Nice clip - works very well on the uke - thats a Pono uke too - very nice!
30 Apr 2010
30 Apr 2010T21:19
Nice clip - works very well on the uke - thats a Pono uke too - very nice!
Read More »
Evelyn Evelyn - Love Will Tear Us Apart video
Nice clip - works very well on the uke - thats a Pono uke too - very nice!
T14:33
spelling and pronunciation
So what say you, Ukulele, Ukelele, Uke, Ook?
I dont think there is a definitive answer, but it does come from the Hawaiian for "Jumping Flea". My research shows that the Hawaiians spell it with a second U and not an E, so that is good enough for me. (but the Uke originated in Portgual, not Hawaii... oh hang on this is getting complicated)
I think it is mainly connected with Hawaii, they use a U, so it probably should be UKULELE.
As for pronunciation, this is another minefield. I personally pronounce it YUKE-A-LAY-LEE, or YUKE for short, but think that is probably wrong too in some eyes. The Hawaiian pronunciation is OOK-A-LAY-LEE, and therefore the shortened version is OOK. But I am British, and that just isnt how people pronounce it over here.
Oh, I've had enough - call it what you like - just play it....
Read More »
I dont think there is a definitive answer, but it does come from the Hawaiian for "Jumping Flea". My research shows that the Hawaiians spell it with a second U and not an E, so that is good enough for me. (but the Uke originated in Portgual, not Hawaii... oh hang on this is getting complicated)
I think it is mainly connected with Hawaii, they use a U, so it probably should be UKULELE.
As for pronunciation, this is another minefield. I personally pronounce it YUKE-A-LAY-LEE, or YUKE for short, but think that is probably wrong too in some eyes. The Hawaiian pronunciation is OOK-A-LAY-LEE, and therefore the shortened version is OOK. But I am British, and that just isnt how people pronounce it over here.
Oh, I've had enough - call it what you like - just play it....
T13:35
Pete Townshend rocks his Uke!
Pete Townshend plays Blue, Red and Grey from Who By Numbers (love that album) on Ukulele (looks like a Martin Uke) - Nice!
Read More »
T11:53
You may here this term used a lot for all sorts of stringed instruments. The important thing to note is you want good intontation, or perfect intonation. Bad or poor intonation is a bad bad thing, and in extreme cases may mean the uke you have is always going to be unplayable unless you take drastic re-building action.
Anyway, intonation refers to the accuracy of the frets in providing the right notes when fretted. The frets are laid out mathematically to allow for this, but the accuracy depends on their spacing and the distance between the bridge and the nut. Your strings on your standard uke are tuned GCEA when open, but when you fret at certain point, each fretted note should be an accurate note in itself(or its perfect sharp version). If your intonation is off, the thing will sound out of tune, even when tuned (if you follow me)
The way to quickly check intonation on a uke is to tune it, and then fret the string at the 12th fret and play it. The note you hear should be exactly one octave higher than the open string. If it is sharp or flat from the open note, the intonation is off.
What can I do about it?
Well, if the difference is slight, it may be down to the action being too high - I have had ukes where intonation was bad, and I dropped the bridge saddle a millimetre and it sorted it. it may also be a case of action being too high at the nut - be very careful here lower the nut slots too much and it is very hard to go back - you want there to be about a credit cards thickness between the string and the top of the first fret.... It could also be a bad string - try changing it. But if those things dont change it, it could be more serious (ie the bridge is not set in the right place or the frets are poorly spaced) and I would avoid the instrument! Some cheap ukes are just built plain wrong!
Some poorly made instruments have frets that are too high, and fretting firmly can stretch the strings into the gaps giving off notes - this is not a case of bad intonation, but its still a bad set up and I would reject it.
Anyway - no matter what you are spending - if the intonation is off and it is down to the way the thing is built, it will never play right - avoid it!
Read More »
Ukulele beginners tips - Intonation
Ukulele into what now?
You may here this term used a lot for all sorts of stringed instruments. The important thing to note is you want good intontation, or perfect intonation. Bad or poor intonation is a bad bad thing, and in extreme cases may mean the uke you have is always going to be unplayable unless you take drastic re-building action.
Anyway, intonation refers to the accuracy of the frets in providing the right notes when fretted. The frets are laid out mathematically to allow for this, but the accuracy depends on their spacing and the distance between the bridge and the nut. Your strings on your standard uke are tuned GCEA when open, but when you fret at certain point, each fretted note should be an accurate note in itself(or its perfect sharp version). If your intonation is off, the thing will sound out of tune, even when tuned (if you follow me)
The way to quickly check intonation on a uke is to tune it, and then fret the string at the 12th fret and play it. The note you hear should be exactly one octave higher than the open string. If it is sharp or flat from the open note, the intonation is off.
What can I do about it?
Well, if the difference is slight, it may be down to the action being too high - I have had ukes where intonation was bad, and I dropped the bridge saddle a millimetre and it sorted it. it may also be a case of action being too high at the nut - be very careful here lower the nut slots too much and it is very hard to go back - you want there to be about a credit cards thickness between the string and the top of the first fret.... It could also be a bad string - try changing it. But if those things dont change it, it could be more serious (ie the bridge is not set in the right place or the frets are poorly spaced) and I would avoid the instrument! Some cheap ukes are just built plain wrong!
Some poorly made instruments have frets that are too high, and fretting firmly can stretch the strings into the gaps giving off notes - this is not a case of bad intonation, but its still a bad set up and I would reject it.
Anyway - no matter what you are spending - if the intonation is off and it is down to the way the thing is built, it will never play right - avoid it!
T10:06
Ukulele fans at Dallas' Lone Star Uke Fest find sweet sound of escape | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News
29 Apr 2010
29 Apr 2010T19:56
Thought I would share a few tips here - this is not a guide on how to do the change step by step by step...., just some helpful hints.
Reason I cant do it totally step by step, is that the way you tie strings to bridge varies, and some people prefer there own methods. People also prefer their own way of tying to the tuning peg. My tip here - copy the tying done on the uke you bought!! (they are basic knots really)
So, my tips
Hope that helps
Read More »
Ukulele beginners tips - Changing Strings
I get asked this one a lot - how easy is it to change strings? Really easy!
Thought I would share a few tips here - this is not a guide on how to do the change step by step by step...., just some helpful hints.
Reason I cant do it totally step by step, is that the way you tie strings to bridge varies, and some people prefer there own methods. People also prefer their own way of tying to the tuning peg. My tip here - copy the tying done on the uke you bought!! (they are basic knots really)
So, my tips
- Tie one end of new string onto bridge as per the old string (do them one at a time to copy the old strings!). String 1 in your packet is the one nearest the floor, string 4, the one nearest your face.
- Run string to the peg end, pass through the peg, and round once, and through hole again. Some prefer to tie them - that is good too, and you may find if your strings slip its essential. Important thing is to avoid it slipping. Because the string is nylon, it will stretch a bit, so when you have doubled it at the peg end, keep it taught down the length of the uke before you start winding or you will end up with far too much wrapped around the peg.
- Then, tighten the peg to pitch getting the string to wind once around the top of the hole (over the string) and the rest winding down towards the headstock - I would invest in a couple of things here - a peg winder (very cheap) and a digital tuner (though you can tune to pitch with pipes, tuning forks, piano etc). Digital tuners are cheap and they make things so easy and accurate. Purists will shout at me here for not encouraging tuning to ear.... yadda yadda - I am trying to encourage beginners, not give them another skill to learn...... Try not to have too many coils around the post. If your string starts over lapping on the winding, you didnt pass enough of it through the post when you started.
- Repeat on all the other strings.
- You can then go back to your first string - pluck it and you will find it has gone flat. This is because the string is stretched. You can either retune, play a bit, then leave it, retune, play leave it but that takes ages. You can speed this process along a few ways - but my method - put your forefinger under string and pull away from the neck about half inch or so and hold it for a few seconds. Retune, repeat, retune repeat retune repeat. Eventually you will find you need to retune less and less. But do be careful with this - dont overdo it - you may well snap the string
- As in previous post - keep spare string coiled at the headstock - if your sting snaps at the bridge, you can re-use it.
Good luck - it really is very easy. If you make a mistake, the nylon strings are easily re-usable, or cheap if you snap them all!!
Hope that helps
28 Apr 2010
28 Apr 2010T20:42
Ozark Banjo Uke - update
Since last post, fitting the arm rest - I am happy - this is now super comfortable to play.
Slight issue arose though - the arm rest moved my stupid playing style back to something more normal, which meant I struggled to mute the head with my palm as before, so I am back to that boomy sound that wasnt too nice.
Easily fixed with old banjo trick - some banjo players tone down that sound with a rolled up towel lodged loosely, but securely inside banjo between tension rod and the underside of the head.
This uke is much smaller, so a quick fold up of a guitar polishing cloth tucked in there and hey presto - the sound is cleaned up - in fact better than it was before.
An easy fix - but worth me mentioning, as if you bought one and didnt think you could remove back plate as I have, you might not have thought this possible. Take the back off and experiment!!
Read More »
Slight issue arose though - the arm rest moved my stupid playing style back to something more normal, which meant I struggled to mute the head with my palm as before, so I am back to that boomy sound that wasnt too nice.
