No-one wakes up one morning and randomly declares “I’m going to build ukuleles for a living”. My mentor, Pete Howlett’s chance meeting in Texas in 1984 led him to become one of the premier ukulele builders or our time. Similarly my purchase of a small woodpile from him led me to his door and a seven year apprenticeship at his workbench.

It’s been a great journey, one which has resulted in a lively dialogue on sound quality, volume and projection. From these debates we together developed the ‘Spherical-V’ bracing system, an innovation we’ve worked on since 2020 when we first began discussing the concept of spherical pre-stressed soundboards and reflectors. We believe that this is what enables us to deliver our unique sound: big volume, projection and ‘sweetness’ despite our relatively slimline design.

Pete’s ongoing health issues with Parkinson’s Disease led him in 2025 to formally invite me to collaborate on a series of co-branded, ‘Howlett:Lipson’ ukuleles. There is no greater compliment an apprentice can receive from his master than this! From a standing start we sold all our projected 1st run and thus began my journey to the next 10,000 hours as a ukulele maker!

Since we both felt it was so important to continue the legacy of Pete’s designs, so they are not lost, I have also taken on his acoustic Tenor and Baritone designs. I am deeply humbled that Pete has entrusted them to me for their further development and I am grateful for all the support he has given me in this handover. I can only hope I do them justice.

“I cannot think of a better builder in the UK to take up the torch and responsibility to provide the highest quality of instruments to the ukulele playing community”

Pete Howlett, Jan ‘26

Southern Ukulele Store - Interview with Pete Howlett & Daniel Lipson

Our current ukulele models

a 17” scale length traditionally shaped tenor ukulele with rounded shoulders and lower bout built using a hardwood soundboard matching the back and sides (traditionally built with Koa although other woods can be used). Usually strung with a high G.

a 17” scale length tenor inspired by the mainstream US West Coast stringed instruments of the early/mid 20th century. Our California Style Tenors reminiscent of a miniature Martin OM guitar and have a ‘softwood’ soundboard (Spruce, Cedar or Redwood) that delivers an unexpected punch and resonance. We are building these instruments with a variety of different wood options but with an increasing focus on the use of native UK species. Usually strung with a low G

a 20” scale length Baritone Ukulele tuned to DGBE making it an ideal instrument for recusant guitarists (like myself!) switching to the Light Side! The aesthetic of our HSB is similar to our HST and is built with a hardwood soundboard matching the back and sides wood.

a 20” scale length Baritone Ukulele also tuned to DGBE and also with the appearance of a scaled-down Martin OM guitar. As with the California Style Tenors these are built with a softwood soundboard.  

Current special editions

A co-branded ‘Howlett:Lipson’ Hawaiian Style Tenor built using figured curly Khaya (a wood of the Mahogany family) and a minimalist aesthetic. These instruments feature an offset soundhole and a soundport on the upper bout giving the player the benefit of the appreciation of the volume this powerhouse delivers.

A co-branded ‘Howlett:Lipson’ Hawaiian Style Baritone, again built with figured curly Khaya and minimal decoration. The first of these instruments is currently being built and will be delivered to Paul Mansell for review in early 2026.

Co-branded ‘Howlett:Lipson’ Californian Style ukuleles built in both Tenor and Baritone sizes. They feature a unique aesthetic of the planets of the solar system on the fretboard (including the astonishing ‘Saturn’ inlay in gold and white Mother-of-Pearl on the 12th fret), a constellation of your choice inlaid on the back of the instrument in mother of pearl and an oval soundhole with gorgeous Thuya burr wood ‘heart’ rosette.