Christopher Trietsch is a Long Island-based ukulele instrumentalist and luthier who builds the ukuleles he plays. He began songwriting in 2012, inspired by the sights and sounds of his home. His debut album Beginning Today features 12 original tracks that Christopher recorded by layering the sounds of 3 of his own handmade ukuleles accompanied by Rosemary Trietsch on piano, Barry Waller on bass, and Jesse Torres on guitar.

 

In 2021, Beginning Today was nominated for “Ukulele Album of the Year” by the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) for the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano award. Christopher’s album was featured in the Ukulele Magazine Winter 2020 edition, where the editor praised Beginning Today as an impressive debut, “filled with joy and affirmation, and considerable sophistication….certain to surprise and impress many uke aficionados.” 

 

Christopher has been building his own ukuleles since 2010, and uses them exclusively in his professional recordings and performances. His experience as a musician and recording artist informs his building, so that he truly understands how to craft high-quality ukuleles that respond to the player’s touch. In each build, he captures superior tone and depth of sound, creating ukuleles that are both a joy to play and hold in your hands. Christopher takes pride in the quality of his work, and builds custom one-off instruments for private customers.

 

In 2022, Christopher took his first trip to Hawaii to study ukulele building and playing as well as showcase his handmade ukuleles and original music. Through president Kimo Hussey, Christopher met founder Mike Chock of Hana Lima 'Ia and was inducted into the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii. He was also introduced to guild member Cente Arkangel who invited Christopher to spend four weeks studying ukulele building and playing with the Waialua Sky Ukulele Builders ohana (family). At the end of his trip, the Waialua Sky Builders "hanai" (adopted) Christopher into their ohana and they have remained connected to share ideas and plan future projects. 

 

During his stay on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, Christopher visited the Kamaka, Kanile'a, Ko'aloha, and Ko'olau ukulele factories to learn about their building process and play the amazing ukuleles they craft. He was also able to show them his own handmade ukuleles and get tips from each factory's production managers and technicians. Christopher sought out all of Oahu's landmark ukulele spots like Tyler Gilman's The Ukulele Store, Shawn Yacavone's Ukulele Friend, and Andrew Kitakis' Ukulelesite to study some of the world's finest ukuleles made in Hawaii: both custom handmade and vintage. Along the way, Christopher met many amazing musicians including: Taimane Gardner, Kimo Hussey, Abe Lagrimas, Kalei Gamiao, Corey Fujimoto, and Andrew Molina, and was able to have each of them sample and critique his own handmade CTrietsch ukuleles.

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Christopher has crafted many ukuleles from local Long Island tone woods including sycamore, cherry, and maple, but it is not uncommon to find him working with traditional ukulele woods like koa, spruce, cedar, and rosewood. In his most recent builds, Christopher has been exploring other popular tone woods like granadillo, pau ferro, purple heart, padauk, and imbuia.