Ukulele Guy

I have been meaning to post this for awhile, but freaking summer just gets busier and busier. Anyway, Rick from Kala sent me a press release about Kala's new "Round About" Ukulele Amplifier. I know I've talked about the Roland Micro Cube before and I do love that amp, but as far as looks go, the Round About is the winner.  It comes in three styles: Black, Pink and Tweed!  What great choices!  The whole look of the amp feels really retro and fun.  It seems like something a foxy lady in the 60s would carry around with tiny white earbud headphones.  Or maybe something that Frankie Avalon would bring to a beach party.  Here's some pictures:

Kala Black Round About Amp

Kala Pink Round About Amp

Kala Tweed Round About Amp

The amps are 10 watts with a 5" speaker.  If you want more details, here's a YouTube video talking all about the Round About Amp:

If you are interested, then head over to the

Or take a peak at these Round About Amps up on eBay:

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new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP PINK 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP PINK 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP PINK 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP PINK 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP PINK 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP PINK 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP PINK 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP TWEED 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP PINK 10 Watt    US $99.00

new KALA ROUND ABOUT UKULELE AMP Black 10 Watt    US $99.00

KALA UM 10C Round About Ukelele Amplifier Black    US $99.00

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Roland Micro Cube Guitar Amplifier- Black

Roland Micro Cube Guitar Amplifier- Red

So, after my last post about my new Aquila Ukulele Strings, I got a fair amount of feedback from my Twitter buddies.  @ApollosTowel (from Finland, no less) had the following to say (I'm paraphrasing):

The rule I use is Koa Ukuleles sound best with Aquila or D'addario Strings.   Mahogany Ukes sound better with Worth. The exception to this is Koaloha. Spruce goes either way.
Laminates generally like Aquila Strings (except for Kiwaya) as well. I think Worths are so much better than Aquilas on Flukes and Fleas.
Kiwaya laminates tend to like the fluorocarbon types, including Worth. The same rule applies for their solid ukes.

@hermanvdc had this to say on the subject of Ukulele Strings:

Indeed, Aquila helps give more brilliance to cheap ukuleles but on good the better ones Worth and especially Orcas sounds better!

So, I figured that I should post this so that everyone can make up their own mind and then give you some links to buy Orcas and Worth Ukulele Strings.

Orcas Ukulele Strings:

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ORCAS OS TENOR LOW G UKULELE BLACK STRINGS ANUENUE    US $11.99

SOPRANO OR CONCERT Carbon UKULELE STRINGS ORCAS OS MED    US $8.99

SOPRANO OR CONCERT LOW G UKULELE STRINGS ORCAS OS MED    US $9.99

TENOR CARBON UKULELE STRINGS ORCAS OS STRINGS ANUENUE    US $9.99

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Worth Ukulele Strings:

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Worth Premium Ukulele Strings BM makes 2 sets    US $13.99

Worth Premium Ukulele Strings Clear CM 46 makes 2 sets    US $13.99

Worth Premium Ukulele Strings BM makes 2 sets    US $13.99

Worth Premium Ukulele Strings Clear CM 46 makes 2 sets    US $13.99

Worth Premium Ukulele Strings Clear CT 63 Tenor    US $15.95

Worth Premium Ukulele String Clear CT LG 63 dbl set    US $15.99

Worth Premium Ukulele String Brown BT 63 dbl set    US $15.99

Worth Premium Ukulele String Brown BT LG 63 dbl set    US $15.99

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Two weeks ago I was running pretty much ragged with work and family visiting, etc.   I pretty much didn't know which direction I was headed.  But, sometime during the two weeks window of insanity, I had the clarity of mind to order some new Aquila Ukulele Strings and then pack them into my ukulele case (for my Lanikai CK-TEQ).  Then I surprised myself even further by remembering to pack my Ukulele and my flipVideo when I had to leave town for a week-long job.  Long story short?  I had new strings and the means to make a before and after video in my lonely hotel room.  Boo-yah!

Hopefully you can tell a difference from that video, but I think it's definitely more clear during the single note stuff.  On the Aquila Strings it's just so much more percussive and it really rings out.  I'm totally loving these strings!

I mention Musicguymic in this video.  He's a big eBay seller and I would consider him a great resource for any ukulele-related purchase.  Hell, he's got almost 600 ukulele-related items up for auction right now.  I'll include a few sample items at the bottom of this post, or you can check out Musicguymic's eBay Store.

I was going to make a video showing everyone how to string their Ukulele, but I'm not a big fan of re-inventing the wheel and Aldrine from UkuleleUnderground.com already made this great video:

So, if you need to re-string your uke (and if it's been so long since you've done it that you can't remember, then it's time), I would highly recommend Aquila strings!

As promised, here's some listings from Musicguymic!

