One was taught by his mom on a Kamaka 'ukulele; another strummed her great-grandma's instrument.

One learned to play on a uke found on a bus; another was determined to bring respect to the instrument.

One was inspired by the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau; another stood in front of a mirror as a child and thought "rock star."

These are early memories of six Island uke wizards who all admit that the modest four-stringed instrument has made a lasting impact on their lives.

With the 39th annual Target Ukulele Festival coming up Sunday at Kapi'olani Park Bandstand, we thought we'd ask some of the best players what their first memories of the 'ukulele are and how the instrument impacted their lives.

Here's what we discovered (if you have a uke memory, share it with an online response):

ROY SAKUMA

Ukulele Festival founder and owner of Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios

First impression: When I was learning to play the 'ukulele from Ohta-san (he was and still remains the most prolific soloist), most people were oblivious to the 'ukulele; kids were trying to learn to play the guitar. There was little respect for this instrument; many thought the 'ukulele was a toy. Learning from the best, I wanted to show and share the versatility of the 'ukulele; this is when I got the idea to present an Ukulele Festival.

Impact on life: I never realized that my whole life would be dedicated to the 'ukulele. What makes it so special is that my wife Kathy shares the same passion with me. The uke has become so mainsteam, children as young as 5 and seniors in their 80s enjoy the charm and sweetness of the 'ukulele. If you come from Hawai'i, people expect three things: you surf, dance the hula and play the 'ukulele. ...

EDDIE KAMAE

Leader of the Sons of Hawai'i and prolific filmmaker

First impression: My earliest memory was when my brother Sam, who drove for the Honolulu Rapid Transit, found an 'ukulele left behind on the seat of the bus. He brought it home to me and ever since that day, I never wanted to put it down. I loved the sounds it made and couldn't resist learning more about this instrument.

Impact: The 'ukulele is my life along with my wife, Myrna, and has been since I was 15 years old. All of the work I do includes this instrument and will continue to guide me in my writing, composing and filmmaking work. I even buy a seat for it on the airline so it is never out of my sight.

JAKE SHIMABUKURO

Concert and recording star

First impression: My earliest memory of the 'ukulele would be when my mom placed a standard Kamaka in my hands at the age of 4. The very first song she taught me was "U.S.E.D." — I must have played that song every day for 10 years.

Impact: The 'ukulele has been such a blessing in my life. It's opened so many doors for me and introduced me to a life of peace and happiness. I don't know what I'd be doing today if it weren't for that incredible four-string. I guess you could say that the 'ukulele is my guardian angel — always watching over me and opening the right doors.

TAIMANE GARDNER

20-year-old virtuoso

First impression: When I was 5 years old, my father brought home an old used 'ukulele that he bought for $15. He said, "Try this and see how you like it." I picked it up and immediately felt comfortable with it. I think the small size fit my small 5-year-old hands was one reason, but also a kinship of sorts. I remember going into my room and standing in front of a mirror and thinking, "rock star." I strummed it as hard as I could and ended up breaking a string.

Impact: It has been like a magic wand! It's opened all kinds of doors for me, like traveling to places such as Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, San Francisco, the East Coast and Las Vegas; and it also took me out of the country to Samoa and New Zealand and on major tours throughout Japan, as well. It has enabled me to meet and/or perform with Don Ho, John Travolta and Kelly Preston, Steven Seagal and Konishiki. You can play any genre on it; most importantly, it can help you connect with people from any place in the world.

BRITTNI PAIVA

20-year-old virtuoso

First impression: The earliest memory of the 'ukulele that I have is going to family gatherings and seeing my cousins play Hawaiian music. When I turned 11, my grandfather handed me his mother's 'ukulele and challenged me to try it and experiment with different genres.

Impact: Seeing the 'ukulele going to different parts of the world is amazing. It opens up even more doors for experimenting and playing things that you would never think could be done on the 'ukulele.

HERB OHTA JR.

Next-generation strummer

First impression: The 'ukulele was always around me. My father (the renowned Herb "Ohta-san" Ohta) started teaching me how to play at the age of 3. But I really got into it after listening to the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau 14 years later. I fell in love with Hawaiian music.

Impact: The 'ukulele obviously is a big part of my life, an extension of me, a reflection of my soul.

Reach Wayne Harada at 266-0926. Read his Show Biz column Sundays in Island Life and online at http://showandtellhawaii.honadvblogs.com.