This is a Tenor Deluxe, Spruce top and Myrtle wood back and sides. It is framed off with curly koa binding giving it an elegant look without being too “fancy”. It still retains a woody, natural look. Most importantly it has a fantastic tone and perfect intonation. Noa Bonk custom builds these and is adamant on solid construction that will last hundreds of years. He builds with a solid foundation of instrument making from years of warranty repair for Martin, Taylor, Gibson and others.
New Ukulele Tutorial Series! “Close To You”- the Jake Shimabukuro Version – Part 1
on the fourth of January Jake Shimabukuro is releasing a new CD called Peace Love and Ukulele. You can preorder your digital download from his website – http://jakeshimabukuro.com/peaceloveukulele/ . I love Jake’s music and passion but neve really had the time to sit and figure out his compositions, actually most of them are beyond my technical ability, but his rendition of the Carpenters classic – “Close to You” from his Sunday Morning CD. If you do not have this album..Go to iTunes!!
Reflections and Exercises
As we near the end of 2010 we can reflect on the things we have accomplished and perhaps the struggles we have survived. If you have played music throughout this year, even a little, you most likely grew musically. This may have been technically, or even just mentally by what we have heard and how that soaked into our mind and heart. In any case this growth is something to realize and appreciate. I say realize because it is not easy to see your own development, kind of like like gaining weight, lol. However, maturing musically and appreciating so can be a great source of motivation for the next year at hand.
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The Leolani Ukulele Company
Leolani Ukes are among the various ukuleles on the market that are good for the budget conscious musician looking for a “real” instrument. They have a slightly fatter neck than the Kala or Lanikai ukulele. This is because they are handmade rather than computer cut. With that said, it amazes me how consistent the feel is. These ukuleles, for the most part, have more bass in their frequency range than their competitors. For this price range ($50-$250), the Leolani Ukulele arguably has the “warmest” tone.
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Coolest Ukulele Straps Yet!
Jen Tabor and a few friends custom make some really great guitar and ukulele straps out of their small shop in Chicago. The fabrics are hand picked and the straps are hand sewn to perfection! This company really has a roots vision contrived out of an artistic endeavor as opposed to the corporate norm, the endeavor of mass production.
New Kanilea Tenors – Hawaiian Beauties!
We just picked up some tenors from Kaneohe’s famous uke makers – Kanilea. The Kanilea company has been refining their design and articulations the last few years and they are surely at the top of their game. Joe Souza and Bill Griffen head a killer team of builders and finishers that are putting out a great value on a pro level ukulele.
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The struggle with time….random thoughts and present ideas.
Like money, how we spend our time requires thoughtful consideration. Our habits of release and relaxation can be things that promote health and happiness, or they can be things that slowly deteriorate our body and mind. The attempt to master a musical instrument can lead you towards soul satisfaction that money never will. It has been well documented that money does not equate happiness.I know personally, our best sales days are not usually my happiest days. If I get time to enjoy playing music it makes a huge difference on how “settled” I feel. Just having the time is not enough, time can be used to worry about the future, or reflect negatively on the past. And you could spend all day being entertained with TV’s and computers but that leaves your creative mind dormant. Working on a piece of music, improvising, or even strumming and singing a tune brings you right here, now.
YOU can soon be enjoying the present tense with the sounds of a beautiful ukulele! Not because it’s gonna make you money, or because it will help “attract the ladies”. Haha, well maybe it could? But the point is, we play music because it is fun. We get better at it and that gives us a personal satisfaction.
Aaron gives a short fun lesson, and the NEW HMS Website!!
Here is a fairly easy one from Aaron. A bit of a Polka. I found it fun to play. Maybe you will too!Perfect for kids or beginners that can only hold one finger at a time, ….until that G7!! This weekend we are launching our new website! and having some really cool sales too! It is quite a resource because …
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Abe Lagrimas Jr. – The greatest Jazz Ukulele player – ever!
Abe’s tasteful yet exciting melodies move through bright and thoughtful lines into a flury of emotion and expression. The pure musical gift this young man has along with the fat tones of his tenor Ko’olau make this live performance a wonderful reminder of the infinite capabilities and applications of this small instrument. Abe maintains a warmth and fullness in the high register where guitar often gets thinner sounding. The tone Abe gets here is an ideal Jazz solo tone. Guitar players should recognize the advantages to the voicing of an ukulele!
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The Slack Key master at Higher Ground’s Ukulele Keaka
Growing up in Kalapana, on the Big Island, young Ledward learned how to play from his uncles who taught him the “Jus’ Press” method. Good advice for all of us. Just press down on the string and make sounds. It’s like the Taoist approach to guitar. Led’s use of chromatisism shows the fact that you are never more than one note away from a “right” note, or a note in any key. Led walks right up to that note with a playful resolve, having fun with a guitar or ukulele like a Harlem Globetrotter does with a basketball.