STRUMMERS GUESTMAIL ARCHIVES PAGE SIXTEEN
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Mahalo to all of you who have taken
the time to sign my book.
6-15-07,Betsy
Help ... On a "Tenor Ukulele" with steel strings.. can I change the tuning from GCEA
to G (not changed) .. DGD? Thats moving the last three strings up. Can the C
go up the one note to D, without changing strings? Would I have to change the E
string to go up to G (a step and a half)? I know the A wouldnt go up as far as
needed to the D.
Would changing the tuning to the GDGD get notes out of the Diatonic scale
... or make strange scale patterns? I am new at this... thanks... Betz
6-15-07,Clint
Why does your "Tenor" have steel strings? If it is a real uke you may want to
change the strings to a nylon of some type. Anyway.. to your questions. If you try to
tighten your steel strings to those pitches.. wear safety glasses.. cause you probably gonna
rip the bridge off you instrument. If you want to... you can keep the top G... move
the C up one note to a D.. change the E string to a string that will allow you to go to a
G pitch without ripping the bridge off the instrument ... and change the A string with a
string that will allow you to play a D pitch.. again without tearing off the bridge.
This will take your instrument and move it from a basic C tuned instrument to a G tuning.
Getting notes out of the Diatonic scale depends on what you play.. and as far as
scale patterns and fingering patterns.. you gonna need to make your own charts here sistah.
Good luck.. and I would recommend da glasses anyway.. jus in case. Lemme kno how goes it.
Laterz
6-14-07,Charlie Lease
Love it Bruddah! Ive been playing guitar since I was 12. Im 47 now. I have been bitten
by the ukulele bug. I mentioned it to my bruddah in law a few months ago and he followed
through and got a nice uke at Island bazaar here in Huntington Beach. I found myself an
Oscar Schmidt OU5 on Ebay ... not nearly as good as I wanted ... and spruced it up with some
Aquilas. I am now addicted to this little guitarita! There is so much character in this
little guy. I will soon upgrade to a nice Tenor but until then I practice my heart out and
research the net about ukuleles. My family and I also plan to attend the Ukulele festival in
Cerritos in October ...hope to see you there! ... . My question to you is what in the
world is the easiest way for a big man to play an E chord? Hey.. If IZ could do it ...I
can too ... right? My jump from guitar to ukulele has made my fingers gain ten
pounds! Id love any advice. Keep up the great website! And thanks for all the info
on it!
6-14-07,Clint
Da easiest way to finger da E chord is the way I have it on my chords pages .. page one ..
First Position. Index finger on da A string and ring finger barring da 4th fret all da way
up. May take a bit of patience but watch what you doin and play so all da notes are clear
and clean. If IZ can do it.. so can you bruddah. Enjoy
6-9-07,Christine
Hi. We have just bought ourselves an ukelele and looking on the web for some simple songs
to begin with I came to your website. I really love it.. the explanation is really good. Is
there a possibility to get a few world known songs with the ukelele chords or is there a
possibility to buy some of them? I live in Belgium near
Antwerp. hope to hear from you
kind regards
6-9-07,Clint
Went to your website and tried to look around but my computer couldnt open da pages. Sad
times. Lookin at all da instruments and such. Cool. I will email you about da songs
Christine. Mahalos to you. Laterz
6-9-07,Pauline
Hi Clint! I love guestbooks! How are you? I'm from
The Netherlands and somehow have a connection with Hawaii of
some kind I still dont understand. Never have been to the islands and no family living there
whatsoever. My main instrument is the celtic harp. Started that only a couple of months ago
and it's wonderful! I have my own harp now.. beautiful red bubinga with 30 strings
(little more than 4 eh?). I simply love it ..can you tell?
Now my husband noticed that I was looking at ukuleles as well. Just something nice'n
easy to strum and sing along. Not the first time since he knows me but I never really made
an attempt or bought one. Today we went shopping and we also visited his favorite guitar
store. Guess what... I got a ukulele!! Handmade in Europe.. solid wood.. looking
very smart and sounding lovely! I came across your great website earlier and visited
again today to find some help to get me started on my sweet little jumping flea. Lots of
useful information here so I would like to express my gratitude to you.. thanks a bunch!
I'm confident to get started now so I'll be off tuning and playing!
Aloha and Mahalo to you!
Pauline Haak
6-9-07,Clint
Cool.. glad you found me here. And all da way from there too! Very cool. Hope you
continue to find lots of stuffs here for you. Enjoy dis little instrument. Very cool.
Mahalos for signin. Laterz
6-7-07,Frank Leonard
Im enjoying your site! As a beginning uke player Ive been teaching myself
using Mel Bays uke for beginners book and Jumpin Jims ukulele beach party. I have no music
background but Ive learned a lot of chords and can play a few songs on my cheap Hilo uke. I
love it! Ive been playing almost a year. My biggest problem chord is Bb. I also need
help on timing. You appear to be someone who can help. What do you suggest as my next
move? Mahalo.. Frank
6-7-07,Clint
Honestly cuz.. if you wanna hit that Bb on a cheap Hilo you gonna break you fingas. I tink
you next move is to get a real ukulele. If you wanna learn.. get a good tool to learn on.
Look at Lanikai ukulele.. Oscar Schmidt ukulele.. somethin but no Hilo. You get a good uke
and da Bb be no problem. Really.For you timing I work some of my students with a metronome.
you can get one at most any music store. Buy a good one.. one dat loud too. Be patient.
