05/01/2010 - 06/01/2010

30 May 2010

Ukes an instant hit with kids!

My kids love them. My baby daughter gets enthralled with the sound - this news article therefore no surprise (taken from Stuff.co.nz)


Why do ukuleles do this to them?

By KEITH LYNCH - The Press
Last updated 05:00 25/05/2010
Craig Smith, 12, centre, rocks his ukulele
IAIN MCGREGOR/The Press
STRIGN THING: Chisnallwood Intermediate School pupil Craig Smith, 12, centre, rocks his ukulele. The school has 17 ukulele players.

Education

An oldie ... but still a goodyCapital's pupils rise to theatrical challengeFeet stamp to the beat of Heart Jam musicToo fast, too deadly for schoolsPool fix puts pupils back in the swimPay rise for teachers 'unrealistic'Christchurch preschool's funds cut by $40,000Kiwi teenager accepted to Yale - againMusic school in doubt as funds dry upWhy do ukuleles do this to them?
Forget about the recorder – Christchurch pupils have embraced the ukulele.
A world record attempt for the largest ukulele orchestra performance is set for Christchurch on Friday.
Ukulele players will perform Why Does Love Do This To Me, a song written by Kiwi Jordan Luck, of The Exponents, when they attempt to break the record.
The Town Hall Chartfest event will also include a ukulele orchestra competition.
Organiser Jeff Fulton said the ukulele's comeback continued.
Riccarton High School head of music Shane Morrow said between 35 and 40 students began playing the ukulele at the school this year.
"It was their idea. They wanted something easy to learn and were genuinely keen to do something different," he said.
Chisnallwood Intermediate School music teacher Judith Bell said the school introduced the ukulele this year and had 17 players in a ukulele band.
Music Works Colombo St manager Charlie Jemmett said there has been a surge in ukulele and banjo sales.
"We sell a lot of banjos – more than we have in a few years," he said.
"In the past, banjos have always been sold to crusty old people, but now we're selling to young people."
Ukuleles were becoming increasingly popular, Jemmett said, and the store sold more than a dozen a week.
"Schools are buying them in bunches and getting classrooms of them going."
Christchurch music teacher Jenny Blackadder said it had become fashionable for people to play banjos and ukuleles.
"It has not happened like this since the 1940s and 1950s. Some primary schools are now replacing the recorder with the ukulele as small children think it is a small guitar and they love it," she 
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29 May 2010

beautiful....

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Cool! Amanda Palmer news


Amanda Palmer covers Radiohead ... on the ukulele

Fans of the Dresden Dolls, Thom Yorke and George Formby – this is your lucky day
Amanda Palmer, American punk rock singer
No strings attached ... Amanda Palmer unveils Radiohead ukulele project. Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian
Now she is free of her record labelAmanda Palmer is doing what any ambitious artist would do, given the opportunity to record any project whatsoever: she is releasing an EP of Radiohead covers. The Dresden Doll will interpret "simple" Radiohead tunes ... on her ukulele.
Although Palmer has been hinting at the record for a while, she finally confirmed the release in an email to fans this week. It didn't take much reading between the lines. "I'm going to unveil my NEW ALBUM PROJECT," she wrote, "which *might* be an EP, and it *might* be an EP of Radiohead songs, and I *might* be playing those Radiohead songs on a magical instrument like, oh, a little ukulele."
Though Palmer is presently touring with Evelyn Evelyn, she has found time for Radiohead sessions in the studio, on stage, and in front of her webcam. Live ukulele versions of Creep and Exit Music (For a Film) have already appeared on YouTube, and Thom Yorke will be pleased to discover that someone has recorded an even more maudlin rendition ofFake Plastic Trees.
In earlier posts about Radiohead covers, Palmer made her intentions clear. "I [just] recorded five Radiohead songs on ukulele for heavy-duty shits and giggles," she wrote in March. Elsewhere, they were "sad little [tunes]" used as procrastination tools. "A Radiohead ukulele cover album might just have to be what I do to Shed The Past and Find God," she wrote in February. "Some people ACTUALLY find God and record Christian albums. I just find Radiohead." Later that month she solicitedsong suggestions from fans, warning them the Radiohead tunes must be "simple" and "singable". Whereas Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Phil Selway et al are unbridled in their approach to recording, Palmer sought tracks that wouldn't need "Radiohead production fanciness" and which "only have four to six chords, tops".
The as yet unnamed, er, ukuladiohead album will be released in July.
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28 May 2010

Balham Uke Society

I received such a nice email from these guys, that as well as adding them to my clubs page, can provide some more detail here.


