I first met Phil about 9 years ago. He was working at King and Zelko when I got a job there. King and Zelko are no longer in business but they made high end custom furniture on the windward side of the island. I had been working with my brother and dad at Koolau ukulele for years and decided I wanted to build furniture, creative furniture, and King and Zelko were the best. But the job was the worst….
3
A look at Luna ‘Ukulele
What these new Luna ukes have is really special. And if you like that~ step outside of the box that make these otherwise traditional ukes so compelling, then don’t hesitate. After Joel sets these up, dresses the frets and does his final work, they are smokin’ the plain Jane for the same price! We have packs starting around $80 and even those sound great!
I had originally thought the Luna’s were going to be a hit because of the look. Actually, the unique designs keep them from selling at times, because they are very well voiced. It is not the aesthetic designs that sell these, it is the sound and the feel.
Not everyone can be unconventional. But, as you know, not everyone can be conventional.
Here is some videos of the latest model, as well as a few staples of the line.
2
Islander Ukulele by Kanile’a -Video & Review
It can get overwhelming at times, trying to make the right decisions. When buying an ukulele, considering it, or even looking at the market for friends, there are many choices in the 1 to 300 dollar range to consider. So where do you go to to find out the real scoops. Duh, Ukulele Underground. But often people’s recommendations are based …
1
The New USA Made Kala UBass
The Ubass is to the electric bass, what the electric bass is to the upright bass. It covers the same frequencies, same tuning, but a very different instrument. A much easier instrument, physically. And unique with it’s voice and abilities.I was on Kala’s website the other day and saw a video of the Paul Simon band playing on the late …
The Pocket Ukulele!
Never before has an ukulele been so small! At about 16″ from top to bottom it is easy to raise an eyebrow at these new ukes from the Kala company. BUT this is is real musical instrument!I think Kala knew that to
The ukulele in the video is a solid Acacia model but looks suspiciously like Hawaiian Koa.? Which is a complement. Like saying a girl looks like a model.
So what is the advantage of having such a smaller uke? Well mainly they are just fun to play. Not too loud at night but still pretty sounding, and as Aaron says in the video, “just adorable”. It’s cute, no doubt about it. And then there is the obvious advantage of portability. Even in it’s deluxe carry case it will fit inside of your luggage!
The main thing that makes it all work is the sound. Their is no physical way for them to sound big. But they have good intonation, or “true” pitch as you go up the neck, and they play easier than you would suspect. After you think your uke collection is awesome Kala goes and makes a whole new size. This one will make your soprano jealous.
5
Caring for Your Ukulele
There are only a few things to know so that you can insure your ukulele will last a long time and sound and play well. Laminated instruments take a bit of care, but solid wood instruments require more concern even under “normal circumstances”. First lets go over things that all ukuleles require.
2
3 Ukulele Clip On Tuners Reviewed
So what is out? your my – your dog – your has – or your fleas? Probably all of them but here we will show you three different magical little devices that will keep you sounding good. Working at a music store, I can’t imagine life without them. Aaron gives his best “Shoot Out” as he calls it, comparing features and opinions on these 3 Tuners from Ukulele companies. Which one do I like? Which ever one is closest! Enjoy the Video info and review~
Mailani and Dr. Trey – Original music with Rippin’ Ukulele! – Video & Tabs!!
I had not seen Treacy Terada in a few years so I took a drive down to the windward side to see what this old friend is up to. About a stones throw from the Kanilea factory is Four Strings Studio. This haven of musical aspiration has been Dr. Trey’s work station for as long as I have known him. He recorded and produced Jake Shimabukuro’s first four albums here along with many other diverse projects.
The Kanilea’s K1 Premium Koa Tenor – 2 Ukes reviewed (or should I say drooled over)
Kanilea’s models like these K1-TP’s are just ridiculous. I say that in the most positive way. I mean, look at these tenors. The best from god’s gift of Hawaiian Koa wood along with the special talent of a few master ukulele makers from our island creates a very desirable little instrument. These two were especially eye-popping. I think even wild …
4
What is an Ukulele “Setup”?
Your goals with music on the ukulele are best pursued the easiest way possible. It is easier to learn songs and get better faster on a quality instrument with a good setup. And the biggest factor in our setup is the string action. On a Pono ukulele their is a truss rod to adjust, but on most ukes you are only dealing with an adjustment from the two points the string rests on. The nut (at the beginning of the fretboard- it has slots that the strings sit in and go through) and the saddle (on the top of the body is the bridge and inside that sits a saddle – the string rests on saddle and is locked at the bridge). The lower you go on those two points, the lower your action is, and the easier it becomes to play.