New Discoveries Take 2

[cuthbert]

My vote goes with v2 - but I tend to favor 'studio-trickery' and production efforts.

Sonar whine sounds fine to these ears. 

[Bluesberry]

I'm back to take 2 as my favorite, I'll keep listening through the day...

[Satchwood]

Sounds great to me hermwench!!  This one's more up close and personal sounding, and luv your uke playing and double vox!

[JMD2010]

What is it with you?
Less is always more.
I love this.

John

[Bluesberry]

Anyone thinking of gettin' one, just get one. The £20 one's are more than usable, sound and play great... just don't let the tuning bother you too much! Because they're so highly strung, the tuning is always less than perfect, but that's the nature of the sound. I tune mine in C (GCEA).
    As soon as anyone bites the bullet and buys one, I'll tell ya the chords I used in this...

I'm going to take you up on this offer, I have decided it is time for a uke.  Any brand in particular, don't buy a real cheap one you say, how about an electric/acoustic type.  Any suggestions for a uke novice.

[Tony W]

I'm going to the music store today as well Dave. I've been uke hunting since this post. That's how I found that youtube vid. Ibanez has an exotic wood uke that looks just like my acoustic. I might have to get it.

[Flash Harry]

I will have to get my uke out. Maybe we need a ukefest.....

Can't listen to this at the moment, the fun-at-work-gestapo are still in the office (yes I know it's 10 to 6 on a Friday evening).

[scottieD]

I prefer the Sonar Whine version myself...As a matter of fact, that would make a great song title...

[Bluesberry]

I prefer the Sonar Whine version myself...As a matter of fact, that would make a great song title...

I agree with this, sonar whine is the one.

[cuthbert]

I'm going to take you up on this offer, I have decided it is time for a uke.  Any brand in particular, don't buy a real cheap one you say, how about an electric/acoustic type.  Any suggestions for a uke novice.

Hi Dave,

I've been a uke nut for a couple of years now.  

If you want a decent instrument with a lot of bang for the buck, I'd recommend looking on eBay for something slightly vintage. For instance, Harmony Roy Smeck models from the 1950s are made of solid mahogany and can be had for around $100, sometimes less (I got one a few weeks ago for $75 - it's a honey).

If you want something new that's decent, take a look at what they have in guitar stores: usually, Fender, Kala, Koloa, etc. These are usually in the $100-$150 range.

Of course, cheaper models are often made of laminated wood, which can be okay but generally follow the same quality rules as acoustics (solid woods are better). For a quality model, look to spend anywhere from $250 up to $1000 or more (depending on the make and size). Quality models are usually made in Hawaii from Koa wood, and include makes such Koaloha, Kanilea, Kamaka, and others (they don't all start with a 'K').

Be aware that there are generally four different sizes, from smallest to largest:

• Soprano
• Concert
• Tenor
• Baritone

Generally, they are tuned G-C-E-A or A-D-F#-B.

Baritiones ukes are only slightly smaller than an acoustic guitar and are usually tuned D-G-B-E.

This is probably more info than you need, but hopefully it's helpful to you and future readers.

cheers,
cuth