bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jul 17 - 02:33 AM

Just started reading this thread from the top and it made me sad(in a good way) reading the interaction between Rick, Cat and Spaw. All sadly gone now.

Bugsy

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Jul 17 - 02:03 PM

i looked on the Strings direct site but i can't see Worth strings.

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Sep 14 - 08:39 AM

Can I tune a tenor guitar so that it can be played using standard uke chords, or will it all be too slack?

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: GUEST,guest uker
Date: 19 Aug 14 - 04:42 PM

Artful Codger - thank you, that is exactly the information I need.
You're a star!!

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: Artful Codger
Date: 19 Aug 14 - 03:50 AM

If you want a reentrant baritone in C-tuning an octave below, here's two things you can try:

Use the D and G strings from two standard baritone sets: one D tuned down to C (3rd string), the other up to E (2nd), one G at pitch (4th) and the other tuned up to A (1st).

Southcoast sells two specialty string sets for baritone which are like an octave-lower reentrant C-tuning except that the C is at regular C-tuning pitch (an octave higher than you want). For the C string, you could use a normal bari low-D string, as above. Or, Southcoast also sells single strings for a lot of instruments; one of those might fit the bill, though I couldn't tell you which one.

I was searching for a source of single wound low-G strings for a tenor (they wear faster than the other strings), and was told that a lot of folks just use single D strings for guitars. It might be that a guitar A string would do nicely for the C, though I'd worry about the nut slot being wide enough for one. I also could predict how slack it would feel or how the tone would match.

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: selby
Date: 19 Aug 14 - 02:24 AM

Same pitch as a soprano/concert

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: GUEST,guest uker
Date: 18 Aug 14 - 07:05 PM

Selby - do you mean your baritone is tuned at the same pitch as the soprano/concert ukes, or have you tuned it gCEA but an octave lower than normal. If the latter please please please tell me what strings you are using. I'd like to try playing lower than the usual uke but don't know what strings to use.
(already got a tenor with low G)

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: selby
Date: 18 Aug 14 - 06:42 PM

Uke clubs are all over the UK at the moment, I have a baritone tuned to standard Uke tuning, so I can use all uke tunes, works for me
Keith

Subject: RE: bartione ukulele or tenor guitar?
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 18 Aug 14 - 06:36 PM

tenor guitar sounds more real than uku, for me..., but it is a matter of taste

____________________________________________

improve your health

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Oct 99 - 01:00 AM

But, MTed, can I wear ruby slipper?*BG*

Thanks, again. I do have some song books and a book of my own, I just hate to have a book, a uke and my voice to pay attention to, when I'd rather make eye contact with them.

Tell ya what, though, I sold my piano this year, it was heavy, we've moved it a lot, and this time (whenever it happens) neither one of us has the energy to deal with it, anyway, I wouldn't mind playing a few tunes on a piano for them, after I've practised a little.:-)

You've inspired me...I will check into it next week.

Thanks, kat

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: M. Ted (inactive)
Date: 01 Oct 99 - 12:30 AM

Kat,

Often, the nursing homes have lyric sheets or songbooks that have the words to many of the favorites and are happy to share a copy--

I used to xerox the songs that I liked and knew or wanted to know out of Rise up and sing or whatever song book, cut them out, paste them on another sheet and xerox a stack of copies of that--

It doesn't even matter if you know the words--they love to sing, and are very forgiving if you don't make it through to the end with them--

I stopped playing in clubs, bars, and restaurants, because I felt like I had gotten too old to play and sing and be mildly tolerated or pointedly ignored for the sake of a few bucks-but I do this, when I can, because they make you feel like Judy Garland at the Palace--

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Sep 99 - 09:02 PM

Thanks, M. Ted, I will, with or without the uke! I have done concerts of my brother's music (classicl and pop) with him and a long time ago, I played violin with him in concert a couple of times, but never just gone out on my own and sang songs. I am pretty comfortable with my voice, but don't have many words memorised, so would really have to work on that. Some of the ones I remember from when I was a kid and bet played for us, I think I could do with the uke. Sure would be nice if she didn't live four hours away!

At any rate, I appreciate your encouragement and, having worked in a nursing home, long ago, I know how much such is appreciated by them. You are obviously a kind and experienced soul and I am sure the people you entertain consider themselves blessed.