Balham uke soc is a fortnightly Sunday meeting, originally born last April because there didn't seem to be any uke meetings at all in South West London (there are now one or two others), but also as a cheap teaching workshop for beginners.


So the first hour (6-7, £5 for the hour) is a teaching session, then the more seasoned players join us afterwards to jam the night away.


Myspace: www.myspace.com/balhamukulelesociety
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=88126982867
Twitter: www.twitter.com/balhamukesoc
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25 May 2010

Punk? Uke?

I so wish I could read Japanese, as I would dearly like to know what is "punk" about this website? (trust me, dont bother with the "English version" link....

http://ukulelepunk.blog60.fc2.com/

maybe this video from Max will help...





Nope...


If I want Punk Ukulele, I will stick to this...

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24 May 2010

UkeyLove - what a great idea

In collating my list of ukulele groups and clubs, I was introduced to this website, and I think its a great concept

http://ukeylove.com/

This is an open mic night event held each month (thursdays), basically, you prepare 2 songs plus an encore and turn up.  Stage is open mic from 8pm, but best of all, they record it all on video - put up a teaser of the best bits on Youtube, and a full 30 minute show on iTunes.

The vids on the site are great and show that there is a real range of talent and ideas - If you are in London, you could do a lot worse than give this a shot (sadly, I live miles away, but hope the idea takes off nationally)

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UKULELE PLAYER magazine

I have now added this site to the links page on the right - to be honest, I feel guilty I hadnt included it before.

It is a brilliant downloadable uke magazine that is super informative - great reviews etc - and best of all it is free

Links to current and back issues here.

http://www.tricornpublications.com/uke_player.htm


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Cheltenham Ukulele Festival of Great Britain - 19th & 20th June

Thought I would give a big shout out to this event which looks like it will be a lot of fun

Full details here http://www.ukulelefestival.co.uk/Home.aspx

Plus - Gus & Fin are playing!



If anyone else has a Uke event they wish to plug - wherever in the world  - get in touch and I will happily shout it from the rooftops!
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Give this a try

nice tutorial vid - very effective sound

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17 May 2010

Uke clubs and societies

Well, this blog is now doing better than I imagined and getting good page views, therefore thought it was about time I set up a new page listing clubs and societies.

I am UK based, so have kicked off with a few UK clubs I know - but if you are in a club, run a club or whatever, and want the club listings, do get in touch through the blog stating club name, location and means of contacting (web, email or phone) and I will do my best to get on the list - WHEREVER IN THE WORLD YOU ARE!

Page is listed at the top of the blog - and here http://gotaukulele.blogspot.com/p/ukulele-clubs-and-societies.html
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Ukulele beginners tips - shapes

Whats in a shape?  Well, as you begin your hunt for a ukulele, you will notice that all ukuleles are not the same - aside from the traditional shaped uke, you will also find some oddities in the musical instrument stores.


The different shapes are, in the main, cosmetic, although you will get some variance with tone with different bodies.  So some examples of body shapes...


1. STANDARD - also known as the "guitar shape" or figure of 8 shape.  These themselves come in a variety of shapes some fatter at the bottom "bulge", some symmetrical., for example:

standard ukulele shape

and


standard ukulele sizes
Add caption


2. Pineapple shapes

Traditional hawaiian shapes - often styled on the top with texture of pineapple skin, and often a spiky topped headstock, such as


pineapple ukulele shape

and





And I suppose you would also include the good old Flea in the Pineapple category (I suppose)


3. Boat Paddle shapes - shaped like (you guessed it) boat paddles.

Such as


boat paddle ukulele shape

And I would put the Fluke Uke in this category



4. others and oddities - there is so much you can put in this mixed bag, so below are a few examples

First - the flying V!


and how about a Les Paul?