Easily fixed with old banjo trick - some banjo players tone down that sound with a rolled up towel lodged loosely, but securely inside banjo between tension rod and the underside of the head.
This uke is much smaller, so a quick fold up of a guitar polishing cloth tucked in there and hey presto - the sound is cleaned up - in fact better than it was before.
An easy fix - but worth me mentioning, as if you bought one and didnt think you could remove back plate as I have, you might not have thought this possible. Take the back off and experiment!!
T15:22
Famous Ukulele players - part 2!
With thanks for the suggestions, a second round of famous uke players to bring to your attention!
Read More »
Zooey Deschanel
Zac Efron
Marilyn Monroe
William H Macy
Eric Morecambe
Doris Day
Stephen Merritt
T12:07
How do cheap ukes compare in sound?
The obvious question - can cheap be cheerful? Answer - not always - see my video test, which I think makes it quite clear that some cheapies (ie the Mahalo) are rotten, but some are great (such as the Makala)
If you dont want to shell out big bucks - fun can be had for a low outlay - just choose wisely!
Read More »
If you dont want to shell out big bucks - fun can be had for a low outlay - just choose wisely!
T10:31
Highly Strung, Wantage, had them in stock ( Click Here ) and I ordered - arrived today - in red burst finish (red with some sort of black smudgy bits that I do quite like). Also available on Amazon most of the time too if you prefer. Before I go on any further, please note - this is a £25 instrument. That's right a £25 instrument - half the price of some video games. Really really cheap. You have seen me rally on before about how cheap instruments can be more of a hindrance to the beginner than anything else. I play instruments in the £150+ bracket - so why would I want one of these? Well I read good things about the Makala, so thought I'd give it a go - if it was playable, it will become by beater, travel uke to sling in the car!
It arrived in lovely condition - no real finish flaws - few marks on the side of the neck, but again, this is a £25 instrument (I am gonna keep repeating that!!!). The finish is very glossy and looks quite deep. Frets are finished in brass colour. Bridge (in a dolphin shape) is a dark rosewood type of wood, as is the fingerboard (which I think is just wood, stained). The top is laminate wood, and has a simple white painted rosette around soundhole. Cant see the join between wood top and plastic sides at all. Neck joint is similarly clean. Really like the look of the back of the uke - the plastic body is slightly bowed out - I like different things like that. Have tried to take a pic (but not too easy to show). Makala logo is on headstock in silver.
Fret markers in faux mother of pearl at the 5th, 7th, and 10th (why oh why, not the 12th, please?) with white painted versions on the top side of the neck (if you are right handed!!)
The tuners are open backed, cheap geared tuners. Note though, they have nice small tuner buttons - something you don't always get on cheap instruments where makers raid the parts bin - they put on guitar tuners which are heavy, and make the uke look like Mickey Mouse. Nice plus that. Tuners are tight and work OK. Nut and bridge appear plastic.
Arrived strung with cheap black nylon strings. These were immediately changed to standard soprano strings from Aquila - the word on the street is that the aquilas really drive the wood top on these ukes well. Why change them? Well, this is a £25 instrument - don't expect miracles on the string provision!!
All strung up, and strings stretched, and away we go. To hold, the uke is nice and balanced, and light. The intonation really is spot on - all over the neck, and I have checked it with a digital tuner - for £25, that is pretty amazing. Really nice harmonic chime if I strum a barre across the 12th and 7th frets - cor! For £25??
Bridge saddle height seems fine, and action is just how I like it. Finish at the nut was a bit scruffy, and I may think about ever so slightly (ever ever so slightly) lowering the nut slots. But honestly - the action is fine, as is the tuning. Cant complain.
Sound is bright and fun - given a more vigorous strum, it really projects quite a bit of volume - not as loud as my Flea, but louder than any other cheap uke I have played. It actually sounds quite sweet too with the aquilas. Very easy to play, fret, hold etc.
Final point - comes with a cloth gig bag - not sure they can really call it a "bag" - more just a bit of cloth. Least said about that the better....
So do I recommend it, and what for?
Well, yes I do - its a well made, accurate good looking instrument that would be perfect for a beginner - the set up and finish on this is not going to work against you if you are starting out. It will never be loud enough to compete with a band, but for a beginner, I think it is just perfect (just be prepared to change strings - it really isn't that hard!)
I would also recommend it to more seasoned players like me as a beater uke for taking places I wouldn't take my expensive instruments (camping for example) - it seems perfect for that.
So give them a look - For £25 (there, I said it again) I really don't think you can afford NOT to buy one!!
SCORES
Looks - 6
Fit and finish - 7
Sound - 8.5
Value for money - 10
OVERALL - 7.9
Read More »
The Red Special arrives - Makala Dolphin ukulele review
Well, as I earlier mentioned, have been waiting and waiting for the plastic bodied Makala Dolphins to make their way into UK stock. These are highly regarded cheap as chips instruments, that many report got that little bit better since Kala decided to mould the back and sides in one piece polycarbonate.
Highly Strung, Wantage, had them in stock ( Click Here ) and I ordered - arrived today - in red burst finish (red with some sort of black smudgy bits that I do quite like). Also available on Amazon most of the time too if you prefer. Before I go on any further, please note - this is a £25 instrument. That's right a £25 instrument - half the price of some video games. Really really cheap. You have seen me rally on before about how cheap instruments can be more of a hindrance to the beginner than anything else. I play instruments in the £150+ bracket - so why would I want one of these? Well I read good things about the Makala, so thought I'd give it a go - if it was playable, it will become by beater, travel uke to sling in the car!
It arrived in lovely condition - no real finish flaws - few marks on the side of the neck, but again, this is a £25 instrument (I am gonna keep repeating that!!!). The finish is very glossy and looks quite deep. Frets are finished in brass colour. Bridge (in a dolphin shape) is a dark rosewood type of wood, as is the fingerboard (which I think is just wood, stained). The top is laminate wood, and has a simple white painted rosette around soundhole. Cant see the join between wood top and plastic sides at all. Neck joint is similarly clean. Really like the look of the back of the uke - the plastic body is slightly bowed out - I like different things like that. Have tried to take a pic (but not too easy to show). Makala logo is on headstock in silver.
Fret markers in faux mother of pearl at the 5th, 7th, and 10th (why oh why, not the 12th, please?) with white painted versions on the top side of the neck (if you are right handed!!)
The tuners are open backed, cheap geared tuners. Note though, they have nice small tuner buttons - something you don't always get on cheap instruments where makers raid the parts bin - they put on guitar tuners which are heavy, and make the uke look like Mickey Mouse. Nice plus that. Tuners are tight and work OK. Nut and bridge appear plastic.
Arrived strung with cheap black nylon strings. These were immediately changed to standard soprano strings from Aquila - the word on the street is that the aquilas really drive the wood top on these ukes well. Why change them? Well, this is a £25 instrument - don't expect miracles on the string provision!!
All strung up, and strings stretched, and away we go. To hold, the uke is nice and balanced, and light. The intonation really is spot on - all over the neck, and I have checked it with a digital tuner - for £25, that is pretty amazing. Really nice harmonic chime if I strum a barre across the 12th and 7th frets - cor! For £25??
Bridge saddle height seems fine, and action is just how I like it. Finish at the nut was a bit scruffy, and I may think about ever so slightly (ever ever so slightly) lowering the nut slots. But honestly - the action is fine, as is the tuning. Cant complain.
Sound is bright and fun - given a more vigorous strum, it really projects quite a bit of volume - not as loud as my Flea, but louder than any other cheap uke I have played. It actually sounds quite sweet too with the aquilas. Very easy to play, fret, hold etc.
Final point - comes with a cloth gig bag - not sure they can really call it a "bag" - more just a bit of cloth. Least said about that the better....
So do I recommend it, and what for?
Well, yes I do - its a well made, accurate good looking instrument that would be perfect for a beginner - the set up and finish on this is not going to work against you if you are starting out. It will never be loud enough to compete with a band, but for a beginner, I think it is just perfect (just be prepared to change strings - it really isn't that hard!)
I would also recommend it to more seasoned players like me as a beater uke for taking places I wouldn't take my expensive instruments (camping for example) - it seems perfect for that.
So give them a look - For £25 (there, I said it again) I really don't think you can afford NOT to buy one!!
SCORES
Looks - 6
Fit and finish - 7
Sound - 8.5
Value for money - 10
OVERALL - 7.9
27 Apr 2010
27 Apr 2010T19:50
Ozark banjo uke - modification
Further to last post, the sore arm continued.
I have a rather odd playing style, and tend to let my inner forearm rest on the top edge of my ukes while strumming. That works fine on standard ukes, but when I bought this banjolele, I was finding the tension rods were cutting into my arm.
This wouldnt be a problem with a conventional strum, so I am not having a dig at the Ozark! Did need sorting though.
Thanks to Andybanjo at the Banjo Workshop, I sourced a used arm rest from an 8" head banjo.
Arrived today, but sadly the holes dont quite line up with my tension rods - I therefore have it clamped somewhat unconventionally as you will see. When I say unconventional, I mean the tensioners are now angled inwards slightly, not perpendicular to the head. Maybe that isnt unconventional - i dont know!