Oh, bet kinda knew that was the direction I was leaning in, anyway, so it was kind of a mutual decision, except she was a little sneaky about it. She told me she was buying juts one for school, she's an elementary music teacher, to see if she "liked it", then when I went to visit last, she gave it to me, instead! She's the best sister!

kat

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: M. Ted (inactive)
Date: 30 Sep 99 - 08:07 PM

Kat,

You made the best choice--or had it made for you--the uke is the most fun to sing along with--and it is plenty easy to play, even at a quick tempo--best of all, people are always glad to see you bring it out (as compared to the guitar, which can make even the most ardent music lover eye you warily)

Just as a special favor to me (although you do not know me, and, probably wouldn't owe me any favors, even if you did)--After you have leaned to play your favorite songs on it,(an especially some of those songs that everybody knows so well that most people don't even think that anyone would ever want to hear them) gather up a little courage and your best smile, and go visit someone a hospital, or nursing/retirement home--and play your songs--don't forget to ask every body that is ambulatory to come and listen, and maybe even make as special visit and play your favorite songs for a couple people who aren't--

You'll find out why the uke is the best instrument--

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Sep 99 - 07:11 PM

Wow! I was really surprised to see this old thread. Thanks guys, sorry I've not updated. My dear, dear sister, bet, bought me a baritone uke and I am ashamed to say I've not found much time to practise on it, yet. I think it has to do with the fact that I hate to jam alone:-( , that and I am not in anybody's league, here at the Mudcat, when it comes to pickin'. Fiddlin', maybe, again, if I practised! But the uke is puuurrrtyyy and sounds nice, nothing fancy, but good enough for someone who only has three chords down pat and those from memory as a 13yr old!

kat

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Sep 99 - 07:00 PM

Kat, I have no experience of baritone uke or tenor guitar but in answer to your question about preferences with stringed instruments, the tenor banjo is my favourite.

As regards other instruments, I feel that the mandolin banjo is a badly underated instrument. I think that they are great fun. I don't know what the situation is where you live but over here, I have seen a few second hand ones in perfect playing order and sounding reasonable going for about £40.

Jon

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From:
Date: 30 Sep 99 - 06:43 PM

Hi hope you decide and have a good time with whatever you choose. I have recently aquired two tenor guitars here in the uk one is a Martin Coletti (italian make) very small and the other just has a mother of pearl star in the headstock (russian/chinese???) but is nearly the size of a normal guitar with a long neck.

I tune both in a modal tuning more familiar with bouzoukis (which I also play). This is CGCG (C=1st string) and allows for drones and Irish style folk music al la "Planxty" you play the chords on the bass strings and leave the top two mainly open for effect. I also capo mine up two frets to play in D which is what Irish sessions mainly use.

Enjoy

Steve

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Apr 99 - 12:48 AM

THANK YOU, THANK YOU. YOU GUYS ARE GREAT. I always learn so much here! I will keep you p[osted on my progress. CAPT BOB, I don't think I am up to speed to use your advice, yet, BUT I know I will want to do some Irish tunes, so after soem practise will keep it in mind.

Thanks to you all. You are just wonderful!

kat

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 19 Apr 99 - 12:42 AM

kat ~ If you do decide on a tenor guitar and plan to do some melody picking, I would recommend using the C-G-D-A tuning and learn the tenor banjo cords. When playing Irish tunes its a bit easier to capo up to the second fret.

If you plan to use it for playing cords and you already know how to play the uke or guitar then I would recommend the D-G-B-E tuning.

The tenor guitar has a sound somewhat similar to the bouzouki which goes along nicely cording for Irish music.

CAP'T BOB

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: JVZ
Date: 18 Apr 99 - 09:45 PM

Well, Kat, I play an eight string which I had fashioned from a six string. It is to a tenor guitar what a twelve string is to normal six string guitar. After a number (a large number) of years trying to play a six string guitar, I picked up a baratone uke and found that I could play it better on the first day than I could play the guitar after all those years. So I stuck with the uke for a year or so until I could afford a to get my first tenor. I tune it d-g-b-e.

John

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Mark Roffe
Date: 18 Apr 99 - 08:33 PM

oops, kat, I just realized that the note I sent you to doesn't mention the torching part. What happened was that I noticed a slight tear along a seam of the tenor, and being a stained glass artisan, I thought I could fix it. But as soon as I applied enough heat to the joint, it began to separate a lot more. The guitar had to bear the discolored scar I'd given it, and I've had to bear the scar of having uglified a museum piece that had survived so well until I'd got my hands on it...