This next one is a  style I like - called the Vita shape



Then we can start getting REALLY weird!




But really, what matters is you get one you like - they all do the same thing really!!

WHY NOT DONATE TO HELP KEEP GOT A UKULELE GOING?




THANKS!


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16 May 2010

THRILLER on Uke!

I've always been in awe of Jake Shimabukuro, but this takes the biscuit

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Handy vid, if you dont own a tuner...

Handy I suppose - but really, go buy a tuner, or a tuning fork, or something!!

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15 May 2010

My oh my, these are beautiful

Not sure if you have seen the wonderful art of Amy Crehore, but she has some of her painted ukuleles on show here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ticklergirl/sets/72157613402025169/

Stunning.  Want want want.
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14 May 2010

Keen to see this - the Mighty Ukulele

mighty uke
HD Feature Documentary, 79 mins
Tony Coleman & Margaret Meagher

Think of a ukulele and you probably imagine grass skirts, slide guitar and kitchy lyrics, but far from being just a Hawaiian novelty instrument, the uke has a rich history and has profoundly affected music around the world. Originally brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, the tiny instrument first captured the musical imaginations of the Hawaiian royal court in the 1880’s. With the dawn of the radio broadcasting age, ukulele music owned the airwaves. Broadway produced ukulele musicals. Hollywood produced ukulele movie stars. The little instrument was so inexpensive and easy to play that by the early twenties the uke was the most popular instrument in the American home and the first musical voice for millions of children. Over the next thirty years the uke was number one, and then, with the rise of rock and roll guitar, faded into nerdy obscurity. Until now. In the internet age, the ukulele is making a comeback. Clubs and ensembles are sprouting up around the world, and a new generation is pulling their grandparents’ ukes out of the closet, challenging our images of the humble, twangy ukulele. Ukes top the charts in Japan, Swedish punks thrash uke angst, California popsters serve it to ya ukulele style, classical composers carefully pluck out musicbox sonatas, and all of them meet together at the myriad ukulele festivals from New York to London and Tokyo.
This is not a toy!
MIGHTY UKE travels the world to discover why so many people of different nations, cultures, ages and musical tastes are turning to the ukulele to express themselves, connect with the past, and with each other. From the Redwoods of California through the gritty streets of Paris, from swinging London through Tokyo’s highrise canyons to Hawaii, ukers tell the story of the people’s instrument: The Mighty Uke


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Booshulele

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Worlds smallest playable ukulele

cool

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Muppet Ukulele

This is my second Muppet post this month - must be something wrong with me.  Then again, muppets and ukulele - sounds good to me!

Ukulele Lady!

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11 May 2010

CAN YOU TEACH UKULELE?

Can you? Are you a teacher?

I would like to set up a page on this ukulele blog that contains contact details for folks willing to offer services in Uke tuition.

If you are a player who is or wants to offer tuition, I would be delighted to list you on my website if you are happy for contact numbers or email to be posted.

If you are interested, get in touch through the blog telling me name, location (country, and city) and your contact details (phone / email), and I will set up a page listing you.

I'm in the UK, but the blog is read internationally, so I have no problem listing anyone from anywhere!
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6 May 2010

Smells Like Teen Spirit

works surprisingly well! another class act from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

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5 May 2010

Mainland Mahogany Concert - Slotted Headstock model - review

Hot on the heels of my Flea review, whilst I have posted pics of my beloved Mainland (and raved about it), I noted I had not provided a detailed review.

The background to Mainland is quite interesting - they are assembled in the USA by hand by Hoosier Mikes (from Ukulele Underground) team in Nashville Indiana.  The parts though are made and shaped in the far east in the same production facilities as many other mid level ukes such as Ohana I believe.  Mike used to be the man at Bushman Ukuleles, (which still exist I think) but he went it alone.

