At Terry Carter Music Store, we get all kinds of customer requests. One of the most interesting? The Romero Creations Ekolu Ukulele—a three-string instrument with endless creative possibilities.
A Tiny Tenor with a Big Sound
The Ekolu is based on the Tiny Tenor body shape, giving you a full sound in a compact size. With a 17-inch scale length, it feels comfortable while delivering surprising volume and resonance.
Why Only Three Strings?
Most ukuleles have four strings, but the Ekolu changes the game. Inspired by Daniel Ho, this design leaves out the first string. That opens the door for fresh voicings and new musical ideas.
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Tuned for Creativity
Typically, the Ekolu comes tuned C, E, and A—strings one, two, and three. But in this case, a customer requested a special G, C, and E tuning. This setup actually uses strings two, three, and four of a standard uke.
Rewire Your Brain—Play Differently
If you already play ukulele, switching to the Ekolu is simple but exciting. Some chords change slightly, but the essentials remain. For example:
C chord: Just play it open
A minor: Stays the same
F chord: Same shape, fewer strings
G7 chord: Use just two fingers
Glossy Finish and Premium Materials
This instrument doesn’t just sound great—it looks stunning too. The all-solid Phoenix wood body gleams with a gloss finish, while the ebony fretboard and bridge add a touch of elegance.
Lightweight Yet High Quality
Because it has only three strings, the neck is thinner—about 1.10 inches at the nut. That makes it easier to play, especially for those who prefer a lighter, more agile feel.
Top-Notch Hardware
High-quality 16:1 geared tuners keep your Ekolu in tune during long jam sessions. Plus, the Daniel Ho logo on the headstock adds a special signature touch.
Made for Studio and Stage
Daniel Ho originally developed this design while recording in the studio. Leaving out the fourth string gave him more room to experiment—and now you can too.
Strumming, Picking, and More
Despite the missing string, you can still do it all. From blues fingerpicking to gentle strums, the Ekolu is versatile. With a little practice, your muscle memory will adjust easily.
The Specs at a Glance
Here’s a quick list of the key features:
Size: Tiny Tenor
Top, Back & Sides: All Solid Phoenix
Scale Length: 17″
Nut Width: 1.10″
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Tuners: 16:1 Geared
Made in: Vietnam
Courses Available for Ekolu Players
If you’re interested in learning the Ekolu, check out our lessons at Uke Like The Pros. We offer specialized courses designed to help you master this unique tuning.
Endless Possibilities in a Small Package
Whether you’re a studio musician or a casual player, the Romero Creations Ekolu Ukulele offers something new. Its design invites you to explore different sounds and techniques.
Ready to Try the Ekolu?
At Terry Carter Music Store, we love helping players find their perfect instrument. The Ekolu might just be the creative spark you’ve been looking for.
