After a long break, NOT A Ukulele returns with a mini review of a small guitar. This is the Nova Go Mini Guitar.
Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts
27 Jun 2024
29 Nov 2022
29 Nov 2022T18:01
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Washburn Rover RO10 Travel Acoustic Guitar - REVIEW
Got A Ukulele (or is that 'Not A Ukulele') has had a bit of a break from mini reviews of small guitars, but I'm back this week with another. The Washburn Rover RO10 Travel Acoustic Guitar.
29 Aug 2022
29 Aug 2022T14:47
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Fender Sonoran Mini Guitar - REVIEW
After the Not A Ukulele short break, a return with another in the series of smaller than average guitars that may appeal to ukulele players. This is the Fender Sonoran Mini.
4 Aug 2022
4 Aug 2022T18:40
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Blackstar Carry-on Electric Guitar - REVIEW
Continuing with my mid-week mini reviews of smaller guitars that may be of interest to ukulele players, I realised that everything so far has been for the acoustic fan. Let's change things up with the Blackstar Carry-on electric.
27 Jul 2022
27 Jul 2022T19:07
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Yamaha APX T2 Electro Acoustic Guitar - REVIEW
Moving on to another midweek look at a small guitar that might appeal to ukulele players. Despite being a guitar fan this one seems to have passed me by until now. This is the Yamaha APX T2 Electro Acoustic.
13 Jul 2022
13 Jul 2022T20:45
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Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top Acoustic Guitar - REVIEW
Back again with an interim mini review of a small bodied guitar that might appeal to ukulele players. This is the much lauded Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top Parlour Guitar.
7 Jul 2022
7 Jul 2022T18:52
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PRS SE P20 Parlour Guitar - REVIEW
Back on with the smaller than average guitars that may be of interest to ukulele players. This is the PRS SE P20 Parlour Guitar.
29 Jun 2022
29 Jun 2022T18:18
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Aria ASA 18H Mini Parlour Guitar - REVIEW
Following on from my commitment to listen to my readers who asked me to look at 'crossover guitars that may entice ukulele players to take their first steps with six strings', in the video below I look at the Aria ASA 18H Mini Parlour Guitar.
25 Jun 2022
25 Jun 2022T18:07
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Enya NEXG Smart Audio Guitar - INTRODUCTION REVIEW
Not a ukulele, but a request from many fans of the ukulele brand Enya who made this. My video introduction to the main features of the Enya NEXG Smart Audio Guitar
19 Jan 2022
19 Jan 2022T20:36
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Enya Nova GO Guitar - REVIEW
Something of a midweek bonus video on Got A Ukulele - the much anticipated Enya Nova GO Guitar!
3 Jan 2021
3 Jan 2021T16:06
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Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele - REVIEW
Review day.. and the first of 2021. What better way to kick of the New Year by putting a cat amongst the pigeons! Is it a ukulele? Is it a guitar? Is it neither? Say hello to the Fender Alternate Reality Tenor Tele.
9 Jul 2019
9 Jul 2019T16:05
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Enya EM-X1 Guitar - REVIEW
I originally said I wouldn't put this on Got A Ukulele. Well, it's not a ukulele, it's a guitar innit? But thought it probably needed a post for posterity..
17 Jun 2017
17 Jun 2017T13:31
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Noah Guitalele - REVIEW
It's been a while since I featured an instrument from the Noah brand, and I'm therefore delighted now to welcome them back to Got A Ukulele, this time with something quite different. The Noah Guitalele
15 Feb 2017
15 Feb 2017T12:26
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I'm Tired of the Ukulele Versus Guitar Debates - RANT
It has been a while since I went off on a ukulele rant, but this one has been bubbling away for some time now. It's the endless 'the ukulele is easier than the guitar' statement that people seem to use as some sort of badge of honour in ukulele circles. And some go further than just commenting on the 'easy' thing and actually step towards being openly hostile to the guitar.
