How many 'Cats play Ukes?

Subject: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Alec
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 02:47 PM

This query is partially inspired by the "Top 10 Ukulele tunes" thread
That thread seems to have generated a lot of interest.
This is often the way when discussion moves in the direction of Ukes.
I am intrigued because the Uke plays,at most,a minor role in Folk & ,to the best of my knowledge,no role whatsoever in Blues.
I am very fond of my own though I am very much a learner.
How many of you are there?

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 03:02 PM

been keen on George Formby records since i was teenage punkrocker
back in the mid 70's

but dont own a banjo-uke yet..

just a cheap wooden traditional ukelele..

haven't played mine for a while

but was last heared working out blues rock riffs on it..
with extreme string bending..

..and a few favourite 'Clash' & 'Gang of 4' songs

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 03:32 PM

Just a few weeks ago I restrung an old uke and tuned it as a mandolin, using guitar strings, and now I can't keep my hands off it. I consulted with the Mudcat, and have decided to adopt someone's suggestion, so now I'm calling it a Mandolele.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Songster Bob
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 03:38 PM

I play 'em. Like George Harrison, I think the uke is a fit instrument for 'real' music.

Bob

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Ernest
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 03:40 PM

Got an old banjo-uke, only recently returned to nylon strings (mando-tuning and steel strings didn`t sound good), play mostly chords and a rudimentary fingerstyle, just a few songs yet. Mostly country-blues stuff.
Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: muppitz
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 03:41 PM

My Mum's other half owns a Uke, the jury is still out on whether or not he can actually play it! ;-)

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: jeffp
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 03:42 PM

I have a 1920's Lyon & Healy ukulele that my in-laws gave me. I plan to learn at least a few chords on it. I like to be able to play every one of my instruments at least well enough to demonstrate it.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 04:01 PM

Don't know about Cats with Ukes, but Here's One with a squeezebox (and MP3 files of music!)

CHEERS
Nigel

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: M.Ted
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 04:21 PM

I have six ukes, two tenors and four sopranos--I've been playing for a long time--back in the late 70's I was in a band that occasionally played as a Hawaiian combo, and have kept up my interest--uke regarded with amusement or scorn then-but it has made a comeback.


It isn't really so out of place among folkies as it appears at first, though--it used to be the standard beginner instrument for guitar players-and Uke actually plays a real big part in Hawaiian folk/tradtional music--

Also Hawaiian folk music is a living tradition,meaning that Hawaiians still sing and play the old songs, in the old style, as well as singing and playing the old songs in newer styles, writing new songs in the old style, and playing Non-Hawaiian pop songs in the old style etc--

As to blues, over the years, I've heard of more than a few blues guitar players who started on uke, and it is at least arguable that Delta slide guitar was inspired by Hawaiian steel guitar--so it's all good;-)

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: bobad
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 04:42 PM

I'm married to one.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 04:45 PM

None of my cats have, although one did crap in a violin case once.. everyone's a critic.

LTS

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 05:09 PM

I got my first uke in the mid 40's and have been playing various ukes since then.

The uke is actually a very versatile instrument.   I play the old standards from the ragtime ear but also play classical, blues, bluegrass, Irish, Hawaiian, easy listening, etc. It's possible to use banjo style three finger bluegrass picking as well as clawhammer or simple frailing. Lots of fun.   

There are several really great ukulele players about these days. For classical and semi classical check out James Hill and Jake Shimabukuro (Jake can be heard on youtube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSkP3uym5k
Playing "while my guitar gently weeps") ***** you need high speed internet for the above. For blues check out Lil' Rev.

I have numerous ukes these days - several low end ukes that I use while doing uke workshops. For the past five years I've been building ukes which is a great way to keep occupied during retirement (mostly during the long winters here in N. Michigan).