Strum wid da CDs. Play lots and listen to you timing in da strum. It comes.
Laterz. Patience cuz. Enjoy
6-1-07,Kevin
Hi I just started playing uke last week I got a Mahalo uke. I play guitar as a job so I
thought I would be able to pick up the uke.. but I didnt know how much fun it would be
(I play it every spare moment I get) Any way the reason for my email.. I think your
site is great and has been a lot of help to a fledgling uke player. Best Wishes
Kevin Thompson UK
6-1-07,Clint
Cool.. glad you dig da site. Mahalos for signin from way ova there.
5-30-07,Chris
Hi..I was doing a search on Ukuleles and the website.. www.ukulelestrummers.com came up.
Reason being I am actually interested in playing this little but beautiful sounding
instrument. If you need to know why I am interested in the Ukulele in the first place I will
tell you a bit. I was actually interested in it when I heard the ukulele on a persons
MySpace. Although I am not familiar with much of the culture or anything like that I only
have a slightest idea what hawaiian sounding music is like. But I dont know if his song is
holding the hawaiian originality. But anyways it was nice to listen to. Since then I
listened to Jake Shimabukuro on youtube.com and his version of "My Guitar Gently
Weeps" on the ukulele. I listened to the original song of that and its quite different.
But on the ukulele his version was fantastic. First off I am a complete beginner meaning I
have no knowledge of theory or particulars on this instrument. I have only played piano for
5-6 years on and off. So I am not good with anything. I would like to be good at least
in one thing and I hope this instrument would be my joy but I am going to get busy with
schooling within the next few years. So I want to at least play better than average when I
am older. Currently I am 21 going for Med-School lol.
I read your About Me page and you focused your musical career in Theory and it has helped
you a lot. I always wanted to understand theory in even on the piano. So I was hindered in
my music experience because I dont know how theory works if you know want to know what level
theory I am I would say level 1 or 2 even though I am a level 5 in piano. Maybe I take it
too logically. But I never figured it out. I want to take lessons from you but I live in
Southern California. So I have no idea where you live you mentioned the big island of L.A so
I am thinking here in California as Los Angeles but it sounds like Hawaii lol. Anyways to
sum up everything please point me in the right direction I will learn slowly but surely but
I dont know where to start. Also what kind of beginner ukulele should I start off with?
I hope I am not bothering you but it seemed like a miracle that I got to your website.
Thanks!
5-30-07,Clint
I have heard Jakes version of that tune. Awesome. I live in Southern CA also.
Start off with a Lanikai ukulele. Cost you around 150 buck more or less.. last you a
lifetime you take care of it. Good tones and pitches. Well made. Read all of my site.
Ask questions. Practice much. Listen when you playin.. jus dont play.. listen. Many dont
listen. Review your piano theory books. Play. Enjoy. Repeat. Kinda like shampoo cuz.
Mahalos for signin story
5-29-07,Charlie Lease
Excellent site! I'm houle too but have the islands in my heart. Married to a
filippina whos trying to cook her way into making me look Samoan (Large and in
charge!). My brother in law and I just bought some ukuleles and have been practicing
and having a great time with them. Ive been playing guitar for many years and just love the
transition to my little OU5 Oscar Schmidt. My "Bruddah" has never played anything
but you cant tell it from his strumming! Thank you for such a cool site. Lots of needed
info for the neophite. What are the best strings money can buy for the concert ukulele?
Many Alohas to you mi amigo!
5-29-07,Clint
Glad you found da site and maybe stuffs to use as well. Honestly, I haven't had to
buy strings for any of my ukes in forever. When I purchased my first uke.. Nahenahe .. I
also bought a case of strings as well.. from Nahenahe.. 48 sets. I rarely change them..
unless they break... and still have many sets left. I play tenor. Many in my group swear
by Martin strings as well as Savarez and Aquila. I do know that you need to avoid Hilo
strings. Play a few different types.. they will all give you a different sound on your uke.
Laterz
5-28-07,Les Jones
just bought a Melody-uke i guess it's quite old.. but plays ok, i already play 5
string banjo and guitar, my name is Les Jones and i'm 45. i live in
Staffordshire, England
5-28-07,Clint
Eh, Les. I have a Melody uke as well. Yes.. It is quite old and, for me,
makes a nice wall hanger. Not too sure how it sounds but good to know if I need to find a
new uke.. I might already have one.
Thanks. Enjoy da site bruddah.
5-22-07,Jay Ford
My name is Jay Ford.. a young 56. For many years I have heard of "slack key" I had
only listened to a little Hawaiian music. This past April one of the guest at my parents
60th anniversery party and I hit on the fact we both played guitar and he played in Taro
patch. I didnt know what. Jim came over to my house to play what a shock I had been playing
taro patch for years as a rocker in open G. Jim turned me on to a book by Ozzie Katani and
off I go. I am listening for other players as I live in the big island of Rawlins.. Wy.
The clime is lacking that influence. I want to play uke but dont know a tenor.. soprano
concert..I do know what a baritone is and borrowed one once.. so much to learn. My only time
in Hawaii was not fun a customs misunderstanding during the Nixon era would make for another
boring tale. The Hawaiians that held me were nice though. Anyway Ill be back to learn more
and hopefully find a uke. Jay
5-22-07,Clint
Love Ozzie. I have both his CDs. Really good stuffs. Cool on da strings. Good thing to
listen to wen you tryin to learn how to, yeah? Mahalos for signin. Learn much..
enjoy lots.. stress small kine
5-20-07,Michael Guarneri
Greetings from the Big Island of "Long". Long Island, NY that is. Thanks for the
great site and fantastic info. I recently stumbled upon the wonderful world of the ukulele.