No matter - the banjolele is now comfortable!!
Read More »
I have a rather odd playing style, and tend to let my inner forearm rest on the top edge of my ukes while strumming. That works fine on standard ukes, but when I bought this banjolele, I was finding the tension rods were cutting into my arm.
This wouldnt be a problem with a conventional strum, so I am not having a dig at the Ozark! Did need sorting though.
Thanks to Andybanjo at the Banjo Workshop, I sourced a used arm rest from an 8" head banjo.
Arrived today, but sadly the holes dont quite line up with my tension rods - I therefore have it clamped somewhat unconventionally as you will see. When I say unconventional, I mean the tensioners are now angled inwards slightly, not perpendicular to the head. Maybe that isnt unconventional - i dont know!
No matter - the banjolele is now comfortable!!
26 Apr 2010
26 Apr 2010T13:48
Famous Ukulele players - part 1
Blog title says it all really... but I wanted to show that not all ukulele players are like George Formby or Tiny Tim - there are some very very cool ukers out there - take a look!
This will become a regular feature, and I will collate the famous ukers on the Famous Ukulele Page accessible from the menu at the top. There is a link on that page that gives you access to all of my editions (now up to edition 13!!)
Read More »
This will become a regular feature, and I will collate the famous ukers on the Famous Ukulele Page accessible from the menu at the top. There is a link on that page that gives you access to all of my editions (now up to edition 13!!)
Joe Strummer
Neil Armstrong (yes, THE Neil Armstrong)
Elvis Presley
George Harrison
Phill Jupitus
John Lennon
Loudon Wainwright III
Paul McCartney
Amanda Palmer
Adam Sandler
Frank Skinner
So. there you are - if you know of any others (and have pics) let me know and I will upload them.
T10:48
Well, generally speaking, the smaller the uke, the more of a uke sound I think (personally) it has - a more staccato rhythmical sound if you like. Go up the sizes and as well as (generally speaking) volume increases you will get a fuller thicker and more resonant sound. Despite what you will read in all sorts of places though, they don't get 'deeper' or 'lower' as they get bigger. Only the Baritone is traditionally tuned 'deeper' - the soprano, concert and tenor are all tuned the same (in standard tuning). It's just that the bigger bodies get more resonant - they are in the SAME register though.
The sizes are linked to their "scale length". That means the length between nut and bridge, an is a gauge of both the size of the instrument generally, but also the amount of notes you can play on the neck (quite simply as a longer neck allows for more frets, and therefore a wider range of notes). And PLEASE PLEASE don't follow the ludicrous policy of the Chinese flood brands all over Amazon and Ebay by listing scales as the overall ukulele measurement. That is NOT how you categorise the scale of an instrument. In fact it's totally irrelevant to scale length. Body sizes 'generally' can get bigger through the scales, but not always. There are a number of instruments (travel types in particular) which are small but maintain a larger scale length. So body size is not your guide.
And note also - there is an increasing amount of bad advice out there that larger sizes are easier to play. This is generally a BIG myth too. Sure, larger sizes can give a little more space between frets, but it is quite marginal and not in the direction that beginners need the space. Far more important to comfort is the nut width and the neck profile (the shape of the back of the neck) across the width of the ukulele and the string spacing. I own some sopranos with wide nuts that have far more space on the fretboard than many concerts and are comparable to some tenors. If you are finding a soprano a squeeze, a concert will not change your life - it just means you need more practice or you may benefit from a soprano (or a concert) with a wider nut.
Most of all though... please please please - don't fall into the trap of believing that one is 'better' than the other. None is. They are just different and they are ALL ukuleles.
The standard sizes of ukes are:
Soprano (or standard) - approx 13" scale length - the little baby uke. Great for a beginner and the traditional and most loved ukulele. In fact - probably the king of ukes or the original. Some can have a limited number of frets limiting some high notes on fancier tunes when fingerpicking. Usually tuned GCEA (C tuning) with a high G, though other variants exist such as ADF#B (D tuning)
Concert - approx scale length 15" - slightly larger body which, when all other things are equal, gives more volume and resonance to the sound. The longer scale allows more frets on the neck and therefore more range in your notes at the upper end. Usually tuned GCEA with a high G, but larger concerts work well with a low G
Tenor - approx scale length 17" - bigger still - tuned usually low GCEA or occasionally DGBE. A richer more resonant tone and lots of frets!
Baritone - approx scale length 19" - the big daddy - usually tuned DGBE or can be tuned GCEA with the right strings. Usually in that lower tuning (same as a guitar) the Baritone is the most bassy ukulele. Apart from the bass ukulele... which isn't actually a ukulele.. it's a bass... of sorts.... kind of..
And thats the basics of it - the uke you choose depends on where you want the instrument to fit in with your band or set up. If you are just looking to start a uke for fun, and have never played before I would look at a soprano personally, though all the others have their place too..
It does get more complicated still (such as Sopranino sizes, Sopranos with concert necks, 6 string ukes etc) but that would be for another guide!
This video may help you out even more
Read More »
Ukulele beginners tips - Sizes
Does the size of your ukulele matter?
If you are a beginner to uke, you may find further confusion with different sizes of uke. They start from the super small to ukes not far off the size of a small guitar. But which is which, and which do you want? Does it matter?
Well, generally speaking, the smaller the uke, the more of a uke sound I think (personally) it has - a more staccato rhythmical sound if you like. Go up the sizes and as well as (generally speaking) volume increases you will get a fuller thicker and more resonant sound. Despite what you will read in all sorts of places though, they don't get 'deeper' or 'lower' as they get bigger. Only the Baritone is traditionally tuned 'deeper' - the soprano, concert and tenor are all tuned the same (in standard tuning). It's just that the bigger bodies get more resonant - they are in the SAME register though.
The sizes are linked to their "scale length". That means the length between nut and bridge, an is a gauge of both the size of the instrument generally, but also the amount of notes you can play on the neck (quite simply as a longer neck allows for more frets, and therefore a wider range of notes). And PLEASE PLEASE don't follow the ludicrous policy of the Chinese flood brands all over Amazon and Ebay by listing scales as the overall ukulele measurement. That is NOT how you categorise the scale of an instrument. In fact it's totally irrelevant to scale length. Body sizes 'generally' can get bigger through the scales, but not always. There are a number of instruments (travel types in particular) which are small but maintain a larger scale length. So body size is not your guide.
And note also - there is an increasing amount of bad advice out there that larger sizes are easier to play. This is generally a BIG myth too. Sure, larger sizes can give a little more space between frets, but it is quite marginal and not in the direction that beginners need the space. Far more important to comfort is the nut width and the neck profile (the shape of the back of the neck) across the width of the ukulele and the string spacing. I own some sopranos with wide nuts that have far more space on the fretboard than many concerts and are comparable to some tenors. If you are finding a soprano a squeeze, a concert will not change your life - it just means you need more practice or you may benefit from a soprano (or a concert) with a wider nut.
Most of all though... please please please - don't fall into the trap of believing that one is 'better' than the other. None is. They are just different and they are ALL ukuleles.
The standard sizes of ukes are:
Soprano (or standard) - approx 13" scale length - the little baby uke. Great for a beginner and the traditional and most loved ukulele. In fact - probably the king of ukes or the original. Some can have a limited number of frets limiting some high notes on fancier tunes when fingerpicking. Usually tuned GCEA (C tuning) with a high G, though other variants exist such as ADF#B (D tuning)
Concert - approx scale length 15" - slightly larger body which, when all other things are equal, gives more volume and resonance to the sound. The longer scale allows more frets on the neck and therefore more range in your notes at the upper end. Usually tuned GCEA with a high G, but larger concerts work well with a low G
Tenor - approx scale length 17" - bigger still - tuned usually low GCEA or occasionally DGBE. A richer more resonant tone and lots of frets!
Baritone - approx scale length 19" - the big daddy - usually tuned DGBE or can be tuned GCEA with the right strings. Usually in that lower tuning (same as a guitar) the Baritone is the most bassy ukulele. Apart from the bass ukulele... which isn't actually a ukulele.. it's a bass... of sorts.... kind of..
And thats the basics of it - the uke you choose depends on where you want the instrument to fit in with your band or set up. If you are just looking to start a uke for fun, and have never played before I would look at a soprano personally, though all the others have their place too..
It does get more complicated still (such as Sopranino sizes, Sopranos with concert necks, 6 string ukes etc) but that would be for another guide!
This video may help you out even more
25 Apr 2010
25 Apr 2010T19:30
kids love ukulele
check the cool dancing kid in this video. my daughter does much the same!
Read More »
T18:57
There are a variety of ways to tune a soprano Uke, and to go through them all would defeat the purpose of this guide (ie Basics). I am therefore looking at standard tuning in C.
First - some basics - you have four strings. As you hold your uke the string nearest the floor is string 1. The string nearest your face is string 4. You can work out which are strings 2 and 3 yourself.
The C tuning has the following notes, running from the bass (face) end to the treble (ground end) of GCEA.