Mark

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Mark Roffe
Date: 18 Apr 99 - 08:29 PM

kat, I have to turn myself in for annealing one of the tenors: Torch work on a nickel-silver guitar

Mark

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Apr 99 - 03:15 PM

Mark, cute, verrryy cute!:-> At the moment, my budget says try the $29 barook (uke). Then, I am leaning towards a courting guitar like Rick mentioned. It sounds intriguing. THEN, on Rog's next trip to Venezuela he has orders to get me one of the harps the cowboys carry around, and they are BIG! Then, a, dare I say it, a, a tiple!

Oh, and Mark, have you ever tried "annealing" those tenors? Might mellow them, 'course it might change their shape a little, too. Just a small, concentrated torch, mind!**BigGrin**

katlaf

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Mark Roffe
Date: 18 Apr 99 - 12:58 PM

kat, regarding 'the older the instrument, well-taken care of, the better and more mellowed it sounds:'
both my tenors were made in the early '30's, but I can't say that the first one (made of nickle silver) or the second (of steel) have mellowed. :)

So what are your thoughts now - tiple? courting guitar? tenor? or ukelele?

Mark

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Apr 99 - 12:38 AM

Rick: Me serious! Never! Actually, having worked as a pseudo manager for my brother, the classical composer and pianist, on the shoe-string budget family provided, which just covered mailing and copying costs, sometimes and a few trips and a lot of phone calls, I know all about the lack of dollars in being serious about it. Although, now, when I look back on we did accomplish a lot, considering. We even have a decent recording of the premiere of his symphonic tone poem, the "Ode to the Rockies" and another one of him premiering many of his piano pieces, including a medley of themes form his three piano concerto at the Music Mansion, on the campus of Brown U. in Providence. It just seemed like a thankless job at times, and all volunteer, because I love and believe in the music so much.

'Spaw: thank you for the validation, dearie. I think I shall go for the barook, as you say. And, I know it is easy to play, I remembered the first three chords I learned back when I was about 13, so I guess I'll do okay!

Thanks everybody!

Luv ya',

katlaughing/katlaf

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Apr 99 - 11:51 PM

kat.....I just re-read the tiple thread and that is one of the funniest things...Everybody on it was having a great time as it went from tiples to armadillos to aliens to the CIA with a really diverse number of instruments and music types being mentioned and discussed. Don Meixner at his drollest, Rick looking sideways at things...Bert,got it started with the comment that a tiple must sound like a bicycle wheel. Funny thread.

Hey, go for the Barook and have fun. Rick's right.

catspaw...'course I could be wrong..........

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 17 Apr 99 - 12:41 AM

Kat, DON'T become a serious musician. I can give you a lot of reasons why, and they all have dollar signs (or lack of) in front of them.

Rasta, gotta get yourself one of those short sleeved striped shirts that Nick wore!

"Paw", I no longer have a concertina. Heather asked me to get rid of it. Still want to meet her? To be fair I used to play it (badly) at 3 am in the basement. Although to be even more fair, I've been looking for another one lately!

Actually, Kat, that tiple in Toronto is still hanging on the store wall. You'd be the only one on your block...

Rick (latexritter) Fielding

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From:
Date: 17 Apr 99 - 12:34 AM

kat....just a couple of thoughts ....I started playing guitar #####years ago on a four string harmony (not sure if that's a "tenor guitar")...but it allowed INSTANT music. The G was one finger, G7 one finger, and C two fingers....and thousands of songs immediately!! Re: other stringed instruments...I seem to have, over the years, fallen into a pattern of....Dulcimer when I want to be peaceful and simplify; Autoharp when I need a hug; Guitar for any occasion; Mandolin when I just want to "diddle"; and Fiddle when I'm alone and no-one can hear the screeching!! (Just learning) Night Owl

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Apr 99 - 12:15 AM

Keericed on the Proverbial Crutch Fielding......Is there any freakin' thing you don't have???? What can I say Rick...except I have this overwhelming desire to meet Heather!!!! Hellfire, I'm about to send you a Soundhole that that dumbass Cletus bartered off Sandy. He and Paw spent a week in my dismantled shop (I'm moving it) trying to string it up!!!!!