Surprisingly I never caught the uke bug during my 2 trips to Hawaii. Currently I am playing
a 60 dollar Lanakai.. but hope to upgrade soon. I am very interested in your songbooks and
CDs. Please send me the info regarding them. Mahalo.
5-20-07,Clint
Glad you finally found da uke. Enjoy da site too. Lots here. I email you bout da books.
Laterz
5-15-07,Netagene
Netagene here (age 63 in a couple of weeks) Birmingham, Alabama.
Been awhile since I wrote. The trip is on.. albeit with a group of 14. Arrive Saturday,
June 16, about 3 p.m... check into the Sheraton PK next to the International Market.
Then Monday and for 6 nights.. the "hotel" will be a ship. It's breaking my bank
because I'm on disability because of legal blindness. But I've got a chance to go..
so I'm going!
Already found Puapua Ukulele shop in another hotel.. 3 blocks from the Sherator PK.. so I
plan to hot foot it there even though it will be about 10 p.m. Alabama time for me! My
roommate won't arrive till later that night so I'll have at least a little while to
take my white cane and go! (One eye works pretty good.)
I also found the site for Hula Records and "Hawaii Calls".
I don't know where the ports are but maybe you can tell me of any other stores close
to the cruise terminals in Kona.. Hilo.. and wherever the cruise terminal is on Maui and
Kauai.
The trip is freestyle crusin'. I hope to get away from the others at least for a while.
Wish I could find just a local jam but no luck with that so far.
Having been a bluegrass DJ years ago and joining in as many as 6 jams a week (acoustic..
whether bluegrass or folk or blues etc.) I don't want everything touristy! It
doesn't have to be perfect and I hate singers that have background music that sounds
like a click track! ..Karaoke I can do at home..!.. Give me a false start and an
occasional sour note once in awhile! LOL!
Wish some of the stores had CDs of just some locals jammin. A good commercial one by 3 super
pickers along that line is something that was pirated then the guys involved issued it
themselves is "The Pizza Tapes" just Jerry Garcia.. Tony Rice.. and David
Grisman - see it on Grisman's site -
www.dawgnet.com/acd_html/acd41.html
Can you recommend any good CDs.. preferably not just one person but with a variety on one
CD? And some other goodies. Ive read about folks like Iz.. Manny Fernandez.. all the
ones listed on Hawaiian music sites.
Ive browsed on line a lot and learned I don't care for the smaltzy orchestra stuff and
I'm not fond of falsetto. I enjoy some slack-key some steel (and I found the
couple who do steel drum stuff) Since you know music and since I like bluegrass and folk
what are some artists that you can recommend? I just like down home pickin and grinnin
and singin - nuttin too slow.. nuttin too far out (I like some of Garcia and the
Dead's instrumentals and there's one on the pizza tape CD - but that was mostly
for THEM to take a long ride and see where all theyd wind up with a song! Showin off for
each other. I get bored with one horse after awhile!
I know I can easily go broke just buying CDs!
Anyway.. thanks!
5-15-07,Clint
I am so glad you finally hittin da islands! Looks like a complete tour of da paradise
rocks for you too. Awesome. Jus awesome. Many places for you to shop on Oahu. Just walk
aroun as much as you can and you gonna find no shortage of ukes and stuffs. When you go to
Hilo swing by "Uncle Billys" It a hotel there right in da middle on da coast of Hilo.
Lots of local jammers hang ou there. Good bands swing in.. you can jam wid dem too.
While there make sure you eat at Ken's House of Pancakes. Yummo!
Kauai you got da Market place but I not too sure where da ship parks... yeah?
Da CDs I have on my Song Pages are some of my favorites.. and a nice variety too. Really..
I got too many to list. last time i go to Hawaii I come home wid around 40 CDs. I too spend
some cash on CDs. Some of my favorites are from da hard workers that work in da Hotels and
lounges. I find these musicians still to be "hungry" therefore their music usually
still comes from the heart and means sometin. Many others who found the "fame"
sometimes get all wrapped in da political producer record company politics and da music
gets to be "karaoke" like you say. I prefer da music from da musicians who are still
"hungry". Enjoy you trip.. I look forward to hearin all about you travels wen you
get back... and a cool picture of you enjoyin da islands.... ALOOOHHHAAA!
5-9-07,Chuck Moore
Aloha. I have absolutely loved your site over the last few years and have recommended it to
many uke enthusiasts. I like the local laid-back attitude of the site and the
instructional part is especially useful. Looks like you have fun and thats what the ukulele
is all about. After messing about with ukuleles for about 20 years.. last year I decided to
start building them full time. Ive just finished my new website ..is a website ever
finished..? and wondered if youd like to take a look at it to possibly add to your
links? If not this is just a great opportunity for me to thank you for helping to give
this great little instrument the exposure it deserves.
Mahalo nui loa.. Chuck Moore..Moore Bettah Ukuleles
5-9-07,Clint
Chuck.. will checkem ou' and see what is all about. Glad you tellin people bout da site...
cause you gonna find out.. is neva done brah.. neva. Laterz
5-8-07,Rafael Dantas
Im rafael.. from Brazil. My cousin lives in USA and he send me
an Ukelele. The Strummers home page is the best page Ive found bout ukelele... I would
like to know how can I have these Playbooks.. if its a file to download or
something to buy im more interested in the book with the tabs than in the
mp3 files....thanks for helping and for giving me the best ukelele website!