In other words, the strings are tuned like this
String 4 - G
String 3 - C
String 2 - E
String 1 - A
(that 4th string can be tuned a low G or a high G. on a soprano, a high G is more common (meaning it is higher than the other strings), but as you move up uke sizes, you may consider a low G)
To tune, you need some sort of reference pitch to work from. If you are super natural, you may tune from your ear (good luck to you, I cant... I'm jealous). next step I suppose is tuning from a piano, another instrument or a tuning fork.
But to be honest with you, in this day and age, if you are spending some money on a uke, and you are a beginner - go buy yourself a clip on tuner. They are about £10 and clip onto the headstock. All sorts of varieties out there, and if you want flexibility look for one that works on both vibration and sound (though that isnt essential) Failing that - go to a uke tuner website - I provide a few links at the end of this post.
Clip it on - tune till the needle goes green and gives you the correct note and away you go!
But I suppose there is a "bit" more to it than that. For example, it is good practice to tune up to pitch - in other words, if you are tuning and your string is high (sharp) loosen it a bit and tune it from the flat side until you are right. Dont tune over then knock it back a bit as it is best to keep you strings in prime tension.
Also - if you are adding a new string, or a new set, they will need time to stretch and settle. I personally give them a shove in the right direction by stretching them by hand. Once on and tuned to the right note - put your forefinger under the string at its halfway point, and pull up and away from the neck of the instrument about half of an inch or so (not too hard!!) then check the tuning - it will most likely be flat. Tune again and repeat until the stretching makes very little difference to your tuning. They are then pretty much there. you may find some more small stretching over the next few days, but nothing too much.
And that is it - use good strings - use a tuner - or tune to the instruments you are playing to, tune up to pitch, not down.
Good luck
Online Ukulele tuner websites:
GET TUNED
DOLPHIN MUSIC
UKE SCHOOL
UKULELE TRICKS
Read More »
Ukulele Beginners tips - Tuning
Pretty obvious way to start - get the thing in tune!
There are a variety of ways to tune a soprano Uke, and to go through them all would defeat the purpose of this guide (ie Basics). I am therefore looking at standard tuning in C.
First - some basics - you have four strings. As you hold your uke the string nearest the floor is string 1. The string nearest your face is string 4. You can work out which are strings 2 and 3 yourself.
The C tuning has the following notes, running from the bass (face) end to the treble (ground end) of GCEA.
In other words, the strings are tuned like this
String 4 - G
String 3 - C
String 2 - E
String 1 - A
(that 4th string can be tuned a low G or a high G. on a soprano, a high G is more common (meaning it is higher than the other strings), but as you move up uke sizes, you may consider a low G)
To tune, you need some sort of reference pitch to work from. If you are super natural, you may tune from your ear (good luck to you, I cant... I'm jealous). next step I suppose is tuning from a piano, another instrument or a tuning fork.
But to be honest with you, in this day and age, if you are spending some money on a uke, and you are a beginner - go buy yourself a clip on tuner. They are about £10 and clip onto the headstock. All sorts of varieties out there, and if you want flexibility look for one that works on both vibration and sound (though that isnt essential) Failing that - go to a uke tuner website - I provide a few links at the end of this post.
Clip it on - tune till the needle goes green and gives you the correct note and away you go!
But I suppose there is a "bit" more to it than that. For example, it is good practice to tune up to pitch - in other words, if you are tuning and your string is high (sharp) loosen it a bit and tune it from the flat side until you are right. Dont tune over then knock it back a bit as it is best to keep you strings in prime tension.
Also - if you are adding a new string, or a new set, they will need time to stretch and settle. I personally give them a shove in the right direction by stretching them by hand. Once on and tuned to the right note - put your forefinger under the string at its halfway point, and pull up and away from the neck of the instrument about half of an inch or so (not too hard!!) then check the tuning - it will most likely be flat. Tune again and repeat until the stretching makes very little difference to your tuning. They are then pretty much there. you may find some more small stretching over the next few days, but nothing too much.
And that is it - use good strings - use a tuner - or tune to the instruments you are playing to, tune up to pitch, not down.
Good luck
Online Ukulele tuner websites:
GET TUNED
DOLPHIN MUSIC
UKE SCHOOL
UKULELE TRICKS
T10:07
Lego Ukulele
Yes, thats right, i said lego - as in the building blocks... yes, lego...
Read More »
24 Apr 2010
24 Apr 2010T11:59
want to know how to pronounce the volcano Eyjafjallajökull?
Answer - use a ukulele! Quite bizarre
Read More »
T10:12
Another one on the way.......
Well, whilst it is not as if I need another uke, I have been waiting for the budget Makala brand to start shipping their new model dolphin ukes into the uk
The dolphins are cheap and cheerful starter ukes, pretty well made, made of plywood or something. BUT...., they have started making the bodies (back and sides) now from molded plastic. Not only does this make them more resilient, it has given them a sound all of their own.
Slap some aquilas on and you have a superb travelling uke to throw in the back of the car!
Its one of these...(in red), again thanks to the fine folks at Highly Strung.
Read More »
The dolphins are cheap and cheerful starter ukes, pretty well made, made of plywood or something. BUT...., they have started making the bodies (back and sides) now from molded plastic. Not only does this make them more resilient, it has given them a sound all of their own.
Slap some aquilas on and you have a superb travelling uke to throw in the back of the car!
Its one of these...(in red), again thanks to the fine folks at Highly Strung.
T09:37
Read More »
Got to go to this! Uke festival!
Ukulele Festival of Great Britain heads for Cheltenham | |
Cheltenham is to be the home of the first ever Ukulele Festival of Great Britain. The weekend in June will feature top ukulele talent from this country, Europe and America. There will also be workshops for adults and for children, jam sessions, mass busking, a cabaret/open mic night, stalls, raffle and more. The ukulele has risen in popularity with the likes of Frank Skinner and Harry Hill learning the instrument. "It has been put together by four of us ukulele fans," said Phil Collins. "We all play the ukulele and we all live in Cheltenham so we thought what better town to put on yet another festival." Organisers are hoping to sell 600 tickets for the main event in Cheltenham Town Hall on Sunday, 20 June, 2010. Phil puts the ukulele's surge in popularity down to the internet and celebrities learning to play it. "We have a guy in our group who taught Harry Hill to play and of course Frank Skinner and Phill Jupitus play the ukulele," added Phil. "It's mainly comedians that play it because it's such a fun little instrument." The Ukulele Festival of Great Britain takes place in Cheltenham on June 19th and 20th, 2010. For more information, please visit theofficial website. | |
22 Apr 2010
T18:32
Great music shop
I've already given a run down of shops I like - and as you will see, I refuse to pull punches.
Where a shop is decent though, I think it is only fair that they get support. I seriously dislike the large music shop websites - you know the sort - where you call an 0800 number, speak to somebody who cant play a paper and comb, let alone the guitar you are buying for several hundred pounds... they are booking your instrument on a computer screen, and despatching it from a warehouse... ugh!
if you are buying stringed instruments, you really want to try and get a personal service - a shop that will give the instrument a once over - a shop where you can speak to somebody who UNDERSTANDS instruments!
Anyway, getting to the point - I was delighted with my service from Highly Strung in Wantage when getting my new uke - they have kindly namechecked my blog and me on the listing for that same instrument - so its only fair that I name check them back!
Highly Strung website
I've had a few people telling me they fancy one of these - you could do a lot worse than going to Highly Strung
Cheers Nigel!
Read More »
Where a shop is decent though, I think it is only fair that they get support. I seriously dislike the large music shop websites - you know the sort - where you call an 0800 number, speak to somebody who cant play a paper and comb, let alone the guitar you are buying for several hundred pounds... they are booking your instrument on a computer screen, and despatching it from a warehouse... ugh!
if you are buying stringed instruments, you really want to try and get a personal service - a shop that will give the instrument a once over - a shop where you can speak to somebody who UNDERSTANDS instruments!
Anyway, getting to the point - I was delighted with my service from Highly Strung in Wantage when getting my new uke - they have kindly namechecked my blog and me on the listing for that same instrument - so its only fair that I name check them back!
Highly Strung website
I've had a few people telling me they fancy one of these - you could do a lot worse than going to Highly Strung
Cheers Nigel!
21 Apr 2010
21 Apr 2010T23:27
beatles uke - cool
Beatles jamming to Georges Uke - lovely clip. Admittedly, no idea what Ringo is bringing to this particular party.....
Read More »
T22:19
Nice story - ukes in Norwich!
Ukulele is taking off in Norwich
SARAH BREALEY
Last updated: 21/04/2010 10:28:00
Clara Gauntlett and family, daughters Evie Wiseman 11, Betsy Gauntlett 3 and stepdad Malcolm Cockell, who play the ukelele
It was made famous by George Formby and George Harrison, but the ukulele is having something of a boom in Norwich.
More people are taking up the instrument, and a Norwich Ukulele Society has been set up to allow its fans to get together.
Community Music East (CME), on Music House Lane, is running courses for beginners and improvers starting this week, after receiving many calls from people keen to learn the instrument.
Singer and entertainer George Formby made the ukulele famous in the 1930s and 1940s, though his instrument was actually a banjo ukulele, or banjulele.
Clara Gauntlett, marketing co-ordinator at CME, has been learning the instrument for six months, and her children Evie, 11, and Betsy, who is just three, are trying it out too. The instrument seems to run in the family, as her stepfather Malcolm Cockell is a keen player.