The last one I built used mahogany from an old sailboat build back in the 40's. The sound board is build from Western Red Ceder that was taken from the siding that was used on Levitt kit houses back in the 40's - 60's. It has a great sound. Can't sell them because I refuse to work for twenty five cents an hour so I been giving them away to friends who appreciate a hand made instrument.

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Mooh
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 08:35 PM

Got a couple of cheaper soprano ukuleles and like them a lot, though they don't get much play. Would love a high end one (yeah, I've been to Elderly), especially a tenor. For whatever reason they always get me playing improvised swing-blues...great fun!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 10:18 PM

My sister has had a baritone uke for many years, as did my other two sisters. She passed on a very inexpensive one to me a few years ago. I don't play it, but my three year old grandson has taken a liking to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvNvbk28_MY.:-)

I do love the versatality of ukes and am blown away when I hear what can really be done with the instrument.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Fidjit
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 03:09 AM

Yes have to own up to having just purchased a nice bright yellow one.
Went to a Ukelele workshop 3rd. Feb. Where 150 people turned up ! Learnt a few chords. Key of "D". Now just have to practice.

Turned out nice again hasn't it?

There's a club in Gothenburg with 250 members !!

Chas

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 03:18 AM

It's actually quite frightening, the amount of Uke players there are out there.... It's good that they feel secure and safe enough to admit to it here, on a public forum, but still... scary!

LTS

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Alec
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 03:36 AM

Resistance is useless LTS,go out & buy one today. You know in your secret heart of hearts that You've always wanted to.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Splott Man
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 03:54 AM

I've got an old banjelele which I sometimes get out for the odd music hall or jazz standard song. I've been eyeing up a proper uke for a few years now, but I've always found a better use for the money, like eating.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 03:58 AM

Ok, so here's a request for you Uke players out there... anyone have the sheet music for 'If I was not upon this stage'? It's an old Scout/Cubs/Gang show number and I can't find the dots anywhere. I have words but I need the dots for a pianist.

LTS

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Scrump
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 04:42 AM

I don't have a proper uke at the moment, but I have an old 8-string 'banjolin' which is similar to a banjolele/banjulele but of course having 8 strings instead of 4. I did think of removing 4 of the strings and 'converting' it into a banjo-uke. I rarely play it these days (it really needs properly setting up etc. but I've never got round to it). Would 'Catters recommend such a conversion, or should I leave it as it is? Maybe there are drawbacks I don't know about.

I did buy one of those cheap (guitar-shaped) soprano ukes new on ebay, but it was poorly made and impossible to tune properly. I sold it on and the guy that bought it was perfectly happy. Not sure what that says about him or me (I did tell him it wouldn't tune properly before he bought it, btw!). I might get another one but I'll go for a better quality one next time. I'd like to get a proper 'George Formby' type banjo-uke but they seem to go for high prices second hand.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Drumshanty
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 05:11 AM

I got a concert-sized uke just before Christmas and I can't keep my hands off it. I can't play it yet either, but I'm working on it. Just can't seem to learn to strum it though - my fingers get caught in the strings...

I was inspired by seeing Gerry O'Beirne at Innerleithen Music Festival last year. He made this wee thing sound like a harp and I fell in love. There are some mp3s on his site.

Gerry O'Beirne

I also bought a CD by Sam Brown Ukulele and Voice - 5 Songs. Not very folky, but I like some of the accompaniments.

I want a teacher but don't seem to be able to find one in Edinburgh.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 05:31 AM

Hello,

The uke was my first stringed intrument, when I was about 10. Still have the original...a yellow plastic "Western Guitar"! Sounded great but is now secured with duct tape! I also have a "real one". It's great for those songs that need a strum.

The uke helped moving on to the guitar much easier. Great instruments!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Alec
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 07:51 AM

LTS I believe the wonderful song you seek has been published in the music book for the "Tripping the Live Fantastic" album by Paul McCartney.Yes,that's right he's recorded that as well.
He's a little tinker isn't he?

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 07:58 AM

I was a bit flush a few years back and bought a rather nice Ovation Uke ! Its out on loan to another catter who WONT post to this !