5-8-07,Clint
Glad you can tune into me from down there. Mahalos for signin. Will contact you about da
playbooks. Good tabs and great tunes. Gracias for you kind words as well. Laterz
5-6-07,Mark O'Connell
Thanks for your website bro. I am from Auckland, New
Zealand and have been playing guitar for a long number of years and recently heard
the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra
(www.ukulele.co.nz)
They are great and played some interesting stuff.
I am considering buying a ukulele and teaching my myself and my wife to play and jam a bit.
Should we buy two different ukuleles or the same. Should they be a baritone and a concert or
what. I guess once I have one ukulele I will HAVE to have another.
Which brands are really good?
Regards and thanks for your great website
5-6-07,Clint
Good beginner uke.. I say throughout my site.. is Lanikai. I seem to really like what they
have been doing with their ukes.. while at the same time.. keeping them affordable as well.
Thats it. jam on. Mahalos for signin.
5-6-07,Pete
1st time to site..... been in it for more than an hour.... lots of good info. 70 yrs old...
made my 1st uke about 2 half hrs ago (local high school) so now been learning to
play. Actually more of a senior group...just play.. no lesson. Senior group goes out and
play at Old folks home and others. We meet once a week and practice the songs.. hula too..
for the next performance. Would like to know how to get..purchase the cds and songbooks.
Looked over the site but couldnt find anything. Again.. thanks
Pete Barros..Hawaii Kai. Oahu
5-6-07,Clint
Mahalos for sign da guestbook.. and for puttin da images of you doin da hula in my head.
( sheesh... ). Will email you bout da playbook.. ( sheesh )...
5-6-07,Sandra Ong
heyyy! i just wanna say thanks for creating a GREAT (not to mention DETAILED)
website on ukuleles! I play the piano.. guitar and recently ... last december
actually... was given a ukulele as a christmas present... it was lying around in my house
collecting dust for a about two months.. till i've decided to try learning the ukulele
since its structure is similar to the guitar. thus i came across your website (via yahoo
search engine) and i must say that your website really DO give a detailed lessons -
chords - diagrams on ukulele.. it has helped me A LOT. almost everything i learn about
ukulele - from chords to "plucking" to scales - comes from your website!
i am glad i've came across your website and do keep up the good work! - sandra
PS.. i'm from
Singapore and i love piano.guitar.ukulele. can't decided
which is my favourite at the moment.
5-6-07,Clint
Cool. Glad you found me here. And glad you learn a bit about da ukulele. Mahalos for
signin and fo you kind words Sandra.
4-27-07,Denis Kirkham
Hi there. I live in England in the United Kingdom and recently
began playing guitar at 54 years of age and now I'm hooked on music and "fret"
instruments, you may be asking "what's that got to do with Ukes?"
Well, while in my local music store I saw what I thought was tiny toy 'uke and asked
the guy if it was a toy or an actual instrument and he replied that if "You think
it's a toy why not try it?" so I did. It's fantastic. There's so much
enjoyment in so small a thing it should be made compulsory and made a national pastime!
I love it, my 'uke cost me £12 (whatever that is in dollars) and now I
want a more expensive 'uke with better tone and sustain. I just play away and make
music. I'm disabled and the facr that the instrument is small and light is a bonus a kin
to learning how to walk after crawling! It's a dream to play and enjoy. There's
so much I could say but I guess you get the message 'Ukes are number 1 !!
Keep on playin'
Denis Kirkham England
4-27-07,Clint
Yeah, so many people tink dis instrument a toy. Sad times friend. You can do anyting on
dis instrument you gonna do on a piano.. but you no gonna break you back takin out da
carrying case, yeah? Glad you bought a uke and finally found dis site. Good stuffs
here for you to use. Take what you want. Questions.. ask. Mahalos
4-26-07,Nobumasa Takada
Hello. My name is Nobumasa Takada. live in Japan. I play
guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, ukulele and like 20's 30's style music.
I am a member of sweet hollywaiians, hawaiian, swing, calypso band. Last year
we went to Los Angels and play with Janet Klein and Tom Marion (cheap suit
serenaders). Here is live video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo0w-Khmlbk
and our promotion video
4-26-07,Clint
Many thanks for signin Nobumasa Takada. You are the first one to sign my guestbook from da
country of Japan. How exciting for me. Mahalos. An afta all da years too... You wanna see
da you tube video.. jus copy and paste peoples. Cool. Mahalos for signin friend.
4-24-07,Carlos
I recently discovered your site, its excellent. As a relative beginner on the ukulele
(I play guitar.. mandolin.. dulcimer.. though more like a jackofalltrades master of
none) I was curious as to how you prefer to tune your tenor ukulele Low G or High G.
I ask because a tenor may be my next purchase. I also see how Multiple Ukulele Acquisition
Syndrome (MUAS) can be a problem because I may be catching it. Thanks.
Carlos Llanes. Edina, MN
4-24-07,Clint
I prefer to tune my tenors with a low G string on the 4th course. It really opens up the
playing range for me when I play instrumental jazz and Hawaiian instrumentals. The low G is
nice to bounce off of when Im just jammin as well.
4-20-07,Michael and Kami
I just picked up a ukulele for my son to play along with rest of the family... banjo..
guitar.. mando.. and fiddle. Thanks for the great site. I had a quick question for you.
