Amahi Ukuleles is a division of our parent company Amati’s Fine Instruments. We have been producing high quality orchestral string instruments for over 25 years. In 2011, in order to provide ukuleles for my wife’s after school ukulele program, Amahi Ukuleles was born. We are dedicated to providing high quality sounding ukuleles that are as attractive to the eye as to the ear.
Our approach to ukulele design is similar to how Amati’s approaches violin design. Each ukulele starts as a project of how to improve the overall tonal and intonational properties as well as visual appeal and playability. Each design begins with first selecting the wood for its tonal properties and beauty. Binding is then selected for its function and improvement in the overall look of the ukulele. Our fretboards on our intermediate and advanced ukulele lines are bound the same way a guitar fretboard is bound. This provides an overall wider fretboard which is more comfortable for hands of all sizes.
Our finest craftspeople professionally setup and adjust our ukuleles in Cincinnati prior to supplying our customers throughout North America. We carry a complete range of ukuleles, from entry level soprano ukuleles with decorative designs to beautiful high-end ukuleles for serious musicians.
Amahi Ukuleles is a division of the family owned business, Amati’s Fine Instruments. We are proud to have over 40 employees dedicated to furthering the advancement of music in the lives of children and adults.
-Michael Schear, President
Meet Our Team
Michael Schear
President
As president of Amati’s Fine Instruments, Michael has spent over 3 decades creating and producing string instruments. In 2011, in order to provide ukuleles for his wife’s after school ukulele program, Amahi Ukuleles was born. He is dedicated to providing high quality sounding instruments that are as attractive to the eye as to the ear.
In his spare time, Michael is a drummer and enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Jackie Schear
Vice President
Jackie Schear is the Vice President of Sales and Operations at Amati’s Fine Instruments with over 15 years experience in the industry. She enjoys focusing her time on finding new ways to assist small businesses to be successful in a world surrounded by online competition. When she gets the opportunity to visit clients she loves to take the time to educate and demystify the process of selling orchestral instruments to everyday musicians, hobbyists, and non player’s.
Outside of the office she spends her time gardening, walking her dog, and occasionally flying on the weekends with her husband who is a licensed pilot.
Autumn Lembert
Sales Representative
Autumn has been with the company as a violin repair person, buyer and her most recent role in sales. She started off playing the violin at 7 and moved on to flute, then cello at 19. She has a flair at having fun no matter the situation and leaves a lasting impression with her smile and love of meeting new people. She enjoys educating people of the life long positive changes that comes with playing a musical instrument.
At home she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 daughters plus their puppy Sayla and ferret Kennsington.
Amanda Brock
Sales Representative
Going on her 14th year with the company, Amanda came to Amati’s with a Masters in Viola performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She began her career by working at Antonio Violins learning basic string instrument repair and working retail sales and rentals. After a year, she started work for Amati’s Fine Instruments in regional sales. She values her relationship with her customers and being able to share knowledge from her background in performance. In addition to sales, Amanda also works to create social media content and developing relationships with ukulele artists and influencers.
In her spare time, Amanda enjoys photography and getting out in nature with her husband and 2 daughters.
Keith Maine
Sales Representative
Keith has been representing Amati’s/Amahi in the western United States since 2010. He and his wife Velda reside in Luverne, MN. They have three sons and one daughter, all adults, and three dogs. Keith enjoys playing music at his church, and in the eclectic local band, “Not Exactly.” He also enjoys sports and vintage stereo equipment. Prior to working for Amati’s, he worked in radio for over 21 years, and in music retail for 11 years.
Katherine Monnig
Sales Representative
Katherine is new to the Amati’s Fine Instruments (May 2019) team but certainly not new to the MI Wholesale Industry. She started down this path almost 20 years ago, initially as a temporary side gig to compliment her life as an active musician. However, she quickly developed the skills, knowledge, and passion for the business, turning the “day job” into a life long career. Katherine comes to Amati’s with extensive experience in Sales, B2B E-Commerce, International Sales, Distribution, Digital Marketing, Distribution, and Product Management. She is excited to yet again be part of a tight knit experienced team dedicated to servicing and supporting independent retailers.
After business hours, Katherine enjoys tending to her small “urban” farm with her family, working on her old house, and performing with her band Shiny Old Soul in the Cincinnati area.