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Ernest
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 07:59 AM

The one thing that really scares me is that so many uke-players seem to become guitarists later on.....

Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Alec
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 08:03 AM

I went from Guitar to Uke, Ernest.
Though I don't play either well.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Ernest
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 08:06 AM

I started tenor banjo before banjo-uke (both `orrible ;0) .... so I guess we both improved, Alec!

Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Little Robyn
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 01:51 PM

I've had a uke since I was about 10, tho' I don't play it at folk events.
In 1960s NZ all primary schools had a collection of them and thousands of kids were taught 3 chords and how to bash away while the class sang songs like 'Michael row the boat ashore' or 'Rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham' or 'Tom Dooley'.
Many progressed onto guitar when they found the uke too limiting but their fingers were used to chords by then and it made the guitar easier.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 02:09 PM

I play, I play (in my basement). I don't play the Uke out much, but it is still my favorite information for noodling around on.

JAB

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GUEST,William Pint
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 10:20 PM

Any of you uke folks ever run across something called a "Polkalele"?
I have a relative who found one in a junk shop and bought it. He asked me to look into it for him.
I'd appreciate any information!
Many thanks,
William Pint

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Songster Bob
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 12:55 AM

The Polkalele, if I recall, was a strange idea someone had. It has an elongated spike for a peghead, so it can be stuck into the sand on the beach, of all things. It's sort of banana-shaped, if it's the instrument I'm thinking of, and actually was a decent instrument, at least in terms of build quality, and playability.

If you want to know more about ukes, there are several sites on the Internet. One of the best, to me, is Fleamarket Music.

I have two ukes -- a Weymann soprano and a nameless tenor -- and a banjo uke on its way from the Ebay seller I got it from. I may get another, a Fluke (another brand I like), if I am in the right place at the right time.

Bob

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 02:58 AM

Thanks Alec, it's a good suggestion but not one I can follow up on at the moment.

LTS

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 03:04 AM

And Alec - I'm a full-on left handed person. I tried to learn guitar once but failed miserably because the 'Play with yourself in a day' book was for a right handed person. I never could get the hang of working both hands together, even though I can rub my tummy and pat my head (or vice versa). If I can't do it on a guitar, there's no hope for a uke!

Besides, think of all that money I could spend on chocolate!

LTS

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Alec
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 03:04 AM

OK I'll see if I can come up with anything else.
Or did you mean buying a Uke? :0)

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Alec
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 03:07 AM

Cross posted & crossed wires there LTS
I thought you were refering to the sheet music you were looking for.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 04:15 AM

I was. Thanks.

LTS

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Scrump
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 04:45 AM

I'm a full-on left handed person. I tried to learn guitar once but failed miserably because the 'Play with yourself in a day' book was for a right handed person. I never could get the hang of working both hands together, even though I can rub my tummy and pat my head (or vice versa).

Off topic slightly, but LTS's comment above about a left-handed person trying to learn guitar from a book written for a right-handed person makes me wonder - does anyone know of a guitar tutor book written for left-handed people? If not, maybe there would be a market for one :-)

If I can't do it on a guitar, there's no hope for a uke!

A uke should be easier to learn than guitar, having only 4 strings instead of 6 - shouldn't it?

I also 'graduated' from guitar to uke, and found it relatively easy to play chords, with the uke being tuned in the same intervals as the first 4 strings on a guitar ('my dog has fleas' tuning).

But people do underestimate the skill needed to play a uke well, which is why I admire the often unfairly maligned George Formby. The right-hand technique is IMO more difficult to master than the left hand (of course I'm talking here about a right-handed instrument and player).

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Fidjit
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 05:23 AM

Ok. First of all.

What I learnt at the workshop was when it's in tune the open strings give you "Bm". That shouldn't be hard even for Liz.

