DUKE10 V4 Production Update - Manufacturing Has Begun!

Well, I'm delighted to share some exciting news — manufacturing of the new DUKE10 Version 4 tenor banjo ukulele is underway!

Every new version of the DUKE10 represents another step forward, building on everything we've learned along the way. Version 4 is the exciting next chapter in that journey.

Getting the details right

One area I've paid particular attention to is the wooden rim, which forms an integral part of the banjolele's construction.

For V4, we've moved from the five-ply birch rim used in previous versions to a new five-ply, all-maple rim. Maple has a long and respected history in banjo construction, where it's valued for its strength and acoustic properties.

Of course, not all maple is the same, and the characteristics of a rim depend on both the particular wood and how it's manufactured. That's why I've also insisted on consistent, properly manufactured rims rather than reusing older components that didn't meet our requirements.

We're very pleased with the appearance and construction of the new V4 rims, and I'm particularly interested to discover how they'll contribute to the finished instrument's sound and response.

Birch has served us well in previous versions, so this isn't about suggesting that one wood is necessarily better than the other. It's another interesting development in the ongoing evolution of the DUKE10, and the real test will come when the completed V4 instruments are assembled, set up and played.

The factory is now preparing the new components, and we've been exchanging photographs and videos, discussing details as the first V4 instrument takes shape.

A new chapter for the DUKE10

The DUKE10 has always been a little different from a typical banjolele, and I'm keen to preserve the qualities that have made it so popular with players over the years.

With V4, the aim isn't to reinvent the instrument, but to build on what we've learned and make sure the next production run continues to reflect our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and careful refinement.

There are still details to finalise, and I'll be sharing more photographs and updates as manufacturing progresses.

When will the DUKE10 V4 be available?

Manufacturing began in October 2026, and we're currently working towards having the instruments ready around December.

As anyone familiar with instrument manufacturing will appreciate, production schedules can change, so I'll confirm availability and ordering details once we have reliable information from the factory.

Keep your eye out for further updates as things progress.

Thanks for following the DUKE10 journey!

Jamie Houston
Duke Banjo Ukuleles