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I bought a Makala Tenor ukulele from the Guitar Showcase in Campbell. It's so cute and it sounds so sweet. I'm excited to get started! It plays so much easier than a guitar from the nylon strings and it almost always makes a beautiful tone. Looking forward to an hour a day of practice.
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Jul 11, 2011 05:13
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:An hour a day should get you going at a brisk pace. If you find yourself unable to do an hour a day, remember: far better to do 10min a day than 1 hour a week. Yes, thanks a ton. I had suspicion that chords were universal, but I was never told until now. I'm happy about this.
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Jul 11, 2011 06:37
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:Yep. Another way to put it: a D chord is a D chord. Depending on the instrument, there are many ways to make a D chord, and your D chord might have a different texture/flavour to it, but fundamentally a D chord is a D chord. Thanks. I tried some of the Beatles songs from the OP links and I've been happy so far. One thing that eludes me is tuning. I can't seem to get my C string right and the whole thing sounds way off because of it. I've been trying this one string for at least 5 minutes, and I'm sure my housemates are about to kill me, but it's so frustrating. onecooldana fucked around with this message at 10:15 on Jul 11, 2011 |
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Jul 11, 2011 08:36
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Yes, thanks. I took a break and fiddled with it again. I got it in tune and it was lovely again. The tuners don't seem to be off, just my ears. I did take a close look at them and the bridge and I noticed how cheap the bridge is. It's really just a block of wood with holes that the strings tie through. Is there a way to replace the bridge without contacting my local luthier?
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Jul 12, 2011 01:16
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:There are a few basic upgrades you can do to an inexpensive uke, but no need to go crazy and try and rebuild it from scratch. Play it, enjoy it, and start tossing your pocket change into a jar towards getting a nicer uke maybe sometime next year when your skills are able to make use of it. Good advice all around. I'll stop fretting (hah) over it and just play the drat thing.
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Jul 12, 2011 01:50
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I've been practicing as much as I can every day and I'm getting a lot better. I've converted a few of my friends too! I hope I am good enough to jam with my friends soon.
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Jul 19, 2011 01:13
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The Letter A posted:No! I'm not gonna let this thread fall off the first page! Thanks for this, it's awesome. When I feel ready I will make some recordings. I want to document my progress, but I might as well share.
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Jul 30, 2011 01:39
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mofolotopo posted:I just recorded a few more little snippets of things I've been playing around with. Still rough, because I have poo poo to do today, but there you go. Edit: I'm an idjit and I misread. If this was already fixed then screw me.
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Aug 3, 2011 01:12
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Salsa McManus posted:It is only a couple of weeks since I bought the thing. I shall give the string a bit more time and tune it as closely as I can. If it is still wonky in a couple of weeks I will buy a new set of strings. Hearing that one off tune note is going to drive me bonkers though. I had a problem with the C string too. It worked itself out over time. I think it's just a stubborn string because it's the thickest.
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Aug 11, 2011 21:46
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Tewratomeh posted:One of my fairly recently-purchased ukes has had a problem for a while now, and until today I never pinpointed exactly what it was. One particular fret on one particular string makes a really pronounced popping or buzzing when I play it. It's like a high "ping" noise underlying the note, but all of the frets on that string are in-tune so I don't think it's the action or anything. Are you pressing hard enough? That's what I always check (because I never am).
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Aug 19, 2011 01:30
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Myrmidongs posted:Out of curiosity - how is playing a Uke left handed? My Uke is ambidextrous. Just flip the strings!
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Aug 21, 2011 03:53
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I'm getting a ganglion cyst removed from my left wrist on Monday. I've put it off long enough, but all this Uke practicing has made it so sore. I hope I can recover quickly and get back to playing, but I have no idea how long it will be until I can use my wrist again. As far as I know it will be short, but my doctor hasn't told me anything. Here's hoping for the best! Also, Congrats Rasputinsghost. That looks like a seriously nice Ukulele. Post photos when you get it or even record a little play session! I want to hear it! Edit: Which wrist is kind of important isn't it? onecooldana fucked around with this message at 09:03 on Aug 21, 2011 |
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Aug 21, 2011 07:26
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:Dude, which wrist? Let us know and maybe we can figure out something productive for you in the meantime. Edited my post with important information.
