In this blog I’m going to discuss two topics. They’re seemingly unrelated, yet both can be heard in the video below. The first is the new and improved Aquila Red Plain Low G review and sound sample. But can you trust sound samples? Put on some good headphones and listen to the beautiful truth. This was recorded with the woodpecker ribbon …
….I understand why most companies manufacturing ukes do not do this themselves. In the market, price rules. Everyone has a price point. So these companies, just like most online music stores, end up simply moving boxes in and out the door hoping never to see them again. The bean counters won’t allow a worker to sit there all day making $100 ukuleles play better…….
Here, Pepe Romero has shrunk a classical guitar! And, they would compete with guitars in the low mid frequency range where most ukes are non existent. Yet there is a crystal clean articulation, and even a reverberated sustain that comes out as you attack the higher range. It reminds me of the high notes on a grand piano.
Not many people can say they own a Pepe Romero ukulele. But within less than two years they have gotten a lot of notoriety. Some musicians owning a Pepe Romero ukulele that you may have heard of include, Daniel Ho, Jake Shimabukuro, Eddie Vedder, Paula Fuga, and Jack Johnson. Ever heard of them?
So, how do I feel about Pepe Romero’s ukuleles?
About 6 years ago, when Hawaii Music Supply was above Ko’olau Ukulele in Kaneohe, Mike Aratani would come by and do “blind” sound tests with our ukes. While keeping your eyes closed and back turned he would play the same thing on 5 or 6 different ones. We would have to guess which model was being played. Now, I can hear the difference in a Hawaiian Made ukulele and an import, usually. Recently, some of the Pono’s are amazing. But pretty much, Hawaiian ukes rule.
You just can’t get what we got in China. You can have a good value, a deal you will never see in a Hawaiian made uke. People ask if the $60 uke was made here. I can’t even fill up my tank for $60. But listen, in this video, to the difference of what is made here. Of course I know “tone is subjective”, but I think it just works out naturally. Because if you can’t hear the difference, then you don’t need to spend that much anyway.
was gonna do an article on this this last year, but it’s so abstract. I touched on it in the article- What Makes an Ukulele Good? but mainly pointing out that the design and skill of the maker is the first determinate of tone. Great builders adjust to the woods attributes.
Beyond all of those other considerations, woods do make a difference. This is the material that is transmitting the vibration that makes the sound. The density and makeup of their cell structure in conjunction the other factors is what determine it’s tonality. Here’s my mix of facts and opinions on the most common woods used.
The sure way to be really good at something is to continue doing it, day after day, after day. Whether it’s business, or health, or learning ukulele…., to be good at it, you just gotta keep doin’ it. We are constantly working at being the best ukulele shop you can find. A big part of that is bringing in the most outstanding models from the best makers out there and showing you the most remarkable ukuleles being made. For those of you in search of the best ukulele money can buy, or simply intrigued by the ultimate uke, this post is for you! These three instruments have recently come through The Ukulele Site. Any one of these instruments could be, “The Most Extremely Awesome Uke” depending on your taste. In any case, these tenors are undeniably incredible. Check them out –