Liz you'd have to string it upside down so to speak for your "Kackhandedness"

Next hold first string down with third finger on the third fret. That's a chord og "D"

Two chords for nearly nothing.
Now start singing.

"Oh, I would't leeeeave my little wooden hut for youuuuu"

Chas

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 05:30 AM

I am not "kackhanded". I am one of the few, the chosen, the Great Ones! *BG*

It's not the strumming or the chord sequences I find difficult, but putting the two together on an instrument not designed for one of my uncommon talents!

Besides, I don't think a teacher would be willing to restring an instrument just for me.

There are left handed manuals available, just as there are left handed scissors, left handed fountain pens, left handed knives and left handed tin openers. They tend to be rare and expensive though.

Left handed Ukeleles are incredibly rare - they have to be, otherwise Leonardo Da Vinci and Michaelangelo would have played them instead of painting.

LTS

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Scrump
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 07:06 AM

I've seen two very good left handed guitarists recently who both play a standard right hand guitar strung normally, playing it upside down (southpaw Jimi Hendrix used to do that too).

So I assume it would be possible to play a uke the same way?

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Mooh
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 08:15 AM

Scrump...Hendrix might have been able to play a righthanded guitar lefthanded without restringing it, but he didn't do it normally. There's all kinds of video evidence that he restrung righthanded guitars to play them lefthanded, witness YouTube.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GUEST,John Robinson
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 08:29 AM

I have a George Formby signature model Uke Banjo.

Now that "Acoustic" magazine is running a regular tuition column on the Uke I've been tempted to re-string it and have a go. Would have done so if not for having my brain taken up trying to understand the Martin Taylor column in the same magazine!

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Scrump
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 08:37 AM

Mooh: agreed, but I knew Hendrix could play that way if he wanted to. I was merely adding him as another example. The two guys I referred to both could only play that way though, because that's how they'd learnt.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: trayton
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:00 AM

As Leadfingers said "he has a rather nice Ovation Uke" and it's on loan to me.

Do I qualify as a player well I have played twice in public and I do practice with a view to playing again so I will leave it up to you.

What I will say is that it's the most fun I have had with any musical instrument. A quick search for internet Ukulele sites, a few hours and a few chords later and I was hooked.

trayton

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Alec
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:05 AM

As far as I'm concerned,trayton,if you play,you qualify as a player.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:14 AM

I made a rug once, does that make me a hooker? *BG*

LTS

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Alec
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:24 AM

NO COMMENT!!!!

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Scrump
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 09:36 AM

Bloody 'ell Alec - if yer makin' no comment, yer could at least do it quiet, like, man! :-)

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 10:05 AM

I find myself somewhat amazed that such a long term lurker as Trayton
has actually posted to this thread ! AND come out of the closet as a Ukulele player !

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 01:52 PM

Manitoba Hal and Bob Brozman are two guys that, although both are better known for their slide playing, both play great blues ukulele.
Also, check out My Ukulele Helps Me Beat The Blues on the new Highwater String Band CD.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Fidjit
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 05:07 AM

Came over this on this uke site in Sweden about tuning.
Now why do they have to be different on the other side of the pond?

Different ways of tuning a ukulele measured in Hertz

European (Hertz)      
Soprano Concert 1 Concert 2 Tenor 1 Tenor 2 Tenor 3
First A (440) A (440) A (220)* A (440) A (220)* D (146,8)
Second D (293,7) D (293,7) D (293,7) D (293,7) D (293,7) G (196)
Third F# (370) F# (370) F# (370) F# (370) F# (370) B (246,9)
Fourth B (493,9) B (493,9) B (493,9) B (493,9) B (493,9) E (329,6)
   Low A Low A G-tuned
      
American (Hertz)      
Soprano Concert 1 Concert 2 Tenor 1 Tenor 2 Tenor 3
First G (392) G (392) G (196)* G (392) G (196)* D (146,8)
Second C (261,6) C (261,6) C (261,6) C (261,6) C (261,6) G (196)
Third E (329,6) E (329,6) E (329,6) E (329,6) E (329,6) B (246,9)
Fourth A (440) A (440) A (440) A (440) A (440) E (329,6)
   Low G Low G G-tuned

Chas

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: leftydee
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 09:32 AM

Anyone remember my ol'lurking friend Cap'n Bob? You oughta hear that dude play the uke!! He'll play anything from classical to Irish to rock and roll. He and his friend Bud build some mighty fine Ukes too.