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Aug 21, 2011 22:32
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:If you can't use your left wrist, tune you uke to an open tunings (like Cmaj GCEG or Cmin GCEbG). Now use your right to just work on fingerpicking patterns, clawhammer, split stroke, fan stroke, or any other right-hand techniques you've been meaning to study up on. Problem solved. This is going to be a challenge.
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Aug 22, 2011 09:42
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:Not at all, look upon it as a great opportunity to buckle down and do the hardcore right hand training a lot of folks skimp on. Doing repetitive technical exercises with the right hand isn't as fun as working on blistering solos, or strumming Hotel California, so a lot of people dodge out on that. But the right hand is where a huge amount of your technique comes in, so it's really worth it to just forget about the left hand for a bit, retune slightly to an open chord just so you sound nice, and just spend 10m or more at a stretch working to slowly improve a given stroke with the right. Do you have a place to start? I'm not sure which style suits me best, so I'd like to try them all. Oh, and they couldn't remove the cyst that day, so I had the surgeon drain it the best he could. I might get surgery later, but for now I'm ready to get practicing again. I would also like to add this video of Zee Avi playing her album "Ghostbird" live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYbmNdueu6o&feature=featured This lady is a gem. I love her. onecooldana fucked around with this message at 05:55 on Aug 24, 2011 |
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Aug 24, 2011 05:37
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Econosaurus posted:What's the consensus on good strings? I used to use aquilla, and I got some d'aquisto which are fine, but it doesn't sound so ukulele-like. I just ordered some Aquila Nylgut strings, so I'll report back when I get them on my Uke. Currently I just have the stock Makala nylons, so I'm looking forward to a "brighter" sound. I also ordered a book, The Daily Ukulele http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423477758 and a clip-on tuner by Snark, the SN-6 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z17008 . Oh dear, here comes the investment part of the hobby!
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Aug 27, 2011 01:26
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Tewratomeh posted:On that one fret it does seem like I have to press a little harder, but the higher frets aren't affected the same way. I'm thinking maybe it's one fret that's a little high or something, because it happens with none of the other frets on the neck. I also found that if I touch my strings lightly at any point of vibration that they buzz really loudly, much more so than on the guitars I have tried. Check your finger positioning to make sure you aren't ever-so-slightly touching the strings.
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Aug 29, 2011 04:27
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Myrmidongs posted:Pulled the trigger on a Kala KA-T. Really excited, I've never played a stringed instrument. Actually I haven't play ANYTHING in about 10 years since I played brass in highschool. That's what I have! I'm very happy with it, although I have nothing to compare it to. There is quite a bit of cheapness to it, such as the decal that they put around the sound hole is just a crappy sticker that has come half-off from being played. Other than that, the instrument itself seems totally fine. Like I mentioned earlier, my new strings are in the mail and I will report back on my satisfaction when I get them on.
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Aug 30, 2011 06:31
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Myrmidongs posted:I got my Uke and it's awesome. I just have a few questions I was an uncoordinated fumbler on the strings for a little bit, but that goes away with practice before you even notice. Also I got the Aquila strings on and I think they sound very nice indeed. They haven't made my $70 uke sound like a $200 one, but the difference is noticeable.
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Sep 13, 2011 19:33
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:Mele 8 string, can't tell if it's koa or mahogany. I have the same model, and really happy with it. They're a bit pricey ($700-800 for an 8-string new), so if that's out of your budget, look for one used, or else look at either a Lanikai or a Kala 8-string in a solid-wood body. "Nothing Matters When We're Dancing" was the first song I learned. Easy enough and beautiful!
