Singles are be available on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple music, etc.) and for download on Bandcamp. Downloads from Bandcamp are the best way to support me directly.

Jakob’s sophomore album, Fallen Sparrows, will be released December 2019.

Jakob’s debut album, Which Way Is Up

For a limited edition handmade wood-fronted pop-up CD, head over to https://jakobbergerandhishat.bandcamp.com/.

Eclectic and whimsical, multi-instrumentalist Jakob Berger (& his hat) combines elements of indie-folk, dark cabaret, and gypsy punk in order to transport the listener to distant memories or dreams.  His passion comes from a desire to communicate that all are capable to do whatever they set out to achieve, and this is manifested in his songs: a concoction of stirring storytelling and sounds crafted by him.  Literally: many of his instruments are homemade creations.

He thinks of songs as stories, and often finds lyrical inspiration from literature (from Shel Silverstein’s Giving Tree to Shakespeare’s Hamlet).  He sees instruments as the characters to his narrative, often with the swell of the accordion as the protagonist, while cellos, ukuleles, and African hand drums fill out the supporting cast.

His sophomore album, Fallen Sparrows, takes its name from Hamlet and augury (the ancient Roman practice of observing the flight paths of birds to divine or predict the future):

“We defy augury.  There is special providence in the fall of a sparrow (V.ii).”

The theme of Fallen Sparrows is this: we are all tasked with creating our own future, and though our actions will have consequences, we must persevere.

Jakob Berger (& his hat) has long been fascinated by musical instruments, and took the plunge into the study of lutherie at Palomar College in 2015, developing his skills as a woodworker by constructing his first electric guitar and ukulele.  In 2016 he was recognized by the State of California Senate for his achievements in stringed instrument building, and since then has been making simple percussion instruments and developing his lunchbox ukuleles.  Every instrument on this page was handmade by Jakob.

Currently available:

• Polish Tea Tin Ukulele [electric]: $325.

Previous Work

• Mandocello
• Pianowood Baritone Guitar
• Vintage Mickey Mouse lunchbox ukulele
• Robot lunchbox ukulele
• Soprano hard-top gourd ukulele
• Happy Red Fruit Ukulele
• Red Box Guitar
• Retro Radio Tin Ukulele
• Gourd Ukulele

Please contact for availability & commission requests.

Collaborations with Evan Freed, Chloe Pourmorady, and Kent Jenkins (a.k.a Snubby J):