She said: “I played bass guitar, so it was nice to stick to four strings. I have always wanted to play guitar, but it seemed a bit difficult.
“I like that the ukulele is easy to play. You can pick it up really fast, it is like instant gratification. I like playing punk songs on it, and it is fun translating songs which you wouldn't expect on the ukulele.”
She added: “Because it is a small instrument it is good for children to play. Betsy is the most keen. She has learned C and A minor already and when people come round I show them what she can do.”
Gemma Cullingford, 30, a music teacher from the Golden Triangle, set up the Norwich Ukulele Society in February, and it has around 40 members. The meetings are held fortnightly at the Ten Bells on St Benedict's, and the society will be holding its first concert there on Friday May 7 as part of the Norwich Fringe Festival.
She said: “Definitely in the last year it has just gone crazy. Virtually everyone you meet has a ukulele now.”
Mark Howe, service delivery manager at CME, has been playing ukulele for the past 20 years. He said the increase in popularity was partly fulled by the internet, with video sharing sites such as Youtube allowing people to post videos and tips. “Technology has made all sorts of things more popular because people can share them. The ukulele is a beneficiary of that. You get videos which go into quite a lot of detail about different techniques.”
Tristan Burfield, from the Music Room shop on St Benedict's, said: “The uke has become progressively more popular, possibly because of the success of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, which has played some high profile dates, including Norwich.
“There is more choice of instruments available and the quality has improved since the boom in popularity.”
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain also played at last year's King's Lynn Festival, and is returning to King's Lynn Corn Exchange as part of this year's festival on July 28.
Read More »
SARAH BREALEY
Last updated: 21/04/2010 10:28:00
Clara Gauntlett and family, daughters Evie Wiseman 11, Betsy Gauntlett 3 and stepdad Malcolm Cockell, who play the ukelele
It was made famous by George Formby and George Harrison, but the ukulele is having something of a boom in Norwich.
More people are taking up the instrument, and a Norwich Ukulele Society has been set up to allow its fans to get together.
Community Music East (CME), on Music House Lane, is running courses for beginners and improvers starting this week, after receiving many calls from people keen to learn the instrument.
Singer and entertainer George Formby made the ukulele famous in the 1930s and 1940s, though his instrument was actually a banjo ukulele, or banjulele.
Clara Gauntlett, marketing co-ordinator at CME, has been learning the instrument for six months, and her children Evie, 11, and Betsy, who is just three, are trying it out too. The instrument seems to run in the family, as her stepfather Malcolm Cockell is a keen player.
She said: “I played bass guitar, so it was nice to stick to four strings. I have always wanted to play guitar, but it seemed a bit difficult.
“I like that the ukulele is easy to play. You can pick it up really fast, it is like instant gratification. I like playing punk songs on it, and it is fun translating songs which you wouldn't expect on the ukulele.”
She added: “Because it is a small instrument it is good for children to play. Betsy is the most keen. She has learned C and A minor already and when people come round I show them what she can do.”
Gemma Cullingford, 30, a music teacher from the Golden Triangle, set up the Norwich Ukulele Society in February, and it has around 40 members. The meetings are held fortnightly at the Ten Bells on St Benedict's, and the society will be holding its first concert there on Friday May 7 as part of the Norwich Fringe Festival.
She said: “Definitely in the last year it has just gone crazy. Virtually everyone you meet has a ukulele now.”
Mark Howe, service delivery manager at CME, has been playing ukulele for the past 20 years. He said the increase in popularity was partly fulled by the internet, with video sharing sites such as Youtube allowing people to post videos and tips. “Technology has made all sorts of things more popular because people can share them. The ukulele is a beneficiary of that. You get videos which go into quite a lot of detail about different techniques.”
Tristan Burfield, from the Music Room shop on St Benedict's, said: “The uke has become progressively more popular, possibly because of the success of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, which has played some high profile dates, including Norwich.
“There is more choice of instruments available and the quality has improved since the boom in popularity.”
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain also played at last year's King's Lynn Festival, and is returning to King's Lynn Corn Exchange as part of this year's festival on July 28.
20 Apr 2010
T14:20
Ozark banjo uke - sound sample
Few people have asked for sound sample of the new banjo uke - here we go - ignore the nonsense at the end - should give you an idea though! I like it!
Read More »
T13:58
Billy Corgan plays ukulele!
The Smashing Pumpkins Billy Corgan plays ukulele - the instrument gets cooler and cooler!
Read More »
T10:19
Ramones Blitzkrieg Bop
Brilliant! try and tell me you don't want a ukulele now, go on, I dare ya....
Read More »
T10:01
** IMPORTANT NOTE! This is a VERY old post. Things have changed. And things are constantly changing. It was written before I was writing regular reviews. I thought about updating it, but I'd be updating it every year.
Generally speaking, buying a uke is like buying any musical instrument. Go too cheap and you will end up with something that may hinder your learning and put you off, not a good thing!
I appreciate however that not everyone has lots of cash, and certainly not cash to blow on something they are not sure of. Heck, ukes can cost more than £500 but how low can you go?
A quick search of eBay will show a variety of brightly coloured ukes in the £15 - £20 range. Do beware. I bought one of these and it really is pretty ropey.
Step up a level into the £30 £50 range, and you are in to the level that I would recommend for beginners who really can't spend much. Look for Makala ukes for example ( including the brilliant Dolphin series), or others from Makala. Bear in mind that these entry ukes won't be solid, and will definitely benefit from changing strings to aquilas ( so budget another £6 ). They may also need a tweak to set up such as slight lowering of action. This will be a breeze if you are a guitar nut, but complete newbies need to take care, take advice or possibly pay a luthier.
Moving up into the £50 - £100 bracket and you start to get more improvements in quality, and some solid woods. This is though the category to take care with. We are getting into more serious money, and sadly there are more bad ukes here that shouldn't in my view command higher prices. In my view look for Kala, lanikai, ohana and Baton Rouge. If you can reach 100, check out entry level Bruko. Great all solid handmade ukes! All ukes in this range may still need action checking and may benefit from better strings.
Up a step again into the £100 - £200 category and your choice widens considerably. I think this is the range where you really can get ALL the uke you need without going boutique / pro. All of my upper end ukes are in this range. Wooden ukes will tend to be all solid in this range, and whilst still made in Asia probably finished in USA, such as brilliant Mainlands. Very nice Kala and Ohana ukes in this range too as well as the standard model Fleas and Flukes ( everyone should own one! USA made)
Higher still and it's a case if 'where do you stop'. You are looking at upgraded versions of the above in fancy woods, or with pickups fitted, or into beautiful hand made Hawaiian instruments!
So, what did I do in the early days? Simple!
Mahalo - horrible horrible, sub 20- junk waste of money
Vintage - £20 - kinda junk, works, 'sort of'...
Lanikai - £50 - nice sound, stayed in tune, well set up.... Sold to fund...
Flea £120 - brilliant and unique, can't really go wrong
Bruko £100 - solid wood
Mainland £160 - concert scale, solid, beautiful, bought to compliment Flea with warmer tone and longer scale neck.
Beyond that I ended up with about 60 ukuleles at one point!
Hope this helps if you are confused. Email me if you have any questions. Above all, select a couple of models, research them ( ukulele underground site forum is your friend here) and try if you can to play them ( saying that, I never have myself!)
Good luck! Go buy one, you know you wanna!
Read More »
Ukulele Beginners - What to spend? How cheap is cheap
** IMPORTANT NOTE! This is a VERY old post. Things have changed. And things are constantly changing. It was written before I was writing regular reviews. I thought about updating it, but I'd be updating it every year.
Instead - I would recommend looking at the full review list which is organised into price categories.. Anything scored over 8 out of 10 is recommended one way or the other. Higher the score the better
FULL REVIEW LIST! https://www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
A common question this one, and I was here 2 years ago myself. Thought i'd share my experiences.
Generally speaking, buying a uke is like buying any musical instrument. Go too cheap and you will end up with something that may hinder your learning and put you off, not a good thing!
I appreciate however that not everyone has lots of cash, and certainly not cash to blow on something they are not sure of. Heck, ukes can cost more than £500 but how low can you go?
A quick search of eBay will show a variety of brightly coloured ukes in the £15 - £20 range. Do beware. I bought one of these and it really is pretty ropey.
Step up a level into the £30 £50 range, and you are in to the level that I would recommend for beginners who really can't spend much. Look for Makala ukes for example ( including the brilliant Dolphin series), or others from Makala. Bear in mind that these entry ukes won't be solid, and will definitely benefit from changing strings to aquilas ( so budget another £6 ). They may also need a tweak to set up such as slight lowering of action. This will be a breeze if you are a guitar nut, but complete newbies need to take care, take advice or possibly pay a luthier.
Moving up into the £50 - £100 bracket and you start to get more improvements in quality, and some solid woods. This is though the category to take care with. We are getting into more serious money, and sadly there are more bad ukes here that shouldn't in my view command higher prices. In my view look for Kala, lanikai, ohana and Baton Rouge. If you can reach 100, check out entry level Bruko. Great all solid handmade ukes! All ukes in this range may still need action checking and may benefit from better strings.