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KALA SOLID LACEWOOD SPRUCE TRAVEL TENOR UKULELE    US $290.00

DELUXE heavy duty Microphone Stand Ukulele Holder    US $19.95

Steady Ukulele Semi Rigid gigbag TENOR case Aqua    US $64.95

Steady Ukulele Semi Rigid gigbag TENOR case RED    US $64.95

Steady Ukulele Semi Rigid gigbag TENOR case Aqua    US $64.95

Steady Ukelele Semi Rigid gigbag TENOR case ORANGE    US $64.95

Steady Ukulele Semi Rigid gigbag CONCERT case Aqua    US $54.95

Steady Ukulele Semi Rigid gigbag CONCERT case ORANGE    US $54.95

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So, @MandolinChick on Twitter turned me onto this cool handmade ukulele gigbag that she made.  It's pretty rad so I wanted to let everyone know about it.  If you aren't already following @MandolinChick, then you probably should be.  I'm pretty sure she plays Mandolin, Ukulele, Penny Whistle and probably something else as well.  She's also into sewing and whatnot.  I'm pretty sure I've seen that she's made Penny Whistle cases besides this cool Uke case.  I'm sure there is more as well.  Check out the fabric on the Uke Gigbag, it's pretty rockin!

Handmade Ukulele Gig Bag

Here are some notes from the auction:

Handcrafted by me,this soprano Ukulele gigbag has velcro closure "buttons" spaced along the top. Fully lined with a groovin small zebra print fabric-entire gigbag is 100% cotton made in the USA. It's padded on both sides with batting. Reinforced handles you can carry with confidence.

Um... did that say Zebra print on the inside?  RAD!

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Lanikai Concert Ukulele Gig Bag

So, I had an e-mail this morning from a person looking for an 8-string Tenor Ukulele. They weren't having an easy time searching my site for such a uke. Well, I could see why. I pretty much just list Ukuleles by Brand. That is... I did. Until today!

So, now if you are looking to buy (or maybe just look at some pretty pictures of) different types and sizes of Ukuleles, then check out these new sections on the site.

• 6 String Ukuleles
• 8 String Ukuleles
• Pocket  Ukuleles
• Concert Ukuleles
• Soprano Ukuleles
• Tenor Ukuleles
• Baritone Ukuleles
• Electric Ukuleles
• Banjo Ukuleles

Let me know if you think I'm missing a section.  I actually created a section for Tiple Ukuleles as well, but there was only one listed, so I didn't add that to the my Navigation on the side.  So, if you are looking for a new Ukulele, hopefully this makes your quest even easier.

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Lanikai LU-8 8 String Tenor Ukulele

I've been waiting for the Kala Pocket Ukulele to make its appearance "in the wild", so to speak, for a few weeks now.  If you recall, Kala sent me the Acacia model to test and review and I freaking love it.  It's adorable, beautifully made and it sounds fantastic!  But, I've been getting a lot of questions like "Where can I get one?",  "How much will they cost?" and so on.  I had originally heard that list on the Mahogany was going to be around $299 and list on the Acacia was $399.  Yup, don't let the size fool you.  These are beautiful, high quality instruments... they just happen to be teenie tiny.

The first place that I heard about the Kala Pocket Ukulele was Easy Music Center.  I don't see a notice on their site that they have them for sale, yet, but it might be worthwhile contacting them.  (UPDATE: They do have them at Easy Music Center!  In fact, you can even see them in the picture below.  Peter, said if you are interested to just e-mail him at admin@EasyMusicCenter.com and he'll hook you up!  Make sure and remember to mention Ukulele Guy to get the good deal.)  Besides, wouldn't you want to buy a Ukulele from a store that has the WALL OF UKULELES [tm]!   Check it out:

Easy Music Center's "Wall of Ukuleles"

But, for those of you who just can't wait, I have seen a few of these beauties popping up on eBay.  So, here's what's currently out there right now.  Good luck!

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KALA POCKET MAHOGANY UKULELE LK    US $169.99

Kala KA PU ASAC Solid Wood Pocket UkuleleCase Used 1Hr    US $249.00

Kala KA PU SMH Solid Wood Pocket Ukulele Case Used 1Hr    US $199.00

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Kala Makala Tenor Ukulele

Kala Mahogany Soprano Ukulele Starter Pack

Well, it's been awhile since I've done this and I'm not exactly sure why. So, here we go!

Today, I was perusing eBay looking for Banjolele deals or just something weird and ukulele-related when I discovered this Tin Can Ukulele (currently only $1!)

Here's a picture of this little beauty.

Tin Can Ukulele

It seems like something that a goat would be playing in an old cartoon.  You know, playing his tin can ukulele, chewing tobacco and whatnot.  Heh.  I'm sort of cracking myself up just thinking about it.

