cica Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 One can, of course, tune any ukele as per a guitar (albeit selecting the tuning of only 4 of the 6 strings of a guitar) which, I imagine, would make the ukelele easier for someone like me who (sort of) plays guitar. Not many people seem to know that standard ukulele tuning already is like the bottom 4 strings of a guitar (relatively, although the low string is from a different octave...BUT the notes are the same which is all that counts which is why the chord shapes are so familar) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_renting Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 Not many people seem to know that standard ukulele tuning already is like the bottom 4 strings of a guitar (relatively, although the low string is from a different octave...BUT the notes are the same which is all that counts which is why the chord shapes are so familar) Wow, I never knew that, thanks I think that I too will take up the ukelele then. Seriously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted July 6, 2013 Share Posted July 6, 2013 I am actually very good friends with one of the orchestral community's leading bassoonists. It's a beautiful instrument to look at and listen to. ****** knows how you play it. You have to blow in one end, and strut about a bit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted July 6, 2013 Share Posted July 6, 2013 Not many people seem to know that standard ukulele tuning already is like the bottom 4 strings of a guitar (relatively, although the low string is from a different octave...BUT the notes are the same which is all that counts which is why the chord shapes are so familar) I didn't know that! I thought they were tuned like a mandolin! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turned Out Nice Again Posted July 7, 2013 Author Share Posted July 7, 2013 Yes, I'm looking for something around the 60 quid mark. One reason I'm looking is that my right wrist is a bit stiff after having a stroke about 3 months ago...nothing to write home about though. Also I have plenty of free time (sickness pay!) which should continue for about another another 3 months at around 7 hours a week. Strangely I noticed that in the 48 hours of having a stroke I couldn't speak but I counld sing! Strange that. I'll go into town tomorrow to check out ukeleles before buying on line (big surprise) Btw, the wife is always working (nights) , our neighbours are both deaf (85)....just the cat to worry about! Hey! Council dweller, how about this this on fleabay for 28 quid shipped! Mini 21" Zebrawood 4 String Ukelele Homeland Laminated Acoustic Instrument http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390556332126?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 Chinese-made, but according to a ukuleleunderground thread, it's as good as any starter soprano and better than most. http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?74405-anyone-heard-of-hanknn-ukulele Looks good too. I just snagged one myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Hey! Council dweller, how about this this on fleabay for 28 quid shipped! Mini 21" Zebrawood 4 String Ukelele Homeland Laminated Acoustic Instrument http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390556332126?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 Chinese-made, but according to a ukuleleunderground thread, it's as good as any starter soprano and better than most. http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?74405-anyone-heard-of-hanknn-ukulele Looks good too. I just snagged one myself. Thanks for that.... I'm currently looking at the Brunswick at 39.99 +PP on Amazon. There's someones Video review beneath, it sounds pretty good and is made of mahogany. Brunswick has left a slighly larger footprint than Homeland/Hanknn from what I can see. All Chinese? What do you think? The reviewer also gives advice on ordering a tuner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turned Out Nice Again Posted July 7, 2013 Author Share Posted July 7, 2013 Thanks for that.... I'm currently looking at the Brunswick at 39.99 +PP on Amazon. There's someones Video review beneath, it sounds pretty good and is made of mahogany. Brunswick has left a slighly larger footprint than Homeland/Hanknn from what I can see. All Chinese? What do you think? The reviewer also gives advice on ordering a tuner. The Brunswick will be laminate at that price. I've heard they are decent, but not seen any actual reviews. I forgot to mention the Chinese one comes with aquila strings, which is unusual for starter ukes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 The Brunswick will be laminate at that price. I've heard they are decent, but not seen any actual reviews. I forgot to mention the Chinese one comes with aquila strings, which is unusual for starter ukes. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brunswick-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele-Strings/dp/B002BJHPJW Yes, I realise that (it's laminated mahogany) Did you see the review I mentioned? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Can I get a left handed one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turned Out Nice Again Posted July 7, 2013 Author Share Posted July 7, 2013 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brunswick-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele-Strings/dp/B002BJHPJW Yes, I realise that (it's laminated mahogany) Did you see the review I mentioned? Missed it! Yes, it looks good from the buyers. I meant that I hadn't seen much discussion on the uke forums, but that might just be that it is a uk brand. They are pretty much all made in the far East now (like everything else!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Is there a bigger one available with lower notes? Something like a Jazz Bass? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Can I get a left handed one? ...now you're just being silly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turned Out Nice Again Posted July 7, 2013 Author Share Posted July 7, 2013 Is there a bigger one available with lower notes? Something like a Jazz Bass? Aiui, There are 4 types in ascending order of size , soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. The baritone sounds more guitar-like, is tuned as the highest 4 strings of a guitar. The other 3 are usually tuned gcea, with the g either an octave higher than might be expected (standard, high g) or in sequence (low g). The soprano delivers the bright percussive sound most people associate with ukes. Concerts and tenors are mellower and more melodic, at the expense of portability. I have also seen an electric bass uke with strings like elastic bands; not sure how that's tuned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Aiui, There are 4 types in ascending order of size , soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. The baritone sounds more guitar-like, is tuned as the highest 4 strings of a guitar. The other 3 are usually tuned gcea, with the g either an octave higher than might be expected (standard, high g) or in sequence (low g). The soprano delivers the bright percussive sound most people associate with ukes. Concerts and tenors are mellower and more melodic, at the expense of portability. I have also seen an electric bass uke with strings like elastic bands; not sure how that's tuned. I only have six fingers! I will stick to the guitar, thank you! But now you got me interested! