5ths first string theory

Pre-Owned Lanikai LU-21C concert ukulele set up by 5ths First Music Co. for CGDA fifths tuning. This is not a stock GCEA ukulele: it has been converted into a compact, logical fifths-tuned instrument for learning melody, chord shapes, intervals, and fretboard theory.

The instrument has been upgraded with a hand-fitted bone nut and bone saddle, then strung and adjusted for CGDA. Those upgrades improve the contact points at both ends of the vibrating string and give the instrument a more deliberate, player-focused setup than the original factory configuration.

The LU-21C’s concert body, nato laminate construction, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, satin finish, and 18-fret neck make it a comfortable, durable platform for a portable fifths instrument.

Tuning: CGDA fifths

Size: Concert

Model: Lanikai LU-21C

Body: Nato laminate

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard and bridge: Rosewood

Frets: 18

Upgrades: Hand-fitted bone nut and bone saddle

Setup: Converted, strung, and adjusted for CGDA fifths by 5ths First Music Co.

Includes: gig bag and a copy of 5ths First String Theory

At 5ths First we believe that 5ths tuning, its simplicity and accessibility are not limited to mandolins and classical string instruments. But finding a Ukulele tuned tuned in 5ths on the market is not very common. Our answer to that initially was to acquire pre-owned Ukuleles and set them up for students and family and friends but we are now offering new instruments that are setup right here in Idaho. Ohana Ukulele’s Pineapple Ukulele DIY-Kit is the most solid and well put together kit on the market. Finished by 5ths First Music Co. in the mountains of Boise County, Idaho with a few upgrades from the kit build at 5ths First we add:

-Graphtech Tune-a-lele tuners

-Hand made and fit custom nut and saddle optimized for 5ths tuned strings.

-Aquila 31U strings tuned CGDA

-Idaho harvested, wild elk antler inlay on bridge

-Hand rubbed finish with low voc finish, stained with natural methods.

-Gig bag

-Copy of 5ths First String Theory

5ths First has only made one of these to date and it recently sold. More are on the way in the coming month. Put a deposit down to reserve yours today!

**the pictures do not reflect the instrument you will receive. Before sending your ukulele we will verify that you are happy with the finish and if not you can save your deposit for another finish as we continue building the 5ths First Inventory.

** These kits are manufactured by Ohana Ukuleles but this is not an Ohana endorsed product, and Ohana is not responsible for warranty, defects or craftsmanship.

$100 down, $250 upon completion.

A well-played Córdoba Protégé concert ukulele, rebuilt as a ready-to-play CGDA fifths-tuned instrument by 5ths First Music Co.

This instrument shows honest cosmetic signs of previous use—small marks and wear consistent with a used instrument—but it is structurally sound, took the fifths setup exceptionally well, plays comfortably, and sounds good. It has been selected for what matters most: a stable, musical, playable platform for learning and enjoying the 5ths First system.

Tuned in CGDA, the strings are spaced in consistent fifths rather than standard ukulele tuning. That creates a fretboard layout that is easier to understand visually and connects naturally to melody, intervals, scales, chords, and other fifths-tuned instruments.

Tuning: CGDA fifths

Size: Concert

Brand/series: Córdoba Protégé

Condition: Used; cosmetic wear from normal prior ownership. Fully playable and set up for CGDA fifths.

Setup: Inspected, strung, adjusted, and ready to play by 5ths First Music Co.

Includes: gig bag and a copy of 5ths First String Theory

A great value entry point into the 5ths First system: real instrument, real setup, and honest character.

Kala Surf’s Up Concert Ukulele — 5ths Tuned (CGDA)

A bright, playful concert ukulele set up in CGDA fifths tuning. The Kala Surf’s Up pairs a spruce top with mahogany back, sides, and neck, then adds its unmistakable retro surf graphic for an instrument that looks as individual as it sounds.

The concert size gives you a comfortable playing platform, while CGDA tuning puts the notes in the clear, logical fifths layout we advocate for at 5ths First Music Co. (the same interval pattern used across the violin family, mandolin family and tenor guitar). It is an easy, approachable way to begin playing in fifths without starting on a large or intimidating instrument, or without purchasing a cheap mandolin that will likely spend its life in a closet.

This instrument is inspected, strung, and offered by 5ths First Music Co. as a ready-to-play fifths-tuned ukulele. It came to us in like new condition. After carving a new nut and saddle for it and doing a bit of fretwork that as a result of its age it is ready to be in the hands of a new player!

Tuning: CGDA fifths

Size: Concert

Top: Spruce

Back, sides, and neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Finish: Satin

Frets: 18

Nut & Saddle: Hand carved/fit bone

Gig bag and a copy of 5ths First String Theory included.

Leolani Concert ukulele prepared for CGDA fifths tuning by 5ths First Music Co. This is not a standard GCEA setup: it has been adjusted and strung as a compact fifths-tuned instrument for clear melody playing, movable chord shapes, intervals, scales, and practical fretboard understanding.

This instrument has received careful hands-on restoration and setup work. A previous neck issue was repaired and stabilized, and the instrument now plays well, sounds good, and is ready for fifths-tuned use. It already came equipped with a natural bone nut and bone saddle, so rather than replacing good parts, the nut and saddle were adjusted for intonation, action, and overall playability in the CGDA setup.

It includes a fitted hard-shell case. The case shows cosmetic wear and is not in premium condition, but it remains functional and serviceable for carrying and protecting the instrument.

Tuning: CGDA fifths

Brand: Leolani

Condition: Used; repaired neck; plays well and sounds good.

Setup work: Neck repair; bone nut and bone saddle adjusted for intonation and playability; strung and set up in CGDA fifths.

Case: Serviceable hard-shell case included; case has visible cosmetic wear.

Includes a copy of 5ths First String Theory

A restored, ready-to-play fifths instrument with honest history, practical protection, and a setup built for the 5ths First system.

J. Carmichael is a mandolin player, songwriter, homeschool dad and writer. He wrote this book to introduce his kids to music in order for them to be able to “get the song in their hearts out” as they grow and walk through life. The premise is that music is simpler than modern society makes it out to be and that learning plucked string instruments in fifths tuning is an underutilized and powerful educational tool.

This Workshop Edition 1 copy comes spiral bound so that it will lay flat on a music stand. When the book hits Amazon it will be in paperback. The only way to get the spiral bound copies is to order them directly from J.