Up a step again into the £100 - £200 category and your choice widens considerably. I think this is the range where you really can get ALL the uke you need without going boutique / pro. All of my upper end ukes are in this range. Wooden ukes will tend to be all solid in this range, and whilst still made in Asia probably finished in USA, such as brilliant Mainlands. Very nice Kala and Ohana ukes in this range too as well as the standard model Fleas and Flukes ( everyone should own one! USA made)
Higher still and it's a case if 'where do you stop'. You are looking at upgraded versions of the above in fancy woods, or with pickups fitted, or into beautiful hand made Hawaiian instruments!
So, what did I do in the early days? Simple!
Mahalo - horrible horrible, sub 20- junk waste of money
Vintage - £20 - kinda junk, works, 'sort of'...
Lanikai - £50 - nice sound, stayed in tune, well set up.... Sold to fund...
Flea £120 - brilliant and unique, can't really go wrong
Bruko £100 - solid wood
Mainland £160 - concert scale, solid, beautiful, bought to compliment Flea with warmer tone and longer scale neck.
Beyond that I ended up with about 60 ukuleles at one point!
Hope this helps if you are confused. Email me if you have any questions. Above all, select a couple of models, research them ( ukulele underground site forum is your friend here) and try if you can to play them ( saying that, I never have myself!)
Good luck! Go buy one, you know you wanna!
19 Apr 2010
19 Apr 2010T21:49
Today I have been mostly playing / practicing
Maggie Mae - Rod Stewart / Faces
Works amazingly well on uke ( I think cos original had mandolin on it)
Give it a try!
Read More »
Works amazingly well on uke ( I think cos original had mandolin on it)
Give it a try!
T20:36
If you are starting out with ukes you may get confused on the two most common types of tuners and which is best. Just thought I'd post my thoughts
The two types of tuner you are likely to see are friction tuners, and geared tuners. Friction tuners, as their name suggests are tightened, and the friction of their contact into the housing keeps them still. Geared tuners are like those on a guitar, and the peg is a gear which turns another gear connected to the tuning post.
Frictions certainly look the part and have an old fashioned look that I think suits the uke. They do take getting used to though as the lack of gearing means the turns move the posts directly and in large movements! ( unless we are talking planetary tuners , but let's not complicate things....)
Geared are 'generally' trouble free but unless nicely styled can look out of place on a small uke or are too heavy ( beware cheap ukes using guitar tuners - too big, too heavy, makes uke look like mickey mouse!)
You will read in forums that some people can't abide one or the other. I have a different view. I think both types are great so long as you consider the cost. In my experience, very cheap ukes with friction pegs, tend to have pegs that are nothing but trouble. Geared tuners on a cheap uke way well work better ( but beware , there are bad geared tuners too!)
But if you buy a good beginner instrument, like a makala, or lanikai, you should be ok whatever they are. But do try both! My collection has some of each!
Oh, and even the best frictions can slip- just tighten them till they bite with a screwdriver!
Read More »
Ukulele beginners tips - All things pegs
Pretty important things pegs, tuning pegs that is, they hold what is probably the most important end of the string.
If you are starting out with ukes you may get confused on the two most common types of tuners and which is best. Just thought I'd post my thoughts
The two types of tuner you are likely to see are friction tuners, and geared tuners. Friction tuners, as their name suggests are tightened, and the friction of their contact into the housing keeps them still. Geared tuners are like those on a guitar, and the peg is a gear which turns another gear connected to the tuning post.
Frictions certainly look the part and have an old fashioned look that I think suits the uke. They do take getting used to though as the lack of gearing means the turns move the posts directly and in large movements! ( unless we are talking planetary tuners , but let's not complicate things....)
Geared are 'generally' trouble free but unless nicely styled can look out of place on a small uke or are too heavy ( beware cheap ukes using guitar tuners - too big, too heavy, makes uke look like mickey mouse!)
You will read in forums that some people can't abide one or the other. I have a different view. I think both types are great so long as you consider the cost. In my experience, very cheap ukes with friction pegs, tend to have pegs that are nothing but trouble. Geared tuners on a cheap uke way well work better ( but beware , there are bad geared tuners too!)
But if you buy a good beginner instrument, like a makala, or lanikai, you should be ok whatever they are. But do try both! My collection has some of each!
Oh, and even the best frictions can slip- just tighten them till they bite with a screwdriver!
T15:14
Why the loose string curls on the headstock?
I see this question asked on a variety of forums - why do folks (myself included!) leave a coil of strings at the tuning pegs - in other words, why don't folks cut them?
I've seen a variety of reasons, which seem odd to me - but I can share with you the very simple reason I do it.
Ukulele strings last a good deal longer than steel guitar strings, so you can try to preserve them for a good while. You do however get string snaps occasionally. String snaps tend to happen in one of two places - the bridge or at the nut. On my ukes, if I get a snap at the bridge end (as I did twice on my new banjolele when putting aquilas on, due to a rough bridge), the fact I saved the spare length of the string in a coil means I can just tie a new knot and use the rest of the string! Simple really.
Of course, if it breaks at the nut, its game over - but my method means that on law of averages, I can save 50% of my broken strings.
So, no, it's not because I am lazy, and not because I am trying to look "cool" or "different" as I read in one forum post - its just regular penny pinching!
Read More »
I've seen a variety of reasons, which seem odd to me - but I can share with you the very simple reason I do it.
Ukulele strings last a good deal longer than steel guitar strings, so you can try to preserve them for a good while. You do however get string snaps occasionally. String snaps tend to happen in one of two places - the bridge or at the nut. On my ukes, if I get a snap at the bridge end (as I did twice on my new banjolele when putting aquilas on, due to a rough bridge), the fact I saved the spare length of the string in a coil means I can just tie a new knot and use the rest of the string! Simple really.
Of course, if it breaks at the nut, its game over - but my method means that on law of averages, I can save 50% of my broken strings.
So, no, it's not because I am lazy, and not because I am trying to look "cool" or "different" as I read in one forum post - its just regular penny pinching!
18 Apr 2010
18 Apr 2010T19:25
ALL good news
NORWICH FOLK TUNE IN TO UKULELE BOOM
By Emma Foster, Community Newswire
ARTS Ukulele Norwich 14 Apr 2010 - 16:16
Page 1
The ukulele is enjoying a surge in popularity in Norwich, according to a
local charity, which is now offering more ukulele courses to meet demand
from eager learners.
Community Music East (CME), on Music House Lane, is running courses for
beginners and improvers starting later this month, after receiving many
calls from people keen to learn the instrument.
Clara Gauntlett from CME said: "The ukulele has become really popular in
the past couple of years and we're getting lots of calls from people who
are keen to learn.
"It's a great instrument for beginners because it has only four strings,
which makes it relatively easy to play.
"They are also inexpensive to buy, very portable and easy on the ears.
"Our beginners' course is suitable for people who are new to playing a
musical instrument and covers all the basics such as tuning, chords and
posture.
"Our improvers' course is for players with a bit more experience and
covers strumming techniques, song writing and a chance to increase your
repertoire."
A local music shop has also experienced a marked increase in sales of
the instrument over the past few months.
Tristan Burfield, from the Music Room shop, said: "The uke has become
progressively more popular, possibly because of the success of the
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, which has played some high profile
dates, including Norwich.
"There is more choice of instrument available and the quality has
improved since the boom in popularity."
CME's Ukulele for Beginners starts on April 20, from 10am to midday and
Ukulele for Improvers starts April 19 from 7pm to 9pm. Both cost £75
(£50 concessions) for six weeks and there will be more courses starting
in June.
Established in 1985, CME offers multimedia and music activities for
people of all ages and abilities. It aims to increase opportunities,
primarily for people who may be disadvantaged either socially,
economically or culturally.
For more information or to book a place on a ukulele course contact CME
on 01603 628367 or visit www.cme.org.uk.
end
Read More »
By Emma Foster, Community Newswire
ARTS Ukulele Norwich 14 Apr 2010 - 16:16
Page 1
The ukulele is enjoying a surge in popularity in Norwich, according to a
local charity, which is now offering more ukulele courses to meet demand
from eager learners.
Community Music East (CME), on Music House Lane, is running courses for
beginners and improvers starting later this month, after receiving many
calls from people keen to learn the instrument.
Clara Gauntlett from CME said: "The ukulele has become really popular in
the past couple of years and we're getting lots of calls from people who
are keen to learn.
"It's a great instrument for beginners because it has only four strings,
which makes it relatively easy to play.
"They are also inexpensive to buy, very portable and easy on the ears.
"Our beginners' course is suitable for people who are new to playing a
musical instrument and covers all the basics such as tuning, chords and
posture.
"Our improvers' course is for players with a bit more experience and
covers strumming techniques, song writing and a chance to increase your
repertoire."
A local music shop has also experienced a marked increase in sales of
the instrument over the past few months.
Tristan Burfield, from the Music Room shop, said: "The uke has become
progressively more popular, possibly because of the success of the
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, which has played some high profile
dates, including Norwich.
"There is more choice of instrument available and the quality has
improved since the boom in popularity."