What he has provided though is a range of beautifully finished all solid ukuleles at a great price point that I personally would argue is hard to match for the money.

I had read so many good things that I placed my order from the only UK Mainland dealer - the very nice people at Eagle Music in Huddersfield.  I opted for the Concert scale uke, and for something a little classier the slotted traditional headstock with backwards facing tuners.  Was £179, though I think its a touch cheaper if you go for a standard headstock.

mainland mahogany concert ukulele body

On opening the box it was clear that this was a lovely instrument.  The Mahogany finish is wonderful, deep grained with a kind of 3D shimmer effect to it.  The colour just glows a lovely dark orangey brown.  the top and back have a white bound edge, and the top is finished with Mainlands trademark ropework finish around the edge and sound hole.  Some love this, some hate it, but I usually find that those that dislike it have seen trade pictures that make it look a stark black and white - it isnt - the white is very creamy and the whole thing looks mellow.

The neck is wonderfully finished and the fingerboard is a beautiful smooth dark wood that just looks quality.  Frets are nicely finished too.  I think the saddle and nut are bone which is a nice touch.

Headstock as I say is slotted design with rear facing geared tuners with pearloid buttons.  If you order from Mainland you can specify exactly what you want down to button colour for no, or little extra cost which is cool.  The tuners are nice quality and hold well.  Mainland logo is on the headstock in similar ropework finish, but if I am honest, it looks a little pale on the mahogany background - could do with standing out a bit more.


mainland concert ukulele slotted headstock


To hold and play, the uke is very comfortable and a nice weight.  The extra scale in the concert neck is nice to play on, and the action and intonation was absolutely spot on everywhere - NO complaints here.

Came strung with Aquilas which are obviously nice, but to be honest, I dont think a sweet solid instrument benefits from these butch strings that well.  As you will read elsewhere on the blog, I have been playing around with string types on the mainland and seem to have now settled on the new edition Martin Flourocarbons - they give the nicest balance to my ears between volume and sweet chiming sound.

And that sound is what I really like about the Mainland - and what sets well made all solid instruments apart from the cheaper end - the sound is just really sweet and rings - nice sustain (yes, sustain - on a ukulele) but real bell like chimes from it.

I've found myself getting very precious about this uke - certainly not a uke I would take to the pub for a jamming session - I polish it too much (how sad) - but then it has its place - this is my "sit down when the house is quiet and relax with my uke" ukulele!

It therefore comes totally, 100%, no ifs buts or maybes recommended from me.  If you are looking for a step up from a beginner uke, or just a uke in the £150 -£200 price bracket, you would be daft to ignore these.

Keep an eye on the Mainland Site too, as Mike is introducing new models, new wood types and shapes - all look nice.  I hear the red cedar models are lovely too!

mainland concert mahogany ukulele


SCORES

Looks - 8.5
Fit and finish - 7.5
Sound - 8
Value for money - 9

OVERALL - 8.3
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Just lovely

Puts my jangling to shame.  take a look at Hermans site at Ukulele News

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4 May 2010

Great! BMX Bandits plus ukulele!

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Flea Ukulele - from the Magic Fluke Company

I do get asked a lot on the Uke Underground forum for my views on my Flea by the Fluke Co, so thought I should probably type out a proper review.

I've had my Flea now for about 2 years, and adore it.  It cost me a little over £100 back then, and they seem to be available in the basic form for about £120 now over here.
flea ukulele body

By way of background, the Flea is a USA made instrument, and is the little brother (or sister) to the Fluke Ukulele.  What sets these ukes apart is their design.  The back of the instrument is plastic / polycarbonate, and the top is a laminated australian hoop pine.  The neck is a nice smooth maple finish with a distinctive headstock, and it is fitted with quality friction tuners.

The fingerboard is a one piece moulded piece of plastic, with integral frets.  This seems to be the biggest point of concern with those people considering buying a Flea, but I really dont know why.  If you are really fussed, the Company do make a rosewood fingerboard model with metal frets, but why would you bother?  This plastic fingerboard is comfortable to play, light, and most importantly of all, its intonation is absolutely spot on - there is no way a fret can be mis-seated on this instrument - it is just naturally accurate.