I have a bunch of ukes and have always loved to play them. Try it, dear friends, for I have never seen a frowning uke player. Ukuleles make you happy!

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Lucius
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 11:39 AM

I don't call myself a uke player per se, but I do teach Uke to five dozen forth graders. Does that count?

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: M.Ted
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 03:08 PM

The two different tunings have nothing to do with which side of the pond you're on--some uke players tune to A, some to G, no matter where you are--it makes uke sessions a bit difficult manage--

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 05:24 PM

George Formby only knew one set of Chords , I believe , so had a Banjo Uke tuned for what ever key he was in ! carried the full set when he was touring !

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Feb 07 - 06:40 PM

thats a bit like saying Segovia only used one set of chords. Its what you do with them - not how many tunings you know.

I've never seen a really good tuition video on the uke. And I did throw a few hundred quid at the project one time. It looks hideously difficult, like frailing a five string.

Most people you see playing them are lunatics.

there is definitely a hole in the market for someone who can mastermind the resurrection of this very delicate and demanding instrument.

Good instruments aren't cheap though, and frankly its a bit like deciding you want to play the guitar in 1947. there just ain't the community and back up to help you - you really will find yourself on your own.

If you aspire to create music that is - if you want to join the band of lunatics, I bet they'd find a place for you in their ranks.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 07:11 AM

wld - What made George Formby an entertainment super star was his right hand technique on the Uke . The Segovia reference was entirely superfluous !
And my comment was NOT derogatory , simply a statement of fact !

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GUEST,M.Ted
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 02:28 AM

The idea that George Formby had several ukes in different tunings because he only knew one set of chords is absurd. Many of his songs use circle of fourth progressions, so you need to know all the chord fingerings to play them anyway(there aren't that many).   

The instrument that he played, mostly was not really a uke, it was a banjolele, which loses it's characteristic sound when played in closed position. He used instruments tuned to different keys so that he could use the same open chord voicings, and thereby get the same full, ringing sound in those different keys--

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 04:02 AM

Leadfingers - I wasn't being confrontational.

the prodigious RH technique was, as you say, a big bit of the successful george Formby equation.

there used to be a guy called Eric Ilott, who did the folk clubs with banjoleles etc, which he carried round in a sort of sailors cavas sack - and he sung songs about the sea etc.

he was pretty good.

I don't say you have to be a brilliant technician like George Formby. Frequently you get these GF impersoantors who can do all the rolls etc, but are painful to listen to.

I guess there are no EASY instruments - not if you want to play them right.

sorry if I seemed to be argumentative.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GUEST,Lindsey
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 11:51 AM

I have a polkalele. (polka-lay-lee as printe on the instrument)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeelin/2743561860/in/set-72157601024234110/

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Fidjit
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 01:48 PM

Hey I'm leading the "Spoons Workshop" At our Uke day Festival on Feb, 7th 2009

Clank ! Clank !

Chas

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 06:44 PM

I've been talking about taking up the guitar for yonks now but never got round to it. (I sing unaccompanied, but sometimes you just want a bit more.) A friend suggested I take up the ukulele instead, stand out from the crowd... It wasn't an entirely frivolous suggestion - he plays the uke himself, as well as a variety of guitars - but I'm dubious about whether this would be a good way to go. What do people think?

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 12:24 PM

Listen to Bob Brozman or Manitoba Hal for some good blues ukulele. David Newland ofTornto has helped organize a ukulele gathering. Read more about it on his Facebook page.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Ernest
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 01:25 PM

Pip, does the material you sing fit a uke-accompaniment?