On one of your pages (instrumental instruction?) you had a chart with the
C-scale and the chords needed to harmonize with the melody notes.. etc. I have little
music knowledge but picked up the banjo a few years ago and am teaching myself. I picked up
a uke this past week. Are those chords ALWAYS the ones for harmonizing with the particular
melody note in that key? I enjoy picking out the melody notes from songs.. but would
like to play the chords along with them. Do you have charts like that available for all the
keys? Thanks again. Michael McDowell. Oregon.
4-20-07,Clint
The Harmonized C-scale would have to be transposed to fit other keys...
Look at the notes of the C-scale (notation) and what chords are being used in
the key of C to harmonize them. Just transpose
(the notation and the harmonizing chords) to the other keys you want.
I do not have that exercise transposed anywhere on my site. But it is easy enough..
really. Take a look at my "transposition page" over a cup of coffee. Read it.
Then if you have questions... let me know, yeah?
Laterz
4-12-07,Patrick Roper
Thank you for your ukulele strummers website.
4-12-07,Clint
You welcome bruddah
4-12-07,Bruno
Bruno from Memphi, Tn (not Egypt) loves this site. It is the site that got me
sprung on uke. This site and the movie JOE VS. THE VOLCANO. I would really like the words
and music from the song Tom Hanks does in that movie. Thanks again Bradda.
4-12-07,Clint
Glad dis site da one push you ova da edge. No familiar wid da movie you talk about. Maybe
somebody gonna read dis and send me a copy da music.. I send to you, cuz.
Clint says
Many Mahalos for signin in da third person, cuz.
4-09-07,Gabrielle Martin-Neff
ALOHA!! Here is me- Gabrielle Martin-Neff Old enough to be going the
opposite direction. I always dreamed I would see the Islands for the first time from the bow
of my own schooner. When I down-sized my dream .. a little, my first impression was
out the port of a big-ass jet plane. That was OK...it was still Hawai'i. We flew
over to pick up a 68 racing boat that had done the Vic-Maui race. It was 1992. We were
the boat delivery crew. I'm the galley slave. We sailed-raced around Maui for a few
days as guest of Lahaina Yacht Club and T-Shirt Shop. Then we made sail for Kaua'i. I
was at the helm when we rounded the point at Princeville and made for Hanalei Bay. That was
it man! I knew I was home. For the duration of our stay the crew was responsible for
making certain I didn't jump ship! Everyone knew I had recognized HOME. I've
been back twice since then and am now very overdue to return. I hope for my birthday. Until
then I keep aloha in my heart ... I see Kaua'i in my dreams. Mahalo for the website.
Gabrielle
4-09-07,Clint
Cool for you. Nice story. Hope you can make it home soon sistah. I kno what it like being
far from where you belong from. Sad times.. I hope for you to return soon. Much Aloha to you.
Mahalos for signin.
4-04-07,Roy Honjo
Aloha Clint. Just wanted to say thank you for your web site. As my title indicates,
I have to do some crazy things for our guests to make sure that they have the most enjoyable
stay. Tonight I needed to help out a guest from Japan who missed out on our Ukulele Lessons
activity and would be leaving the islands tomorrow. I have a tenor 6 string (low G)
custom made ukelele that sounds like magic. Anyway.. I wanted to surprise their family by
doing a private lesson just for them. I don't do the lessons at the hotel but I've
been playing for awhile. I was fortunate to come across your website and voila. The perfect
website for all the information that I needed to give this Japanese family something to
remember. I pretty much checked out your entire web site and it's awesome. Keep it up.
Just a side note. My wife and I travel to Kenya doing mission work and on the last trip I
brought my ukelele with me. It was awesome. The Kenyan people really appreciated the music
and the hula by my wife. We're going again this June and bringing more music to them.
Again many thanks. Roy Honjo.
Guest Relations Manager. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and
Bungalows
4-04-07,Clint
Very cool bruddah. Nice story and really glad you can use da site to help. Cool that you go
dat far outta you way to please da guests. Says much Aloha. And to give to the Kenyan
friends as well. Nice cuz, nice. Many Mahalos to you for sharin and signin.
Laterz
3-28-07,Robyn
RO 54 about Hanging out here in the south of the big island - USA - and trying to
figure out how to get musical sounds from my 19.99 worldmarket toy ukelele...maybe I need to
upgrade at this point. Regards.. Newstrummer
3-28-07,Clint
( sheeeesh...) upgrade sistah.. upgrade ! !
I tink da best musical sound you gonna get from dat is da really nice "thump" you
gonna get when you step on it.... Hang it on da wall sistah. At 19.99.. you bought
"Art"
" )
3-27-07,Aashna
hi. Im aashna, from India.
We dont get ukuleles here and Ive wanted to learn to play ever since I watched Joe Brown
playing "Ill see you in my dreams." But Im going to the US next month and if I can
convince my parents to get me one... Id luv 2 get a uke. Can you please tell me what sort of
uke I should look at getting? I love your site by the way... and in case youre
wondering why i sound like a weirdo.. Im 12, so thats excuseable. thanks. if you can
help me i promice to play the uke everyday. in fact id play it several times a day.