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Sep 23, 2011 21:46
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dancehall posted:Thanks for the info! To contribute to your thread here's me doing a Magnetic Fields song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E4gLKsg2No That's great! I must learn that one next. Edit I just looked for chords for that song and I'm having a hard time. I found guitar tabs, that's it. Did you find them somewhere? Where might that have been? 2nd edit Found it here! http://stephinsongs.wiw.org/tab/69ls3.html#19 onecooldana fucked around with this message at 09:47 on Sep 25, 2011 |
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Sep 24, 2011 20:58
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DearMrSkepparkrans posted:I played uke a few years ago. I was never great, but I could play all the basic chords and bust out some pop covers. When I left my home state, I left it at my mom's house. I plan to get it this winter when I visit my mom for Christmas. Post pics! I'm interested in seeing it. I was wondering where I could go with my Uke skill once I'm comfortable on the instrument, and either a banjolele or a guitarlele interests me. Give Uke porn.
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Sep 28, 2011 06:51
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Zorblack posted:So it looks like MGM is out of commission again (website has been disabled?) Where's the cheapest/best place to pick up a beginner Tenor now (Kala or Makala)? I would also be fine with a used instrument in good shape, if anyone wants to sell. I'm looking to pick one up in probably a few weeks, and I'll have around 60 bucks or so. I have been playing a regular out-of-the-box Kala and I have no complaints. It is a great learning tool, doesn't sound horrible, and I can replace it down the road if necessary. The sooner you can start learning the better!
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Oct 6, 2011 20:56
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Zorblack posted:I picked up a Kala KA-T from Hawaii Music Supply. It should be shipped out around Wednesday. My only regret is that they didn't have the KA-TEM in stock. I was just going to get the T when I saw the TEM for a few bucks more and thought it looked awesome. I'm sure the sound is the same though. I'm still super excited though. Congratulations. I'm very happy with mine, and I hope you'll become a great player.
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Oct 11, 2011 21:02
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I haven't had time to practice this week and it's seriously getting to me. I never thought that I would enjoy practicing and learning an instrument, and even miss it as much as I do. Thanks Uke thread. Post interesting Uke videos to help me through my withdrawal.
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Oct 13, 2011 17:53
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Zorblack posted:Oh god what is this I don't even Thanks for the effort, and it was a cute vid. Please make more!
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Oct 25, 2011 01:09
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Zorblack posted:Thanks so much! I totally will. I learned how to make that chucking noise sort of like playing slap guitar from my cameralady/fiance, so that will probably be my next one. You mean Chunking? I do it by giving a quick downstrum with all of my fingers held rigid and then I mute the strings with my palm. All of this is in one motion. I'm trying to work it into a strumming pattern because it sounds pretty neat. I imagine songs like Spoon's "I Summon You" were done in this way.
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Oct 25, 2011 21:36
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Oh look, a new Amanda Palmer song about the Ukulele: http://music.amandapalmer.net/track/ukulele-anthem . Sounds like a good thing to cover and add a couple verses.
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Nov 5, 2011 02:21
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bstreetnodiggity posted:Just uploaded my first couple of ukulele vids last night. Apparently I get nervous and shaky as hell when I record myself playing in front of a camera so it took me a million takes to get one down without making a mistake X_x. But I thought I'd share here even though I don't post that much. It's sorta inspiring to play on camera, helps me focus on not playing too sloppily. (inspired by zorblack's courage) I really enjoyed those and I'm going to look up that classical book too. Thanks!
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Nov 20, 2011 23:39
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bstreetnodiggity posted:Dunno if anyone is interested but I decided to record a vid today. hope it inspires you to play. It's interesting seeing your classical approach to playing. The Uke is my first instrument and I'm not at the level yet where I can read music and pick individual strings competently. You inspire me to try.