29 Dec 2011
29 Dec 2011T12:19
I write this as somebody who, before picking up the ukulele a few years ago, had played guitar (both acoustic and electric) for some 20 years previously. That certainly made my learning of the uke much quicker, and other friends I know who play guitar and have made the transition have said the same. But why?
Before I give you my views, I should make it clear that this is not intended to be a snub to the guitar community. The ukulele is not a replacement for a guitar, it's a complimentary instrument. I still adore playing guitar, and in many ways the guitar can provide options that just aint there with a uke. That said, the uke has many attractions to a guitar player, and if you are a player of six strings reading this, perhaps this may give you the push to try the ukulele.
1. Ease of transition
Standard ukulele tuning shares much with standard six string guitar tuning. In fact the standard GCEA is effectively the same as DGBE strings of a guitar as if you had a capo at the fifth fret. As such, the relationship between the strings is identical, and the chord shapes will be familiar. If you fret a D shape on the guitar, that shape works on the ukulele, but because of the higher tuning, plays you a G chord. If you fret a guitar G chord shape on the uke, you only need one finger as the E and A equivalent guitar strings are not there. As such, you just hold the first string at the third, and you get a C chord. This ease of transition makes picking up a uke very straightforward for anyone who understands the guitar.
Its not just about music theory though. A common complaint for many new users are sore fingertips and aching fingers from stretching. If you have played a guitar for long enough you simply won't have to deal with that and you will find the uke very easy on the fingers. I suppose one gripe for a guitar player is the much smaller fretting area and the need to get those fingers previously accustomed to space cramped together! Strumming, holding and general technique honed on a guitar will also translate to the ukulele easily.
2. Portability and price
Sure, many guitarists carry their instruments with them wherever they go. It is a fact though that many guitarists go on the hunt for portable travel guitars that they can easily carry when trekking, camping, going on holiday etc. Why go for a travel guitar when you can go with a ukulele - the ultimate in portability? Ever tried getting a full sized guitar through an airport in hand luggage? No problem with a soprano ukulele - heck, you could probably get away with packing one in a suitcase!
The thing about a uke size is that it REALLY can go anywhere with you. I leave one in my car, take one with me on business trips, can easily sling one over my shoulder on walks to the park. There is really no excuse to not have a ukulele with you wherever you are, and that in turn leads to it being played more frequently.
Have limited space in your living room? Can't stand a guitar up in it? No problem with a ukulele - I keep one tucked by the side of my sofa - you wouldn't even know it was there, but it's always available for me to pick it up in seconds.
Price is also a factor. Whilst both guitars and ukes have their bargain basement and premium ends to the price scales, it is a fact that you can get a lot of useable ukulele for a lot less than you would spend on a guitar. The Makala Dolphin for example, whilst not a "pro" instrument by any means has a great sound, is tough as old boots, and retails for a measly £30 in the UK.
3. Quiet times
Ever been in a situation with a guitar where you cannot play it because you are going to disturb someone else? Whilst a ukulele still makes its own noise, its much easier to play at very soft and low volumes than a guitar, whilst still producing worthwhile tone.
4. Fun and social factor
Let's face it, guitars are everywhere - the ukulele holds that "something different" tag. Speaking as somebody who has played both guitar and ukulele in public jam sessions, I can honestly say that the uke sparks up more interest, generates more questions, and puts more smiles on faces than a guitar ever did!
The smaller sound of a uke also makes it the perfect instrument to play in large groups of people without getting the police called around for disturbing the peace. We have played to a crowded pub full of people with half a dozen ukes at full throttle without it taking over the place. That's not something we could sensibly do with six guitars. Volume aside, we couldn't fit them all around the table!
So those are my thoughts. As I say, the uke doesn't replace the guitar, and the guitar has its own benefits that the uke cannot compete with (range of tones and voices being the obvious) but this guitar / ukulele player thinks that anyone who has fun with six strings should certainly try their hand with four!
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Ukulele Ramblings - From guitar to ukulele
Whilst the ukulele is an accessible instrument for those with no musical background whatsoever, it does seem to attract those who have played the big brother instrument, the guitar, before. I thought therefore I would discuss the links between the instruments, and give you my take on why the uke is a great choice for a guitar player.