CME's Ukulele for Beginners starts on April 20, from 10am to midday and
Ukulele for Improvers starts April 19 from 7pm to 9pm. Both cost £75
(£50 concessions) for six weeks and there will be more courses starting
in June.
Established in 1985, CME offers multimedia and music activities for
people of all ages and abilities. It aims to increase opportunities,
primarily for people who may be disadvantaged either socially,
economically or culturally.
For more information or to book a place on a ukulele course contact CME
on 01603 628367 or visit www.cme.org.uk.
end
T17:55
ukulele chords
lots of people ask this question - where can i get a decent set of ukulele chords to print off.
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Google is your friend, but the brilliant Ukulele Tabs site will no doubt be pleased I can recommend their page here
T11:49
Ouch! Got a really sore arm
Really liking my ozark banjo uke. So much fun to play. I have a gripe though...
Perhaps it is my playing style, but as my arm rests on the edge of the pot and the tensioners, after a single song I've got red sore marks on my arm where edge is digging in to my skin.
As I say, it's down to my strum style, so am now on the hunt for a banjo arm rest that fits an 8" head
Ouch!
Read More »
Perhaps it is my playing style, but as my arm rests on the edge of the pot and the tensioners, after a single song I've got red sore marks on my arm where edge is digging in to my skin.
As I say, it's down to my strum style, so am now on the hunt for a banjo arm rest that fits an 8" head
Ouch!
-----------------------------------------
STOP PRESS - BIG THANKS! to Andy Banjo (Andy Perkins) who seems to be sorting me out - looks like a great bloke if you are in to banjos. Visit him here! http://www.andybanjo.com/
-------------------------------------------
T09:59
Dry fretboard treatments
As was the case with my new uke, and often with cheaper new instruments, the condition of rosewood or dark wood fingerboards leaves a lot to be desired
Often the wood is drying out. In the best case this just looks unsightly and can feel rough, but if left untreated, in dry conditions can lead to the warping or splitting of the top surface.
This can be very simply treated, as I did.
Firstly though, if you have a maple fingerboard (pale yellow and shiny) you don't need a treatment as they are sealed. Also if you have a super cheap uke with a (ugh!) painted fingerboard, don't waste your time
But, if you have a rosewood fingerboard looking sorry and dry (looking pale) then a very simple application of an oil will do the trick.
In the past I have successfully used lemon oil, available from guitar shops, applied very thinly to the fingerboard of an unstrung instrument with a cloth. Allow 10 mins to soak in then polish. Fingerboard should now look darker and conditioned (and smell nice!)
I have recently read some bad things about lemon oil though, particularly some of the ingredients in modern versions that might actually harm the wood. I was pointed in the direction of Fret Doctor which is a bore oil. This is the stuff used to condition insides of clarinets, bassoons, bagpipes etc. This stuff just needs a drop on each fret space, spread out with cotton bud and leave to soak in.
I don't know if there is any truth in lemon oil stories, but I will say that the bore oil seems to be taken up by the wood better in my view, and leaves a nicer finish.
Either way though, if you have a dry fingerboard, you should think about conditioning in some way.
IMPORTANT - don't get carried away with this stuff! You need only a light covering, but more importantly, it's a once a year treatment, at most! If you over oil your wood you can similarly warp and ruin the finish. If the fingerboard looks dark and smooth, leave it alone!
Read More »
Often the wood is drying out. In the best case this just looks unsightly and can feel rough, but if left untreated, in dry conditions can lead to the warping or splitting of the top surface.
This can be very simply treated, as I did.
Firstly though, if you have a maple fingerboard (pale yellow and shiny) you don't need a treatment as they are sealed. Also if you have a super cheap uke with a (ugh!) painted fingerboard, don't waste your time
But, if you have a rosewood fingerboard looking sorry and dry (looking pale) then a very simple application of an oil will do the trick.
In the past I have successfully used lemon oil, available from guitar shops, applied very thinly to the fingerboard of an unstrung instrument with a cloth. Allow 10 mins to soak in then polish. Fingerboard should now look darker and conditioned (and smell nice!)
I have recently read some bad things about lemon oil though, particularly some of the ingredients in modern versions that might actually harm the wood. I was pointed in the direction of Fret Doctor which is a bore oil. This is the stuff used to condition insides of clarinets, bassoons, bagpipes etc. This stuff just needs a drop on each fret space, spread out with cotton bud and leave to soak in.
I don't know if there is any truth in lemon oil stories, but I will say that the bore oil seems to be taken up by the wood better in my view, and leaves a nicer finish.
Either way though, if you have a dry fingerboard, you should think about conditioning in some way.
IMPORTANT - don't get carried away with this stuff! You need only a light covering, but more importantly, it's a once a year treatment, at most! If you over oil your wood you can similarly warp and ruin the finish. If the fingerboard looks dark and smooth, leave it alone!
17 Apr 2010
17 Apr 2010T17:27
why the blog name?
in response to a question, "why is the blog simply called 'got a ukulele' ", its the opening line of this song...
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oh, and that is a Flea uke he is playing!
T15:24
Inspiration - this weeks top 10!
Thought it would be helpful to give some inspiration for songs for people to play.
Here's my top 10 for this week that I seem to be playing rather a lot - no particular order.
- Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
- Wild Wood - Paul Weller
- Leaving of Liverpool (traditional)
- Down Under - Men at Work
- Watching The Detectives - Elvis Costello
- No Woman No Cry - Bob Marley
- Aint She Sweet
- Dream A Little Dream - Mamas & Papas
- Primrose Hill - Loudon Wainwright III
- Werewolves Of London - Warren Zevon
Will try to provide some more lists as my tastes change - give these a try though - all very very easy to play - chords widely available on a google search!
Read More »
Here's my top 10 for this week that I seem to be playing rather a lot - no particular order.
- Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
- Wild Wood - Paul Weller
- Leaving of Liverpool (traditional)
- Down Under - Men at Work
- Watching The Detectives - Elvis Costello
- No Woman No Cry - Bob Marley
- Aint She Sweet
- Dream A Little Dream - Mamas & Papas
- Primrose Hill - Loudon Wainwright III
- Werewolves Of London - Warren Zevon
Will try to provide some more lists as my tastes change - give these a try though - all very very easy to play - chords widely available on a google search!
T11:25
Ozark banjo uke - initial review
Having now had time to have a play and a fiddle (and given the new aquilas time to settle in), I am able to give my initial impressions of my new instrument. As I said, got this from Highly Strung in Wantage via mail order - great store i've not shopped with for a while, but did buy some guitar bits a while ago - brilliant customer service on the phone, did a deal to get quicker shipping, nice communications (all good!)
On the whole - I think its great - I just love the way it looks - kind of unusual colour for a banjo, and I think that makes it look different enough,
Sound is clearly banjo like, and just the sound I was looking for. It isn't a rich sound though. I took the resonator off the back as I prefer to be able to adjust muting with the position of the uke against my body.
Strumming the uke in similar spot to a wooden uke (ie across the bottom of the fingerboard) tends to make the sound "boom" and resonate a little too much. I therefore get a better sound playing this by lightly placing my palm on the head just at the top to provide a bit of muting - doesn't affect volume, but cleans up the sound completely. Its a flaw with the uke, but one that is easy to overcome. I think you can get banjo mutes that fit behind the bridge, so may look into that also.
It also feels very very good to play - action is superbly low without a single buzz, and having now "tuned" the bridge position with an accurate tuner, the intonation is spot on all over the neck - not something that you can ever guarantee on an instrument of this price.
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On the whole - I think its great - I just love the way it looks - kind of unusual colour for a banjo, and I think that makes it look different enough,
Build quality is pretty high across the board - frets are finished nicely, and the hardware all seems solid. I think the wood used is probably not the best quality and it is obviously painted, as opposed to stained and polished - that looks a bit cheap. Headstock shows this off the worst, and the Ozark logo looks particularly cheap.
Fingerboard was a touch dry on arrival, so it has been given a treatment with some bore oil and now looks beautiful and dark (i think the fingerboard is the best finished "wood" element of this uke)
Few of the tensioners on the pot needed a tighten, but otherwise all looks good. The hole for that top A string hasn't snapped another string yet, so maybe its ok
Its fairly heavy to hold (compared to a wood uke anyway), but it is nicely balanced, and my playing style allows me to cradle it comfortably.
Sound is clearly banjo like, and just the sound I was looking for. It isn't a rich sound though. I took the resonator off the back as I prefer to be able to adjust muting with the position of the uke against my body.
Strumming the uke in similar spot to a wooden uke (ie across the bottom of the fingerboard) tends to make the sound "boom" and resonate a little too much. I therefore get a better sound playing this by lightly placing my palm on the head just at the top to provide a bit of muting - doesn't affect volume, but cleans up the sound completely. Its a flaw with the uke, but one that is easy to overcome. I think you can get banjo mutes that fit behind the bridge, so may look into that also.
It also feels very very good to play - action is superbly low without a single buzz, and having now "tuned" the bridge position with an accurate tuner, the intonation is spot on all over the neck - not something that you can ever guarantee on an instrument of this price.
So all in all - initially - I think this is a great instrument - sure it has some flaws and signs of its lower price, but they are not significant. Its playable, different and fun. Highly recommended!