If you don`t know, ask your uke-playing friend to lend you his for a while and you will find out....

Good luck
Ernest

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Will Fly
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 01:44 PM

The uke is the choice of composers from Carolan to the Beatles: See?

I play a tenor uke - wish I could play it like Phil!

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Stringsinger
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 02:27 PM

McGrath, in the 20's the Gibson Company produced the "Mandolute" which was a single-coursed four string instrument like a mandolin that was tuned like a tenor banjo. CGDA and also higher tunings DAEB. It has a mandolin sound in register but not in quality as the mandolin characteristic is defined by the double-strung strings.

My friend Bill Rutan has had one made which he uses for gigs. It can play all the chords that are needed as on a uke but is open-voiced like a tenor banjo.

Everyone:
Both the tenor banjo and the uke are more harmonically versatile than for which they are given credit. You can play sophisticated jazz tunes on both. Chord melody is facilitated by the use of just four strings. An alternate tuning would be CGBD as used on a plectrum banjo but for the uke, it might have to be tuned higher. The fourth string would be thicker like on a baritone uke unless you raised the C an octave. This could be done on a tenor banjo tuning as well (often called a "high C" tuning).

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 02:31 PM

I want to take up Uke, advice please.

John

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: PHJim
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 12:05 PM

The ukers seem to be coming out of the woodwork everywhere.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Ernest
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 03:29 PM

Giok,

here`s a site with a lot of links for uke:

http://nwfolk.com/uketabs.html

Good luck!
Ernest

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 10:56 AM

The other Leopard - Mumblin' Len has a uke and uke banjo.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 08:06 PM

A mate with a music shop says ukes are selling pretty well these days. Great little presents.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Fred Maslan
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 10:24 PM

I have two ukes and a banjo uke, they and the recorder are the only instruments I have been brave enough to play in public. (using my all purpose collection of three chords}

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 05:12 PM

I'd advise anyone getting (or giving) a cheap uke to consider replacing the friction tuning pegs with machine-heads. Only costs about £5 and takes five minutes installing them.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Al
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 11:44 PM

I play them a little bit. They are especially fun to play in Hawaii. It's fun to walk around with one there and start playing it any old time for no particular reason at all. Lots of people do that there.
Al

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Al
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 12:06 AM

And then there's this guy:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/10/boy-on-ukulele-does-jason_n_387602.html

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: mcpiper
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 03:23 AM

Another from NZ. Have had a uke since I was in Miss Parkers ukulele group at Awapuni primary school, Gisborne, in about 1962. Met Miss Parker at a wedding I played for (highland pipes)a little while ago, she was delighted I still had a uke.
Local music shop guy sells heaps of them, can get a real good one for about $150, worth every cent, saw a lady, about 70 years old buying one the other day, her and her mates were going to learn to play and have afternoon uke sessions.
Biggest thrill, hearing my son do stairway to heaven on my tatty ole uke.
Ukes rule

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Smedley
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 03:27 AM

The woman in the office next to mine has a bright pink uke (probably frowned upon in some circles for fivolity of hue). She is threatening to make me sing 'Jolene' with her once she has learned the music.

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 05:57 AM

Recent uketante here. Got a baritone and a concert (Kala and Mainland), and I'm pleased with both.

Smedley: Have you considered fashioning a brown-paper-bag skin to cover the body when she plays it?

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 06:00 AM

Then again, maybe she'll wear the matching outfit:
Dolly singing "Jolene"

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: GUEST,Al no cookie
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 11:09 AM

And then there's this guy clicky:
this guy

Subject: RE: How many 'Cats play Ukes?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 06:10 PM

Bright pink is just one choice among many cheerful rainbow shades which the ukes made from China come in.

Only £20 or so, but perfectly satisfactory - though, as I said, improved a lot by changing the tuning mechanism.