3-27-07,Clint
How cool are you. Signin all da way from over there. I tink you da first to sign
from India. Cool. I recommend dat you gonna purchase somethin you get a chance to play..
feel it and see what it feels like. Make sure it not too big or too small. I recommend a
brand called "Lanikai". Really good for you money. Last you forever you take care
of it. Try an play any new uke first tho. Good for you. And you no sound like a weirdo..
you jus sound lik sombody who want to play a jammin cool instrument. Glad you found da site
and dropped me a line. Mahalos to you
3-26-07,Mark Goble
I am interested in purchasing your playbook and CD sets for the purpose of learning to
play. I have a ukulele I purchased on Kauai two years ago and now have time to learn to play
it. It is not one of the cheapos but it is not a high end job either. Anyways do you sell
your stuff. I downloaded a lot of your chords off of your pages. I would really like to hear
some music. Am interested in Playbook 1 and the CD set. Thanks. Mark
3-26-07,Clint
I email you bout da books and CDs bruddah. Glad you find da chords helpful. I talk to many
people that buy da chordz books. I tell dem I have all da chordz they eva gonna need here
for free... but they want a REAL CHORD BOOK. ( whatevers.. it you money cuz )
Anyways.. glad you usin dem. Mahalos for signin
3-26-07,Richard Greelis
Clint, Thank you so much for sharing so much uke info with beginners like me. Im a
guitar player so with what you presented.. I should have a pretty good place to start. I
would like to buy the playbooks listed on your site but did not see how I could do so.
Please let me know. Also I have not purchased a Uke yet. I would like to buy one for myself
and for my 7 year old boy and teach him as I learn. Im going to buy 2 tenors. A music store
by my house in MN sells Lanikai. Are they okay? they also sell the fluke. Im skeptical
about plastic frets but they seem to have a decent action and decent tonality. Please let me
know what you think about these two brands. I know you are not trying to sell me anything. I
would just like your advice. Ive seen the photo of your selection so I understand youve
probably played just about everything. Thanks again for all your help. I printed nearly
everything you wrote. I makes for a nice music book.
Richard
3-26-07,Clint
I say go wid a Lanikai. Read many of these post you gonna see I always say that.
( I tink they should really send me a promotion chek o sumtin, yeah? )
Anyways Lanikai really good stuffs. I email you bout da book as well. Laterz to you and
you son.
3-26-07,Terry Pensel
Terry Truhart Age 39
Your web site is the greatest. I am an ukulele teacher. My web site is www.nuiukulele.org
I will be teaching ukulele for the Chicago Park District this summer. I will also be teaching
a workshop "Kids beginning ukulele workshop" at the Chicagoland Uke Jam Festival on
June 23-24 this year.
My favorite instruments is a tenor low G Blackbear ukulele and my tenor cigar box high G
Blackbear ukulele.
What do you love about the Islands? The people and the aloha spirit.
What is it about the Aloha that keeps you goin? The ukulele is a gift that just keeps on
giving. I love the hawaiian pigeon language. It gives your web page a real hawaiian flare.
Keep Strumming, Singing and Smiling. Terry Truhart
3-26-07,Clint
Cool. Glad you dig da site. Blackbear make dem really nice ukes. I like'm very much.
Well made and made wid da Aloha too. Makes da difference I tink. Good you given classes to
da small kine. Gonna be playin for me wen I get too old. Mahalos for signin cuz. Laterz
3-21-07,Roy Henry
Hi. Found your site and thought it is very informative. Beginners will surely enjoy
everything thats there. I was introduced to playing Uke by a buddy..Rocky..who lived in
Cupertino, CA back in the early 80s. He majored in music and played guitar with a band
in Hawaii for a very long time. He passed away about six years ago but the group still get
together every Tuesday evening to jam and play the music that Rocky taught us. Most of the
music are old standards such as "Crazy", "Blue Moon",
"Stardust", etc. I moved to Las Vegas about four years ago and my first thought
was that since there are a lot of displaced Hawaiians in LV I would not have any trouble
finding someone who knows how to play melody chords or just teach picking.. I was wrong. I
checked with all the local Senior Centers and found only one center that has classes every
Thursday on how to play the uke. I joined the group and have been playing with them since.
We've been playing for school reunions.. care homes and other Senior Centers and really
enjoyed it. Still havent found anyone to teach me how to play chord melody or picking. I
play both the Tenor and the Baritone Uke but I am partial to the Baritone since it produces
a very mellow and pleasing sound. I noticed that you have a couple of playbooks that I
thought might be very nice for our group to have and practice with. Please advise how I
could get a copy of your songbooks. Please let me know if and when you come to visit Las
Vegas.. I'll be honored to have you come and join us during any of our practice session.
Mahalo Roy J. Henry
3-21-07,Clint
Will email you bruddah bout da books. Lookin to come to Vegas soon. Gonna let you know when
and will come join da jam. Betta be some cool grinds there too cuz. Mahalos for checkin my
site. Jam on
3-20-07,J. Kelly
Learned more from your site about music than I did a Mel Bay book. Thanks.
Al Kelly. 46. Anchorage, Alaska.
Al.kelly@us.army.mail
3-20-07,Clint
Cool...(No learn much from Mel Bay? ... shocking, yeah?)
Mahalos bruddah. Spent 6 years in da Corps. Mahalos for you and what you do cuz.
Semper Fi bruddah
3-8-07,Del Irish
Del Irish
tubbymulligan@hotmail.com
67 years old i have 2 lessons on the soprano c..and in two weeks im purchasing a tenor....
maybe next week ill learn how to strum the thing.. but im lovin it..cuz..... my 40 year old
son plays a 1400 dollar taylor guitar and one of these days as a surprise.. i hope to pull
out the tenor and do some jammin with him....so cuz ..dont tell him what i be doin ok?
