Tuulele

Tuulele is a term that appears infrequently in music references, and there is no widely accepted definition or standard instrument associated with it. In practice, tuulele is sometimes described online as a small, four-string plucked instrument from the Pacific region that resembles the ukulele, while other sources treat it as a misspelling or regional variant of ukulele. The lack of authoritative documentation means the term is not recognized as a distinct instrument in academic ethnomusicology.

Etymology and usage: The origin of the word tuulele is uncertain. Some discussions suggest it may be a phonetic variation of ukulele, while others propose it as an independent term used in hobbyist listings or brand names. No consensus exists on its lineage.

Design characteristics: Descriptions vary, but most accounts converge on a small, nylon-string instrument with four strings and a figure-8 or pineapple-shaped body similar in scale to a soprano ukulele. Some listings note variations in size, string gauge, and bracing, but there is no formal specification.

Playing and repertoire: The instrument is described as intended for strumming or simple chord-based accompaniment, with technique broadly aligned to ukulele playing. Because there is no standardized designation, instructional materials specific to tuulele are scarce, and players typically rely on ukulele methods.

See also: Ukulele, List of string instruments in the Pacific.