Oh, but wait!  I forgot the best part.  It's electric!  Yup, it's got a K+K pickup in it, so you can plug it into your amp and melt faces, should you so wish.  Here's some details that I grabbed from the auction listing:

Neck- Honduras Mahogany
Fingerboard- Rosewood
Headplate- Spalted Sycamore
Bridge- Maple
Nut- Maple
Pickup- K+K Hotspot
Tuners- Gotoh friction tuners

Happy bidding!

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Lanikai LU-21TE Tenor Acoustic Electric Ukulele

Cordoba 25TK-CE Acoustic Electric Tenor Ukulele

So, @RabbitRemix was asking me, on Twitter, how to tune their 6-stringed ukulele.  At first I thought we were talking about a Tiple or maybe one of those Ukes where the A and C strings are doubled in octave or something.  But, no, there weren't any doubled strings.  So, then I started thinking, "Umm.. are we just talking about a small guitar?"  Turns out, we aren't, I'd just never heard of it.

Yamaha's is calling their GL-1 a Guitalele.  And, from what I can see, it's basically like a ukulele (only with a low G, instead of a high G string) and then you add an A and D string on there.  Or, to make it less complicated, take your normal guitar and then pop a capo on the fifth fret.  So, your open D chord (just how you play it on guitar) would actually be a G chord on the Guitalele.

It's funny because when musicians (who aren't familiar with Ukulele) ask me how a Uke is tuned, I always say, "Imagine your guitar, now pop a capo on the fifth fret and pull off your E and A string."  Well, this is like another hybrid of that.

But, all I really know is that I NEED ONE.  I can't find them on Amazon or Musician's Friend right now, but I've listed some eBay auctions below that show some off.

It looks like it has 18 frets and it's built to a 17" scale.  Oh yeah, and it's cute as all hell.

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A very nice Yamaha GL 1 Guitalele in original bag    US $69.32

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Well, my Eleuke arrived on Friday and I've been as giddy as a schoolgirl ever since.  For those for those of you who don't know what an Eleuke is (shame on you, you mean you aren't hanging on my every word?) check out my "Everybody, meet Eleuke (and a rad Pedro da Silva video)" post.  I imagine that this will be the first of several videos talking about the Eleuke and showcasing what it sounds like.

I was in such a rush to do this video that I didn't even leave my office.  The down side to that is that the only amp I have in my office is a wimpy little guy, but it'll give you an idea anyway.  Tomorrow I'll run the Eleuke through my Fender SuperAmp and various pedals (Electric Mistress, Marshall Guv'ner, etc.)  Maybe I can even run through a song with my Heavy New Wave band, Volumen.  I'm thinking Misfits (Maybe Halloween?), but we'll see what I can talk them into.

Anyway, on to the Eleuke itself.  This is the model that I have in my grubby little mits:

Eleuke Solid Body Electric Ukulele Concert MP3 - Blue CCK100BL-MP3

Just holding the Eleuke is pretty soothing for some reason.  I think I am so used to playing Electric Guitar that the smaller body and weight of an electric instrument feels more natural to me.  So, if you spend more time on Electric Guitar than you do on Acoustic, then you might have a similar experience with this Electric Ukulele.

I have to say that I'm pretty impressed with the Eleuke, overall.  Sure, It's the first solid body electric ukulele that I've played, but to be honest, there aren't really that many of them out there.  It's well constructed, sounds great and the design is really interesting.  It's also hard to believe that it's only $220.  That seems like a scream of a deal.  Anyway, enough of my jawing.  Here's the first of what I hope to be a long string of videos showcasing this little number.

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You might remember, from my January 18th post "Luna Tattoo Pineapple Soprano Ukulele (it’s new to me)", that I seemed a little surprised by Luna Ukuleles.  Basically, I was a little stunned that something as cool as their Polynesian tattoo and floral designs had snuck right on by me.  Well, I'm not feeling so flabbergasted now.  Today I was contacted by Yvonne at Luna and that was apparently their first ukulele shipment.  I think they've been making primarily guitars up until this first Uke foray.  I asked about possibly reviewing one of these beautiful ukuleles but Yvonne informed that their first just flew out the door.  So that seems like a good sign for their first effort.  If you want to learn more about Luna, you can check out their website at www.lunaguitars.com.  The Ukuleles are listed under Acoustics.  You can also take a look at this neat flash animation that shows off their line of ukes (in exotic locations, no less).  Yvonne tells me that they expect their next shipment around March 15th, so I might be able to get my hands on one around that time.  If I do, you know I'll post a video/review so everyone can take a look and listen at these ukes.

Oh yeah, and I created a Luna Ukulele section on my site as well, where you can buy their guitars.

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Luna Tattoo Pineapple 21 Inch Soprano Ukulele