There are also similar concerns raised by some over the plastic back - to them I would just point them in the direction of the superb Ovation Balladeer guitars - really really nice pro-instruments with, yes, you guessed it, a man made curved back.

So, back to mine - it is finished in a painted purple colour (called Poi-ple by the Fluke Co), and arrived with shiny black hilo strings which I really didnt get on with.  Tuners needed a tighten but since that first tighten I have had no problems with them whatsover - i have read that they are made by Gotoh, which may explain it.

I changed the strings for Aquilas, but have since also played around with Martins and Worths - all good - and all better than the Hilos it arrived with.

My model is soprano scale, but you can get them with concert scale necks.  The sound for such a small, simple, laminated instrument really is extraordinary - it is loud - certainly as loud as any other uke in my collection, and bright and bouncy.  There are zero issues with intonation and action (as I say above), and plays beautifully.

The are also really really tough - I have knocked mine over and dropped it - not a mark and still bang in tune.  These are therefore highly recommended for gigging or camping etc.

Slight gripes - the wooden top is actually slightly recessed into plastic body, so where I rest my arm on the top when playing it leaves a red line on my arm.  Also, with two years play now, the reslilence of the top finish leaves a little to be desired, and it has polished up in places where my arm has rubbed - oh well, some would call that "patina".

flea ukulele headstock



Comes with a zippered padded gig bag and small booklet of uke chords.

I can honestly say, would never change my Flea, and am on the lookout for a Fluke.  It just plays so well, is always in tune, and is dead reliable.  Would I buy one again - yes I would.  Should you buy one - well, if the Flea is in your price range, I would strongly recommend it.

Enjoy!



UKULELE SCORES

Looks - 8
Fit and finish - 10
Sound - 8
Value for money - 7.5

OVERALL - 8.4

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Sweeeeet

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1 May 2010

Ukes in the pub at Penrith


Ukes in the Pub at Penrith - how uplifting!

  • Scenes from last month's Ukes in the Pub at Penrith's Aussie Arms Hotel. Pictures: JOE MURPHY
    Scenes from last month's Ukes in the Pub at Penrith's Aussie Arms Hotel. Pictures: JOE MURPHY
  • Scenes from last month's Ukes in the Pub at Penrith's Aussie Arms Hotel. Pictures: JOE MURPHY
    Scenes from last month's Ukes in the Pub at Penrith's Aussie Arms Hotel. Pictures: JOE MURPHY
  • Scenes from last month's Ukes in the Pub at Penrith's Aussie Arms Hotel. Pictures: JOE MURPHY
    Scenes from last month's Ukes in the Pub at Penrith's Aussie Arms Hotel. Pictures: JOE MURPHY
more photos
EVEN a beginner can play the ukulele after only an hour’s practise.
So says Blue Mountains Ukulele Club member Steve Roberts, 54, who attends the club’s monthly Ukes in the Pub gathering at Penrith.
He said both ukulele first-timers and experienced players could get something out of the group.
“With three chords you can play any song with the ukulele. Most of The Beatles and AC/DC songs have three chords,” Mr Roberts, of Penrith, said.
“It has four strings and one of the largest ranges of chords. Beginners can learn a couple of chords and just after an hour they can play You are My Sunshine.”
Mr Roberts first picked up a ukulele after seeing Paul McCartney use one to play The Beatles’ hit Something.
“About two or three years ago I got into it after seeing that performance,” he said.
“I’m not a beginner any more, I’m an improver.”
Mr Roberts said the 134-member club played mainly boisterous and upbeat songs.
He encouraged interested residents to join in.
“If I can play, you can play,” he said.
The club meets at the Australian Arms Hotel, corner of High and Lawson streets, Penrith, on the first Saturday of the month.
For details call Mr Roberts on 0412 228 326 or Rob on 0425 217 316.
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