Lyle Ritz
Master Veteran Performer

Lyle Ritz is known throughout the world as one of the original "masters" of the 'Ukulele. Also a professional bass player, Mr. Ritz has performed and recorded with the 'ukulele for over 40 years. His proficiency at 'ukulele jazz chords has gained him respect from all of the music industry. He presently performs and records with his Ko'olau Tenor 'Ukulele.

  Lyle and John

Lyle Ritz, Kilin Reece, and Alden Tokuzato

A performance on Oregon Art Beat TV

A feature on Oregon Public Broadcasting TV

Listen to Lyle play 

        "Have You Met Miss Jones."  WMA / MP3

         "Lulu's Back In Town."  WMA / MP3

  • Listen to Lyle play "Hana." [200K Real Media File]

Here's what Lyle Ritz had to say
about his new custom tenor ukulele from Koolau...

This is to thank you for creating such a fine instrument in the new
Ko’olau Ukulele.  My new Tenor is beautiful in sound and appearance. 

It is hard for me to put my new ukulele back in its case!  Its response and tactile quality are quite excellent--it is a very satisfying instrument to play.  The scale is very even up the fingerboard, and the high register particularly speaks with unusual clarity.  I find that every day it seems to improve in sound. 

I wish to commend you as well for the superb craftsmanship you lavished of this instrument.  I am impressed all the more because it was one of your examples I was permitted to select--it was not a specially prepared model. 

Again, mahalo.  I certainly look forward to performing with this fine instrument. 

With best regards, 

Lyle Ritz

Hi John, Noa, and Andrew,

Enclosed is a picture I snapped before our concert at Harvard University - thought you might like to have it.

The uke played like a dream. At each place of performance I sensed that finally, the audience understood what I was trying to say.

I am grateful I had the Ko'olau to speak for me! From New England to Santa Monica the Ko'olau was a success!

Thanks,

Lyle Ritz

P.S. I didn't even take my Martin.

HONOLULU MAGAZINE ARTICLE

Lyle Ritz:
How a Hollywood studio musician became
a Hawai`i `ukulele legend.