The ukulele developed in Hawaii in the first decade of the 20th Century. They grew out of instruments brought over from Portugal (the machete and the braguinha). Both of these instruments were guitar-like in shape (but smaller) so the ukulele began its life in that shape.

The pineapple shape of ukulele was invented by Samuel Kamaka and it was patented in 1927. Kamaka was at the forefront of the second generation of Hawaiian ukulele makers – he had apprenticed under Leonardo Nunes (one of the original ukulele makers) before leaving to set up his own company – which is still running today – in 1916.

You can even view the original patent on Google. The original didn’t just go with the oval pineapple shape. It also have a pineapple design painted on the back and front.

With the patent expiring in 1942, many other companies have since picked up the pineapple shape and today it is very popular with it being produced by companies such as Kala, Lanikai and Pono.

As you can hear from that rather wonderful performance, the pineapple shape of ukulele doesn’t make a sound noticeably different from that of a standard ukulele. In fact, there’s no real reason for the ukulele to be the guitar-like shape. The shape is required for the guitar since you need to rest it on your leg and reach your arm over the top. The ukulele is so small neither of these are a problem. Yet the ukulele developed in this shape anyway.

So what are the advantages of a pineapple ukulele?

Price

The pineapple shape of ukulele is quicker and easier to produce and also uses less wood for the same volume inside the ukulele. This means the ukulele can be produced more cheaply. So, for example, Amazon have Lanikai LU-21P Pineapple Ukulele for $49.99 and a Lanikai LU-21 Standard Ukulele for $59.99. However, this is not always the case. It varies from maker to maker.

The Look

This is probably the biggest factor in terms of popularity of the pineapple shape. It is very distinctive and different and that certainly adds to its appeal. As well as that, the pineapple lends itself very well to decoration. Right from Samuel Kamaka’s first pineapple ukulele up to Amy Crehore’s Tickler #2, the pineapple has had one design or another put onto it. Another big appeal for people who want something a little different.

Some gig bags are loose enough to accommodate the pineapple shape. However, if you’re buying a case, you do need to buy one specifically make for a pineapple. You’ll usually find a few options on eBay. Another choice is the Kala pineapple ukulele case.