Most people build 'em too big
Chris, that little tiny cigar box is more of a novelty. 'Ukulele sizes have been standardized for quite some time (Soprano ~13", Concert ~15", Tenor 17", Baritone 19").
Barry, a well-built 'uke is EVERY BIT as nice as any OTHER well-built instrument, and just as difficult to build. It frequently does not get any respect because it is smaller in size and has a limited range, but don't let that fool you. And
please stop trotting out Tiny Tim as an example of what the 'ukulele sounds like. He did more to damage the reputation of the instrument than anyone who every picked it up!! The best thing about the 'uke is that it makes music accessible to many people precisely because it is less intimidating than other instruments!
Mario gave some references to (the unbelievably talented) Jake Shimabukuro.
I would encourage others to check out the playing of well know 'uke players to get an idea of just how versatile this instrument is:
"John King" who was a very accomplished classical guitar teacher, and played mostly classical music on the soprano 'uke. Check out his rendition of
Washington Post March
"James Hill", a very well-known and accomplished Canadian musician, playing
clawhammer 'uke
Greg Hawkes Trio (keyboardist from the Cars) playing
Eleanor Rigby
Lyle Ritz (well-known session bass player), who put Jazz 'ukulele on the map, playing
Pick a Lily
Langley (B.C.) Ukulele Orchestra (a high-school music program that brings music to 100's of children through the 'ukulele) playing
Flight of the Bumblebee
and last (at least for this post), but certainly not least:
Jon Prown playing Jorma Kaukonen's (Jefferson Airplane)
Embryonic Journey