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Dec 4, 2011 00:56
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bstreetnodiggity posted:Try picking up Mel Bay Learn To Play Fingerstyle Solos For Ukulele. Helped me quite a bit when I first started out: Very good resources; I'll look in to this! edit: I practiced a bunch today with the intent of uploading a video of my playing. Well, I practiced my fingers sore and I still didn't have an error-free run in front of the camera. I'll try again tomorrow. onecooldana fucked around with this message at 06:04 on Dec 5, 2011 |
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Dec 4, 2011 23:46
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dogpower posted:Hey, I've been thinking of learning how to play ukululele since I also play guitar. Just get it and start! Looks fine to my untrained eye. Ukulele hunt has more to consider http://ukulelehunt.com/buy-ukulele/brands/ohana-ukulele/
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Dec 26, 2011 02:03
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Ramalama posted:I feel like I'm going to become a ukulele hoarder at some point. When I first started grad school, I bought a Lanikai baritone uke since I figured the transition from guitar would be easy. I love the sheer joy that emanates from the sound of a ukulele, so I bought a Kala KA-S (soprano). It just arrived today, but I'm not too happy with the buzzing of the C and E strings (doesn't seem to matter what fret in fingering). Also, the tuning sounds fine when all of the strings are open, but certain chords sound way off. Buzzing + certain chords sounding terrible does not make for awesome uke playing :/ I get some buzzing on my A string on my cheapy Kala. It seems to be coming from the way I strung it, not from any problem with the action. You might be able to adjust that yourself, but I don't know how one would.
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Feb 1, 2012 10:27
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A LOVELY LAD posted:I have a kala and noticed a buzz, turns out it was the strings at the saddle where they had been tied off were vibrating and knocking against the body/saddle. That's what I was trying to say. What could help with that? In other news, a friend gave me what I think is a 3/4 guitar that I want to tune as a guitalele. Is this possible? I have some D'Addario EJ46 nylon classical strings in the mail already.
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Feb 1, 2012 21:29
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A LOVELY LAD posted:
That's exactly what my bridge looks like. I guess I'll get some wire clippers and trim the ends as short as I can. I'll report back on my findings!
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Feb 1, 2012 22:50
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:
I'll definitely check the dimensions. I wanted a Yamaha Guitalele because it looked fun, and I was hoping this would be a cheaper replacement. I've got some questions about the action too, as it's a really cheap guitar. The strings are at an obvious angle because the bridge is way higher than the nut. I can measure that soon too. onecooldana fucked around with this message at 03:18 on Feb 3, 2012 |
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Feb 2, 2012 17:45
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Here's a couple shots of the mini-guitar my friend bestowed upon me. Here it is next to my Makala MK-T Tenor  Here's a shot of the label inside  It's pretty cheap, but I want to see what I can get out of it sound-wise.
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Feb 5, 2012 20:09
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:Take into account: a guitalele is basically a tenor uke with two deeper strings added. Your guitar, as pictured, is considerably larger than a tenor uke, and possibly larger than a baritone. *Insert nerdy joke here about using it as a baritone guitalele*[spoiler] A baritone guitalele would be a regular guitar* I'm up for experimenting with this thing. I see it as a learning experience. What are some resources on the DADGAD tuning, or where could I start making sense of it? Spy posted:So I watched the Shark Tank and they had this awesome device called the Chord Buddy that works on guitars to help you play songs and learn to play. Wish they had something like this for Ukes. Like making an Ukulele-autoharp? An Autoukulele? Sounds fun. Edit: Just measured the guitar. It's 34 inches long, fretboard is 15 inches. onecooldana fucked around with this message at 00:04 on Feb 8, 2012 |
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Feb 6, 2012 19:14
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I'm an idiot and I will fix that some time in the future. For now, I'll just go home and remeasure the guitar. edit: It's 22 inches from nut to saddle. onecooldana fucked around with this message at 07:08 on Feb 8, 2012 |
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Feb 8, 2012 05:51
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Aargh, so I restrung the guitar last night. Everything went swimmingly until the 6th string. The gear on the tuner is totally stripped and it won't work at all. I'm hesitant to invest any more money in this cheap POS, but I was looking forward to having a beater to experiment on. Is this a good opportunity to keep experimenting or a chance to quit while I can?
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Feb 10, 2012 04:51
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