SCORES
Looks - 7
Fit and finish - 8.5
Sound - 7.5
Value for money - 9
OVERALL - 8
SCORES
Looks - 7
Fit and finish - 8.5
Sound - 7.5
Value for money - 9
OVERALL - 8
16 Apr 2010
16 Apr 2010T15:49
Very pleased with new toy which arrived today from the good people at Highly Strung. Its an entry level, but nice looking banjolele.
Its finished in a stained brown, with very nice looking aged brass effect parts. Geared open back tuners with cream knobs. Remo weatherking head, bound neck, 18 frets, and removeable simple resonator back.
I love it, and the sound is just what I was hoping for - that twangy sound that makes my uke versions of irish and folk songs sound that bit better.
Aquilas have made a big big difference - sound is thicker and definitely louder.
I'll post some more thoughts on this baby as time goes on - but very pleased with it. Oh, and it came with a very nice zippered padded Ozark gig bag too!
Read More »
New Toy arrived - Ozark 2035 banjolele!
Very pleased with new toy which arrived today from the good people at Highly Strung. Its an entry level, but nice looking banjolele.
Its finished in a stained brown, with very nice looking aged brass effect parts. Geared open back tuners with cream knobs. Remo weatherking head, bound neck, 18 frets, and removeable simple resonator back.
I love it, and the sound is just what I was hoping for - that twangy sound that makes my uke versions of irish and folk songs sound that bit better.
It arrived with some terrible nylon strings, which I immediately swapped for aquilas. Problem I think with the slot at bridge end for the 1st (A) string - being made of metal, I think it is nicking the strings under tension - and they snapped twice, at that spot on tuning. I think I need to take a file to it, or wrap some electrical tape around that end of the string. Not a big issue.
Aquilas have made a big big difference - sound is thicker and definitely louder.
I'll post some more thoughts on this baby as time goes on - but very pleased with it. Oh, and it came with a very nice zippered padded Ozark gig bag too!
15 Apr 2010
15 Apr 2010T13:09
iphone Uke apps
There seem to be quite a few apps in the app store for ukers - but presume a lot of them do the same thing - ie tuners and chord guides.
Can I suggest you take a look at Guitar Toolkit though (sadly, one you pay for) - I use it and i love it!
Works for a variety of stringed instruments, not just guitar, and of course, ukulele. I do play guitar too so this works for me.
has metronome, tuner, chord libraries, chord finder, scales - you name it!
Not sure yet...
Read More »
Can I suggest you take a look at Guitar Toolkit though (sadly, one you pay for) - I use it and i love it!
Works for a variety of stringed instruments, not just guitar, and of course, ukulele. I do play guitar too so this works for me.
has metronome, tuner, chord libraries, chord finder, scales - you name it!
http://www.agilepartners.com/apps/guitartoolkit/
For something completely different, I am now trying My Songbook app on the iphone - very cheap app, that connects with Chordie and the like to save songs and chords to your phone. Handy (I think) though the small screen is a bit of an issue if you are planning to play along to it.
Not sure yet...
14 Apr 2010
14 Apr 2010T22:29
If you are new to stringed instruments in this family, and are looking to buy a uke, you may notice listings making reference to "solid" wood, "solid tops", "all solid" and the like - but are people who are new to the instrument clear on what is being sold here? - worse still is there some misrepresentation going on?
The other thing is of course price, as all solid instruments cost a good deal more than laminates - and I fully appreciate that we all have to cut our cloth accordingly, and and for some, a laminate may be the only option (I am not knocking laminates - I own some!!)
But what really concerns me is where ukes are advertised, a(nd I have to say, ebay is mainly the culprit), where the description of the woods is less than clear.
I recently saw a baritone uke for sale on ebay at what was an inflated price compared to what it could be bought for in a store, but worse still, the seller had it listed as a solid mahogany wood uke, despite it clearly being a laminate top and body model. I was so annoyed that I emailed the buyer to point out that his listing was incorrect, and he replied saying it was a laminate of sheets of mahogany, and therefore it was all mahogany, and therefore solid mahogany...... !!!!? The item sold, - total rip-off.
Therefore - do take care - if you see a bargain uke at anything under £100 - £150 claiming to be all solid wood I would exercise some caution (not rule it out totally, just be cautious)
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Ukulele beginners tips - When is wood, you know, SOLID??
Something has been bothering me for quite a while - in fact in all the time I have been buying guitars, let alone ukuleles, and that something didn't change when I bought my first uke. In fact I just saw that the confusion (and the potential rip-off) continue.
If you are new to stringed instruments in this family, and are looking to buy a uke, you may notice listings making reference to "solid" wood, "solid tops", "all solid" and the like - but are people who are new to the instrument clear on what is being sold here? - worse still is there some misrepresentation going on?
The basics of wooden ukes ( as with wooden acoustic guitars) is this - the wood that makes the instrument is either an actual thin slice of solid wood, or it is a laminate of lots and lots of thin pieces of wood with a nice looking veneer on the outer visible edge. This applies to the wood on the soundboard or top (the piece with the hole in it!) , the sides of the body, and the back.
The general difference in most wooden instruments is that a solid piece of wood is by far the best, and laminate is worst. I say general, as this is also dependent on the type of wood and type of instrument, but for the purposes of a general buyers guide, it is generally accepted that top quality is "all solid top, back and sides", medium is "solid top" and the cheaper end is "laminate all over".
The other thing is of course price, as all solid instruments cost a good deal more than laminates - and I fully appreciate that we all have to cut our cloth accordingly, and and for some, a laminate may be the only option (I am not knocking laminates - I own some!!)
But what really concerns me is where ukes are advertised, a(nd I have to say, ebay is mainly the culprit), where the description of the woods is less than clear.
I recently saw a baritone uke for sale on ebay at what was an inflated price compared to what it could be bought for in a store, but worse still, the seller had it listed as a solid mahogany wood uke, despite it clearly being a laminate top and body model. I was so annoyed that I emailed the buyer to point out that his listing was incorrect, and he replied saying it was a laminate of sheets of mahogany, and therefore it was all mahogany, and therefore solid mahogany...... !!!!? The item sold, - total rip-off.
But the manufacturer websites don't help either - and nothing annoys me more than those that don't say whether the instruments are solid or not. Many do it, and I don't understand why.
I stress again, buying an instrument that isn't totally solid is NOT a bad thing, but you should be clear what you are buying, whatever you buy - surely?
I stress again, buying an instrument that isn't totally solid is NOT a bad thing, but you should be clear what you are buying, whatever you buy - surely?
Therefore - do take care - if you see a bargain uke at anything under £100 - £150 claiming to be all solid wood I would exercise some caution (not rule it out totally, just be cautious)
I am often asked how to tell if the instrument is solid if you get to actually hold it - it isn't totally straightforward, but some tips:
- On a solid top instrument, you should be able to look at the edge of the inside of the soundhole and see whether the grains on outer edge run "through" the wood. Imagine looking end on at a thick piece of wood such as a skirting board - the grain would run through - it is no different on a guitar top - just thinner! On a cheap laminate, you should be able to see the laminated layers of wood. Things get tricky if the top or inside of soundhole is painted . This is sometimes a case of the maker trying to hide the laminate, but not always! - Bruko put a binding on the inside of their sound holes (but then again, to be fair to Bruko, they advertise their instruments as all solid woods, and they are not lying - great solid Ukes!)
- For the back and sides - if you can see the outer grain through varnish - look inside the instrument with a torch - do the grains on the inside match the patterns on the outside - if they do - a pretty good sign it is solid back or sides. The very cheapest laminated backs and sides have grains going in opposite directions!
Anyway - rant over, but I do get annoyed at limited information for new buyers - always remember, buyer beware, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it "probably" is...
T19:28
Evelyn Evelyn - Love Will Tear Us Apart & Chords
Further to my earlier post re this brilliant album - you gotta listen to this!!
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http://evelynevelyn.bandcamp.com/track/love-will-tear-us-apart
Chords are very very simple (though not the easiest chords to play) - PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!
It is basically a repeat all the way through of Em (0432), D (2220) Bm (4222) A (2100)
Chords are very very simple (though not the easiest chords to play) - PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!
It is basically a repeat all the way through of Em (0432), D (2220) Bm (4222) A (2100)
When routine bites hard
And ambitions are low
And resentment rides high
And emotions won't grow
And we're changing our ways, taking different roads
Love, love will tears us apart again
Why is the bedroom so cold?
You've turned away on your side
Is my timing that flawed?
Have our feelings run dry?
Yet there's still this appeal we've kept through our lives
Love, love will tear us apart again
You cry out in your sleep
All my failings exposed
There's a taste in my mouth
As desperation takes hold
Just that something so good, just can't function no more
Love, love will tear us apart again
And ambitions are low
And resentment rides high
And emotions won't grow
And we're changing our ways, taking different roads
Love, love will tears us apart again
Why is the bedroom so cold?
You've turned away on your side
Is my timing that flawed?
Have our feelings run dry?
Yet there's still this appeal we've kept through our lives
Love, love will tear us apart again
You cry out in your sleep
All my failings exposed
There's a taste in my mouth
As desperation takes hold
Just that something so good, just can't function no more
Love, love will tear us apart again
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