I write this as somebody who, before picking up the ukulele a few years ago, had played guitar (both acoustic and electric) for some 20 years previously. That certainly made my learning of the uke much quicker, and other friends I know who play guitar and have made the transition have said the same. But why?
Before I give you my views, I should make it clear that this is not intended to be a snub to the guitar community. The ukulele is not a replacement for a guitar, it's a complimentary instrument. I still adore playing guitar, and in many ways the guitar can provide options that just aint there with a uke. That said, the uke has many attractions to a guitar player, and if you are a player of six strings reading this, perhaps this may give you the push to try the ukulele.
1. Ease of transition
Standard ukulele tuning shares much with standard six string guitar tuning. In fact the standard GCEA is effectively the same as DGBE strings of a guitar as if you had a capo at the fifth fret. As such, the relationship between the strings is identical, and the chord shapes will be familiar. If you fret a D shape on the guitar, that shape works on the ukulele, but because of the higher tuning, plays you a G chord. If you fret a guitar G chord shape on the uke, you only need one finger as the E and A equivalent guitar strings are not there. As such, you just hold the first string at the third, and you get a C chord. This ease of transition makes picking up a uke very straightforward for anyone who understands the guitar.
Its not just about music theory though. A common complaint for many new users are sore fingertips and aching fingers from stretching. If you have played a guitar for long enough you simply won't have to deal with that and you will find the uke very easy on the fingers. I suppose one gripe for a guitar player is the much smaller fretting area and the need to get those fingers previously accustomed to space cramped together! Strumming, holding and general technique honed on a guitar will also translate to the ukulele easily.
2. Portability and price
Sure, many guitarists carry their instruments with them wherever they go. It is a fact though that many guitarists go on the hunt for portable travel guitars that they can easily carry when trekking, camping, going on holiday etc. Why go for a travel guitar when you can go with a ukulele - the ultimate in portability? Ever tried getting a full sized guitar through an airport in hand luggage? No problem with a soprano ukulele - heck, you could probably get away with packing one in a suitcase!
The thing about a uke size is that it REALLY can go anywhere with you. I leave one in my car, take one with me on business trips, can easily sling one over my shoulder on walks to the park. There is really no excuse to not have a ukulele with you wherever you are, and that in turn leads to it being played more frequently.
Have limited space in your living room? Can't stand a guitar up in it? No problem with a ukulele - I keep one tucked by the side of my sofa - you wouldn't even know it was there, but it's always available for me to pick it up in seconds.
Price is also a factor. Whilst both guitars and ukes have their bargain basement and premium ends to the price scales, it is a fact that you can get a lot of useable ukulele for a lot less than you would spend on a guitar. The Makala Dolphin for example, whilst not a "pro" instrument by any means has a great sound, is tough as old boots, and retails for a measly £30 in the UK.
3. Quiet times
Ever been in a situation with a guitar where you cannot play it because you are going to disturb someone else? Whilst a ukulele still makes its own noise, its much easier to play at very soft and low volumes than a guitar, whilst still producing worthwhile tone.
4. Fun and social factor
Let's face it, guitars are everywhere - the ukulele holds that "something different" tag. Speaking as somebody who has played both guitar and ukulele in public jam sessions, I can honestly say that the uke sparks up more interest, generates more questions, and puts more smiles on faces than a guitar ever did!
The smaller sound of a uke also makes it the perfect instrument to play in large groups of people without getting the police called around for disturbing the peace. We have played to a crowded pub full of people with half a dozen ukes at full throttle without it taking over the place. That's not something we could sensibly do with six guitars. Volume aside, we couldn't fit them all around the table!
So those are my thoughts. As I say, the uke doesn't replace the guitar, and the guitar has its own benefits that the uke cannot compete with (range of tones and voices being the obvious) but this guitar / ukulele player thinks that anyone who has fun with six strings should certainly try their hand with four!
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