Ukulele Guy

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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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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So, as you might have noticed this morning, if you follow me on Twitter that is, I discovered a rad little solid body electric ukulele.  Or, that is to say, I discovered a whole bunch of them made by EleukeUSA.  Frankly, I was a little embarrassed that I hadn't discovered them much earlier.  Especially considering that they sell them on Amazon and, again, if you follow me on Twitter you will know that I'm obsessed with tweeting random Amazon ukulele-related items.  (Ukulele Salad Tongs anyone?)

Anyway, I've talked with the good folks at EleukeUSA and they are going to send me one to test drive!  I think I'm getting the K-Series Blue Ukulele.  Here's a picture of this little beauty:

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

They have quite a few styles available, though, check out all of Eleuke's Solid Body Electric Ukuleles on Amazon. Another one that really dig the look of, is the Eleuke Mahogany Electric Uke.  It looks like something that Les Claypool would play (that is, if he played  Ukulele).  Here's a picture:

Eleuke MP3 Solid Magogany Concert Solid Body Electric Ukulele

I know what you are thinking, though?  What does a $200-250 electric  ukulele sound like?  Well, here's an answer, in video form.  This is Pedro da Silva pretty much melting faces with an Eleuke (Mahogany, I think?).

When I get my hands on my Blue K-Series, I'll definitely make some videos for everyone to check out. Don't expect such proficient wizardry as Pedro, though. But, I think I will test drive it through my Fender SuperAmp and all of the effects pedals I use when I play guitar in my Heavy New Wave band. So, that'll be fun! It will surely be my loudest video to date, anyway.

Anyway, expect more posts about Eleuke in the coming days.  I'm pretty intrigued by the MP3 input on the Uke.  I'm trying to think of weird ways in which to make use of that.  So, hopefully I'll have it figured out by the time I test drive it.

Here's more information for those who are interested.

EleukeUSA Website: http://www.eleukeusa.com
EleukeUSA Twitter: http://twitter.com/eleuke
EleukeUSA Facebook: http://facebook.com/eleuke

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So, I was randomly surfing Amazon to see if there were any new Ukuleles available when I found a "Luna Tattoo Pineapple 21 Inch Soprano Ukulele".  Huh?  After the Kala Pocket Ukulele snuck by me earlier today I was feeling a little disheartened to see this purty uke.  Mainly because I hadn't really heard of Luna before.  Dang.  I must be losing my edge (assuming I ever had one, I guess).  Take a look and see what I mean by purty:

Luna Tattoo Pineapple 21 Inch Soprano Ukulele

According to the Amazon detail, this ukulele is made of Mahogany and the Polynesian Tattoo design on the body and fret markers was laser-etched on there.  It's got Aquila Strings on there and triangle inlays.  I mean, I'm a little surprised that it's only $69.  It's freaking gorgeous!  Also, if you are one of those giant Samoan guys who is covered in those rad tattoos, then think how great it will be to have a Uke that matches YOU!  Heh.  Ok, I can only dream that giant Samoan Tattooed guys are reading my blog.  Some day, man... some day.

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So, after showing off my somewhat crappy Baritone Ukulele in, Video: Ukulele Guy – Naughty Song, I realized that I talked trash about my baritone ukulele but I didn't offer you any alternatives.  So, what if you want a good Baritone Ukulele and you are on a budget?  Well, it turns out that the Silver Creek All Solid Baritone Ukulele Natural is on clearance right now at Musician's Friend!  This uke is normally $209.99, but they are selling it for $169.99 right now.  Here's a picture.

Silver Creek All Solid Baritone Ukulele Natural

This baritone uke is made of solid mahogany on the top, back and sides so you get that rich, warm tone that you can only get with solid wood.  There are only 2 reviews up right now, but the average rating is 4 1/2 stars out of a total of 5 possible.  So, people seem to be happy with their purchase.  Here's some more details about this ukulele:

* Solid Mahogany Top, Back & Sides
* One-Piece Mahogany Neck
* Geared Tuners
* Bone Nut & Saddle
* D'Addario Strings
* Scale Length: 20-1/8"

So, if you are looking for a good quality Baritone Ukulele and you don't want to spend $200-300, then this could be the uke you are looking for.

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Let's face it, if you are interested in ukuleles then you are probably (even if it's just a little bit) weird.  Ukulele players are like the Shriners of the music world.  We have these tiny little instruments and we like to have fun and maybe goof off a little bit.

Well, maybe you embody all of those characteristics but you don't actually know how to play ukulele.  Maybe you'd like to just play the part a little bit?  Or, maybe you are a competent player and you want the challenge of a novelty or toy ukulele?  I mean, some toy ukuleles can be almost unplayable, but therein lies the challenge, right?  I mean, what if you are able to pull off some hot "Tiptoe Through the Tulip" licks on a plastic smurf ukulele?  That's pretty much a trophy-worthy feat, if you ask me.

So, for you goofballs out there, here's some pretty hilarious toy and souvenir ukuleles that are on ebay right now.

SMURF SOPRANO UKULELE

Smurf Soprano Ukulele

The Strummin Smurf!  Ahhh yeah!  Solid.. um... plastic with a blue finish (duh!).  It features Smurfette and whatever the name was of the smurf who played the Lute.  If you are (or were) the "weird kid" in high school, then you need this uke.  Just think of how great it will go with your trench coat.    When I was wearing my undertaker's suit coat and doing yo-yo tricks in 11th grade, I would have killed for this instrument.

