odd design with a truly unusual set of tuners (and check out the unusual neck, too). And plastic ukes were popular with adults back in the 1950s. I don’t know how much hope to hold out for him, though. With $125K as his goal, as I write he has collected only about $5,000, with 27 days to go.

I am considering pledging the $125 necessary to receive one of his first black plastic ukes. If you like the idea of a (hopefully) inexpensive uke you can take on a rafting trip, spread the word, & perhaps we’ll see this one happen. —Walter

PS: This project failed, coming in $100K short. I think it’s a shame.