Ya got a great site here braddah....mahalo
3-8-07,Clint
I try bruddah. So you gonna pull da ol one.. two surprise, yeah? cool for you. Glad
you finally pick up da uke and find my site here. Good things here for you. Jam on and
enjoy. Good times.. good times.
2-28-07,Virginia
Aloha. We want you to know that the Loma Linda Ukulele Strummers are having their FIFTH
annual Inland Empire ukulele festival on May 1. That is a Tuesday, from 9 a.m. until
about 4 p.m. All are welcome! Keoki Ariola... our Honored performer... will present a
concert in the afternoon. If your group or representatives from your group would like to
perform please call President and founder.. Jo an Revel..
909 796 8934.
There will be adult
and childrens groups participating. Donation for the event.. including a buffet luncheon
with beverage and dessert is only 7.00 dollars. Lots of door prizes. Lots of Aloha. The
Festival is... Azure Hills SDA Church social hall 22633 Barton Road Grand Terrace, Ca.
plenty of room for ukers.. guests and vehicles Map to the venue will be forthcoming. Mahalo
nui for including us in your calendar of events. Our Music Director is Vince Villaverde.
Sincerely.. Virginia (Ginny) Stone Board member
2-28-07,Clint
I put you on da Events page too Virginia. Sounds like fun. Mahalos for letten us kno.
2-27-07,Sandy Padaken
Aloha.. Just a short note to say thanks for the wonderful web site! I am lucky enough to
live in Hilo.. Hawaii and recently took a class where I was able to build my own tenor Koa
ukulele. See attached pictures! There seems to be an ukulele renaissance in Hawaii with
folks getting together for ukulele jam time on all islands. Am having so much fun and again
want to say thanks for the information and music-chords. Mahalo nui loa.
2-27-07,Clint
Very Cool uke. Not a bad job al all.. looks really pretty and has very nice grain. Nice
inlay as well. Let me know when you finish mine and Ill send you my address..
yeah? ( ahem.. ) Mahalos for signin my site. I appreciate it Sandy.
( and rememba da address ting we speak abou earlier too.. sistah, yeah? )
2-27-07,Ralph Geho
Hello, My name is Ralph. I live in Ohio with my bride of 48 years and I am 71 years
young. I play trumpet in 2 community bands and the Shrine band and have been a music lover
for all of my life. I am really having fun learning to play the ukulele.
It is very relaxing to play and to listen to. We own 3 ukuleles... a Kaniloa Koa wood
Concert from Hawaii.. a Bushman Jenny Soprano and a Bushman Jenny Tenor.
The Bushman Ukes are Great for the price. They are all strung with Acquila Nylagut strings
and tuned to C tuning with a high G. Your web site is great and I would like to find out
how to order your playbooks and CDs. The song selection seems to cover most anything a
person would want to play. Thanks
2-27-07,Clint
Wow.. 71 yeah? Im hopin to hit 60. Mahalos for findin and signin da site. Will email
you about da playbooks. Bushmans pretty good ukes. Getting more popular da more people
findin out about them. Jam on Ralph.. Jam on...
2-26-07,Greg Moore
I just got my first Uke ...a used tenor Fluke ... from a experience Uker in California. I
don't read music but have played harmonica on and off for years. I have always wanted to
play a stringed instrument. So fast forward to my great young age of 50 and I want my 4 year
old daughter to grow up hearing us all having fun trying new songs ... Everything has got to
be better with music!! So my name is Greg Moore - I live in Portland Oregon and
the Uker I bought my Uke from is named Virginia - she gave me the link to your website...
Thanks for the time an love you have put in to it. The tuning page will go in my bag ... I
laughed as I have already realized you have to tune every time I pick it up ... so I will
get good practice. I don't have a pitch pipe ... so the string to string relationship
will allow me to play ... with someone else will come later.. We have quite a large uke
group here in town called PDXUKE and they meet every 3rd Sunday and they jam togther and
teach newbys songs etc. So How much do I needto send you for your play book ... The diagrams
I really like since I really don't read music but memory work and practice will help me
make music eventually! Mahalo
2-26-07,Clint
Glad you found da uke. Way cool instrument and lots of fun to jam on. Mahalos for the
kind words about my site. Glad you stumbled upon it ( Thanks Virginia ). Will
email you bout da Playbooks. Jam on bruddah
2-22-07,Apisalome Tuiekubu
This is the coolest site ever man ... keep up the good work ... thankx alot for the tips ...
every website should take pointers from u ... very simple and down to earth...
2-22-07,Clint
One of the best emails I've received. Mahalos to you brudda... ...
2-19-07,Chris
Chris..Age 27..South Carolina
I lived in La'ie Hawai'i for almost two years and loved every minute of it. I
received an ukulele as a gift when I returned home and am trying to learn to play. I
don't even know if I have a soprano or concert uke! What is the difference?
Do you have any suggestions for me on how to get better?
Mahalo for your site... i am already learning a lot from it!
2-19-07,Clint
I have uke size information on my "Basic Info" page... check it out.
How to get better? Do what you doin now.. ask questions and read my site. Talk to
people... listen to some cool Hawaiian music (see my "Uke Songbook" pages and
buy some of those CDs) and most
important.. (and dis da most important here)... play and have fun.