HAWAIIAN POLYNESIAN LUAU COCONUT UKULELE

HAWAIIAN POLYNESIAN LUAU COCONUT UKULELE

That's right, folks!  A Ukulele made out of a coconut.  Although, I think it might be more of a decoration than anything.  I mean, look at that action!  The freaking strings are almost a half inch off of the neck.  Still, just think how bad-ass you'd look if you could actually play this beast.  Heh.

LEOLANI SPRUCE HIBISCUS FLOWER SOUVENIR UKULELE

LEOLANI SPRUCE HIBISCUS FLOWER SOUVENIR UKULELE

Alright... I live in Montana.  So, to me, Hawaii is a magical fantasy land where you don't freeze to death and you don't worry about bears destroying your compost pile.  Ahh.. heaven.  I've never been to Hawaii but something tells me that the first thing you see in the hotel gift shop is a plastic ukulele resembling the one above.  Heck, I bet your aunt and uncle have one of these in their closet already.  In fact, it's how I got started on ukulele.  My mother-in-law had a very similar souvenir ukulele that I spent hours on, trying to figure out why I couldn't play it correctly.  Turns out, it was impossible to tune.  But, if you want to just look the part, then this little guy is adequate.

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First off, sorry about the lack of posts for the last few days.  I was traveling for my has-nothing-to-do-with-ukuleles stupid day job.  But, I'm back in the saddle now.

The first thing I did when I got back to my desk was to check out Musician's Friend and see if there were any new ukuleles listed.  Sure 'nuff, my eyes fell on a real beauty.  It looks like Ibanez now makes a Spalted Mango Concert Ukulele.

If you've priced Ukuleles made with Spalted Mango in the past, then you've seen that it's almost impossible to get one for less than $300.  It's a shame because grain of the wood creates a real eye-catching and unique guitar.    Well, this little number is only $169.99!  Here, take a peak:

Ibanez UEW20SG EW Concert Ukulele - Spalted Mango Natural

Ibanez is a relative new-comer to the ukulele market, but I've already checked out another of their ukuleles in this post, "Ibanez UKC10 Concert Ukulele".  There aren't any reviews of this ukulele yet (it's that new), but at least you can count on Ibanez to make a quality product.  They've been making instruments since something like 1929.

Here's some quotes from the product description:

The UEW20SG cutaway concert ukulele from Ibanez is a sweet-toned, nylon-stringed instrument with the luxurious Hawaiian tonewoods and is built to stand the test of time. Built on the Concert style platform and size, the Ibanez ukulele features a luxurious spalted mango wood body, presenting that unmistakable warm ukulele sound. The rosewood bridge and fretboard provide clear sustain and let the lows and mids soar. The chrome Grover open gear tuners offer precision tuning and keep the ukulele in key. Dressed in a natural high gloss finish, and featuring a desirable abalone rosette around the soundhole, the UEW20SG concert uke s natural beauty shimmers through, making it a 4-string of incredible looks and unmatched tone.

If anyone sees one of these at a music shop and is able to put their hands on it, please let us know how it plays.

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So, when I wrote this post last week, "Banjolele, the hunt begins!", I'm not sure how I missed this auction for a gorgeous Banjo Ukulele.

BANJO UKULELE - CONCERT SCALE - EXPERTLY CRAFTED

It took a tweet from UkuleleJim to make me take notice!  This banjolele looks to be in exceptional condition and, as you saw in my earlier post, new ones often go for nearly $500.  Folks, this looks to be a good opportunity to score one of these awesome instruments at a bit of a discount!  Here are some notes from the auction:

This is a concert scale, 8" dia. head banjolele built by WaverlyStreet. Tunable synthetic head (w/ tuning wrench), chrome geared tuners, and polished aluminum arm rest. Slightly spalted oak neck & peghead, stained oak finger board with 15 frets. Strung with Aquila nylon gut strings, tuned GCEA. Sounds great!

Fits in a Hohner Lanikai concert size ukulele case, probably others (no case included).

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MusicGuyMic sells loads of ukuleles on eBay.  The guy knows his stuff.  After watching Rawuke tear up his Tiki Fluke Ukulele the other day, I wanted to see more fun Fluke Ukulele designs.  If you are looking for the funky or unusual ukulele, then chances are that Fluke has what you are looking for.  The cool thing about MusicGuyMic though is that many of the Fluke Ukuleles he sells have been upgraded from plastic to a solid rosewood fretboard and bridge.  So, if the price seems higher than you've seen one one of these Fluke Tye-Dye Concert Ukulele, there's your explanation.  Look at how rad this thing is!

NEW FLUKE TYE-DYE CONCERT Ukulele w/ Rosewood fretboard

Here are some notes from the eBay auction:

* BRAND NEW TYE DYE DESIGNER CONCERT UKE
* Solid rosewood freboard and bridge upgrade (75.00)
* CONCERT scale
* Setup in Hawaii  MGM 4 point service
* Upgraded with aquila strings
* FREE "Treasury of ukulele chords" Book
* Three year manufacturer warranty
* Custom Fluke/Flea Gigbag
* FREE USA SHIPPING!!!

Good luck bidding!  Oh yeah, while you are here... might as well check out a video of a kid playing a Flaming Lips song on his Fluke Ukulele and harmonica.  Boo-yah!

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