You need to watch that stuff though, 'cause when deer hunting and ice fishing seasons come around, the Reg boys and Paw and Clete are likely to be comin' round wanting you to go along with them......they've already put in for time off at the condom factory to "do some bizness a sorts" as they put it, come next winter. Reg, Reg, and Reg said to say Hi to you. They're doing OK as "latex technicians," except last week when Reg opened the wrong valve and coated Reg with liquid latex. Luckily it just peeled right off in one piece. Now they're saving up for enough plaster of paris to make a statue since they now have a mold.

Kat my dear...I'll get back later on your ideas...say, what about a tiple?

catspaw

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 11:37 PM

Thanks to all of you! Mark & Rasta, both of your tenors sounds great. I like the idea of finding an older one, as to me, the older the instrument, well-taken care of, the better and more mellowed it sounds. Do you guys find this to be true?

I only have hands on experience with my violin which is prob. about 80-90 yrs old; and my sisters' b. ukes which are all from the sixties. I will never prob. be as serious of a musician as you guys sound. Prob. never do more than jam or song circles, if I can ever get any going or move where there are some, so I'll probably start out with a b. uke. Westworld has a $55 one, their price is an unbelievable $29.06! I figure if I mess around with it and find I like it I can then get more serious and find a better one?! The size seems to be just right. I have a bit of a problem with my shoulders and I noticed with my sister's that it didn't take a lot of effort to wrap my arms around it to play.:-)

Rick, thank you for the encouragement. I hope no one thinks I am a polyanna; believe me I try to "walk in balance" and look at all sides, just not get bogged down in any of them, too much.

Your "courting" guitar is intriguing and I will look at them before I really decide. I like the sounds of it and I have always felt a certain kinship with medieval music, so.....I'll keep ya'll posted!

Thanks, again, to you all.

katlaughing/katlaf

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 11:28 PM

Hello Kat,

I'd say, Tenor Guitar myself. Top fourstrings allow for guitar style chords. More versatile than a Uke. Can be tuned like a banjo if you like. Longer scale, larger body = fuller sound.

Don

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 09:31 PM

Hi Kat. Wise choice. Both the ukes and the tenor guitars are great fun. One of my (far too many) instruments is a no-name "courting guitar" from about 1915. It has 4 strings and is somewhat smaller than a tenor and somewhat bigger than a baritone uke. Apart from the charming name and all it conveys it has been usefull when I've played "medieval style" gigs as it is the same size and shape as guitars from a long time ago. Reason I mention this is that this type of instrument is not that hard to find. There are two presently in Toronto going for about 100 bucks yankee money. My guess is that both Elderly and Mandolin Bros. would have at least one in stock. They are just a bit more delicate than the Martin style tenor guitar. If you get something like this , let me know and I'll help you with the string thicknesses required. Oh and by the way, keep writing positive things in the "cat". They do make a difference, you know.

(sometimes not positive enough)rick

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Rasta
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 08:45 PM

I found an old tenor in a local music store bout two years ago , cost me bout 70 bucks. set it up at home and after a while the bridge came up . tuned it like Nick Renyolds of kingston trio does d-g-b-e low to high. --when my bridge came up a friend who is a car mechanic by trade who happens to tinker with guitars fixed it for me.. did a nice job. Im still playling it , the action and intonation up the neck is a little off but so am I so who cares . I capo it up the neck for contrast againsts another guitar or and banjo for that kind of sound. ---moral to the story. Im glad i got one Peace---merember the amalo ---rrrraaaaaasssta

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: Mark Roffe
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 07:55 PM

I never played a baratone ukelel, but I love my tenor guitar! It's great for really fast chord changes, and the tuning I use (D-G-B-D, low to high) makes for easy fingerings. Mine's a steel body, so it has a good slide sound too. Can't wait to see what you settle on.

Mark

Subject: RE: bartione ukelele or tenor guitar?
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 07:53 PM

Hi kat...sounds great, just sent you a message and as I was leaving the'Cat I saw this...back atcha' later.

catspaw

Subject: baritone uke or tenor guitar?
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 07:46 PM

Just for fun, I'd like some input from any of you with experience with these and other stringed instruments. I am plannign on getting one; not too expensive, so am leaning toward a baritone uke at the moment, plus I like their size.

Would also like to hear what you all prefer of any of the stringed, including dulcimers, harps, etc.

Thanks,

katlaughing/katlaf