Enjoy
2-18-07,Kellye
Hi, My nephew just mentioned.. today.. that for his next trick (hes incredibly
talented) hed like to master the ukulele. By no means am I looking for a beginners
instrument...like I said.. hes very talented. Can you recommend an instrument? Because I
know that he will keep this up for a lifetime... Im looking for a great maker (within
somewhat of a money boundary). I look forward to your response. By the way... your web
site is awesome! Take care...Kellye
2-18-07,Clint
I would go wid da "Lanikai" ukulele. They have some lower end ukes as well as some
higher end prices. All are made very well.. good pitches.. good craftsmanship.. etc... and
will last your little Mozart a lifetime.. if he take care of it. Mahalos for
checkin in
Laterz
2-18-07,Joann
just got back from oahu aloha.. picked up a ukulele want to play it. Im 57 year old fla
resident tampa bay area Holiday Fla. where do I begin sos went to the flea market yesterday
man said to go to the internet... well I did here I am I still need sos mahalo Joann
2-18-07,Clint
You started in da right place. Take you time. Look at my chord fingering pages.. play some
easy music.. twinkle twinkle little star... things like that. Relax and enjoy. Strum a
little.. learn about how da instrument works and sounds.. listen to some good Hawaiian music.
That's a good start. Enjoy.
2-15-07,Sophie
Name- Sophie Barnett Age- 20 Island- New Zealand
south pacific.
Fav instruments- clarinet... guitar... uke what i like about the
Islands- friendliness and easygoing nature of the ppl fantastic site... bro... so much
to help me improve my skills on the ukelele keep it up! God bless Sophie
2-15-07,Clint
Mahalos sistah. I appreciate you signin way down from there. I email you when I come down
to New Zealand and you can let me kno what is da must see to do, yeah? Laterz
2-11-07,Rebecca
I found the song "Hula Baby!!" If any one asks refer them to Hoctordance.com.
It is on the CD Babes in Danceland volume 3 and 4. It is called "Hula Baby".
2-11-07,Clint
Many people looking for that song, "Hula Baby". Many mahalos for you legwork
Rebecca. I appreciate it. Good job sistah. Laterz
2-11-07,Wendy Cutler
I was reading through your guest book for the first time and saw the posting from Danielle
in Alberta who said she was moving to Vancouver... Canada (two years ago I think)
and wanted a songbook. I belong to the Vancouver Ukulele Circle... a group that has met once
a month since September 2000 and all uke friendly people are welcome. I don't think weve
met Danielle... so if she's still reading your guest book... or for anyone else who
lives in Vancouver or comes to visit... look us
up at our site
www.vcn.bc.ca/vanukes
2-11-07,Clint
There you go. So den lookem up sistah! Or anybody else too...
2-7-07,Robert M
Aloha. I belong to the Hawaiian Surf Club an San Onofre California. For years they try to
get me to pick up da uke and play. Well yesterday I got a hold of a "Washburn Lyon"
Uke through an auction. Its da kine... Koa wood... rosewood bridge etc. Its been well taken
care of. So now this "Humble Hoale" gotta learn quick. Paul Strauch and the gang
are taking this old bird into the hen house and making sure I come out different.
The last time on Maui my good friend Brudda Francis showed how easy the first cords are.
When I tried a had to learn the first lesson. "Dont eat Poi when learning the
Uke!" As an artist learning to play is just another evolution in my life. Check out
my stuff at mobleygrafix.com I think you will see what I mean. My surf club at San Onofre
meets every other month... on the second Sunday. GOOOOOD FOOOOOD! Lotsa music.
2-7-07,Clint
Good times. Glad you finally got a uke. Good one too.. Come for da food an stay for da
uke.. yeah? Cool. Enjoy jammin. An if you local to da group in San Onofre..
you can come for da food too. I tink you welcome. Laterz
2-2-07,Philip
Howsit?
My names fil (Philip Adkins) I am 29. I am on the east coast of the Continent.
Delaware to be exact... Long way from the big island. I am a new father. I was out there
about a year ago and had a blast. Heard some awesome music and some inspiring scenery we
dont have waves like that on the east coast.. I went with my parents.... they go yearly
actually just bought a place around Kona. After I got back my mother surprised me with a
tenor uke. I have been playing the ukulele for almost a year now. I Love it is the most fun
Ive ever had with an instrument. I have played the drums my most of my life. Never had much
interest in stringed iinst. When I got my uke though. .. I just cant put it down for too
long. What I wanted to say was I love your site. I have been teachin myself to play pullin
bits and pieces from wherever I can. Your site is the most useful bit of knowledge I have
found so far. I have been searchin for scales etc. .. this is perfect. .. i just wanted to
say thanks . .. cant really go out buyin every book I want. .. but I love to learn. Thanks
again and Ill be sure to visit for more knowledge as I ..get better.. is good to see. ..
drop a line anytime
2-2-07,Clint
Glad you found my site. Lots of useful info there if you get the chance to browse around.
Enjoy the journey and keep in touch
2-1-07,Patrick
hello...a question to you from Belgium - Id like to buy a
Ukelele and start to learn to play this instrument ...Ive been looking around to buy a
Ukelele and the only shop Ive found that has them in stock has a Yamaha Ukelele for sale.
Do you know if its worth buying? Could you give me some advice as to other
manufacturers...keeping in mind that Belgium is like a desert ... a Ukelele.. whats
that? ... when it comes to stringed instruments ...apart from the guitar...
thanks a million
2-1-07,Clint
I always suggest the Lanikai. I know what type of instrument they are. ( quality...
craftsmanship.. pitches and such ). I am not too aware of the Yamaha ukes. I know
the Yamaha professional wind instruments are the best out there....but I would not gamble
with a Yamaha uke. Thats just me.... I dont know those. I say stick with the Lanikai.
Mahalos for signin
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