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_renting Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Is there a bigger one available with lower notes? Something like a Jazz Bass? I thought I was a guitarist, but it turns out I've been playing a bass ukelele all along Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turned Out Nice Again Posted July 7, 2013 Author Share Posted July 7, 2013 The reviewer also gives advice on ordering a tuner. you can do without a tuner if you have youTube (and a reasonable ear): there are also free phone apps that will do the job, eg. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.UkuleleTuner.Think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 you can do without a tuner if you have youTube (and a reasonable ear): there are also free phone apps that will do the job, eg. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.UkuleleTuner.Think Thanks again mate. Youtube I have, reasonable ear I've no idea. I'll stick to something electronic. Has your ukelele arrived yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cica Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Thought it was gCEA same at the top four strings of a guitar going from thick to thin at the 5th fret ie DGBE at the nut. But this may be just one tuning as there are different types of ukulele like singing voices. So a standard G chord shape on a uke is a C chord and a D is F etc. Yes, but if you explain it like that then people get confused. If you just tell them to play the same chords they've always played on the guitar's bottom 4 strings on the uke then they know where to start. Relative tuning is the same. As long as they are playing solo. The "G-string" ( ) always confuses guitarists too being from another octave that they may expect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turned Out Nice Again Posted July 8, 2013 Author Share Posted July 8, 2013 Has your ukelele arrived yet? no. slow boat from china. i expect it will be a couple of weeks. i'll let you know when i get it. i did have a plunk on a old Martin today though. that was absolutely lovely. and out of my price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 no. slow boat from china. i expect it will be a couple of weeks. i'll let you know when i get it. i did have a plunk on a old Martin today though. that was absolutely lovely. and out of my price range. So, I'm thinking about a Brunswick 'concert' now. (47 quid)....well it's only the price of a fish supper! I have long arms, fairly small hands. Should work ok for me...? Should still be able to get it into the back of my Serena van. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turned Out Nice Again Posted July 8, 2013 Author Share Posted July 8, 2013 So, I'm thinking about a Brunswick 'concert' now. (47 quid)....well it's only the price of a fish supper! I have long arms, fairly small hands. Should work ok for me...? Should still be able to get it into the back of my Serena van. a concert is only a little bit bigger than a soprano, so you should be ok. although i have little hands too and prefer a soprano for ease of stretching..I also like the less taut strings. Just to throw another curve ball, if you can stretch to 135-150 notes, check out the Ortega solid mahoganey ukes. I tried their ru10 soprano and it's amazing value. btw. Despite the thread subtitle, you do have to learn "when i'm cleaning windows" even if you don't like george formby. it's the law. here are the chords in C pretty easy. The only tricky change there is Ab7. The easiest way to play this is to slide G7 up one fret and do the g string with your thumb. (it's all in the strumming). ===================== [C] i go cleaning windows to [D7] earn an honest bob [G] To a nosey parker it’s an interesting [C] job (Note that you only strum the C at the end once… you hold that G for quite a while) [C] It’s a job that [C7] just suits me A [F] window cleaner [Fm] you will be You’d [C] be surprised the [A7] things I see [Ab7] When I’m cleanin’ [C] windows [E7] In my profession I work hard [A7] But I never stop I’ll [D7] climb this blinking ladder ‘Til I [G] get right to the [G7] top ===================== ... and the verses: Now I go cleanin' windows to earn an honest bob For a nosy parker it's an interestin' job Now it's a job that just suits me A window cleaner you would be If you can see what I can see When I'm cleanin' windows Honeymoonin' couples too You should see them bill 'n coo You'd be surprised at things they do When I'm cleanin' windows In my profession I'll work hard But I'll never stop I'll climb this blinkin' ladder Till I get right to the top The blushin' bride, she looks divine The bridegroom he is doin' fine I'd rather have his job than mine When I'm cleanin' windows The chambermaids' sweet names I call It's a wonder I don't fall My mind's not on my work at all When I'm cleanin' windows I know a fella, such a swell He has a thirst, that's plain to tell I've seen him drink his bath as well When I'm cleanin' windows Oh, in my profession I'll work hard But I'll never stop I'll climb this blinkin' ladder Till I get right to the top Pyjamas lyin' side by side Ladies nighties I have spied I've often seen what goes inside When I'm cleanin' windows ------ banjo ------ Now there's a famous talkie queen She looks a flapper on the screen She's more like eightie than eighteen When I'm cleanin' windows She pulls her hair all down behind Then pulls down her... never mind And after that pulls down the blind When I'm cleanin' windows In my profession I'll work hard But I'll never stop I'll climb this blinkin' ladder Till I get right to the top An old maid walks around the floor She's so fed up, one day I'm sure She'll drag me in and lock the door When I'm cleanin' windows When I'm cleanin' windows Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Well, I guess I liked his bike films at least....By heck as like innit. Perhaps I'll keep it down to less than a days pay for a ukelele? Reggae? ....but maybe I'll wait until it comes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPin Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Well GCEA is nothing like a guitar is it! EADGBE if I am not mistaken! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
council dweller Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 he's actually playing a ukelele on this one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_renting Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 Well GCEA is nothing like a guitar is it! EADGBE if I am not mistaken! Not if you are playing a German guitar! Then it is EADGHE. Don't ask what the H stands for! (I'm not kidding). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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