ukulele player magazine 4

what's inside...p2. Jake Shimabukurop6. Jake CD 'Live' Reviewp7. Victoria Voxp11. Ohana CPK-70 reviewp12. Dave Talsma - Luthierp14. Play Well With Othersp15. 'Serpentine' CD Reviewp16. Oscar Schmidt OU2ep17. Ohana BK-32 Baritonep19. Why Digital Recording?p20. Kala KA-JTE/Mp22. Kala Uke Give-A-Wayp30. Green Uke Question?

Greetings and Salutations to allukulele enthusiasts around theworld. This is the fourth issue ofukulele player and we arethrilled to bring it to you.

Some of the features in this issuehave taken as much as threemonths to put together due tologistics, touring musicians, CDdebuts, and other factors. Weare happy to bring you issuefour, the ukulele reviews, articlesand interviews.

It took some time working withMichael Bloom and ukulelevirtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro tobring you his feature and I satwith Victoria Vox for about fouror five hours to bring you herstory and interview.

We have two CD reviews thistime around, first is Jake's new"Live" album. This is twenty tracksin all, but, there are somesurprises for his listeners. If youlove Jake previous and consideryourself a fan of his music, thisone is a must-have.

Our second CD review is SnakeSuspenders 'Serpentine'. Theseguys are terrific and I am surethat you will enjoy it.

Jake, Victoria, and more...the low-end, starter ukecategory. Oscar Scmidt hasbeen making serious efforts tobring you better quality ukulelesstarting with moving theirmanufacturing to Indonesiaand choosing better pickupsand materials to make eventheir low-end ukes better thanever before. Now, they areoffering higher quality, solidwood ukes and we are lookingforward to reviewing those infuture issues. In this issue,however, we the review theOU2e, one of the industry'sbiggest selling ukes ever.

Keep those club listings coming.We know there's a world ofukulele players out there. Wewant to hear from you.

issue 4

What I love about interviewingperformers and recording artistsis that it is a learning experiencefor me. I enjoy getting to knoweach and every one of them.There are stories of the roadand lots of interestinganecdotes from the stage andstudio. Not all of those detailsmake it into the publication, butthe ones that are importantcertainly will and we hope that,in the end, you feel as thoughyou know a little more aboutthose artists we spotlight.

There are more ukulele reviewsand lots of things happening inthe world of ukulele. We bringyou another Ohana review. Thistime around, it is the Vita Ukereproduction. It's a value-pricedukulele that packs a punch.

We have another Kala Ukulelegive-a-way. Thanks Mike Uptonof Kala Ukulele for the ArchtopTenor uke. Even if you don't playjazz uke, this little Kala tenor willhave you jazzed. It sounds greatand the built-in pickup will helprecording and giggingmusicians get the most fromtheir performances.

We have a pleasant surprise in

jake shimabukuroHe has been called virtuoso, theJimi Hendrix of ukulele, andsimply incredible. If you haveplayed ukulele for more than acouple of months, the nameJake Shimabukuro has probablycaught your eye more thanonce.

Jake's performance of Beatlesguitarist George Harrison's "WhileMy Guitar Gently Weeps", filmedin Central Park NYC, has beenviewed online over two milliontimes. He has been on LateNight with Conan O'Brien twotimes that I am aware andappeared on "The Today Show"at least once.

With all of that exposure andtalent, Jake has remained ahumble guy doing what heloves, playing ukulele.

I have all of Jake's albums in myown collection, including thepre-release "Live" CD (and I planto purchase the shipping versionof that one), and his DVD, MillionMiles Away. Jake continues toamaze me.

Over the years Jake has gonefrom acoustic uke to electric, tothe use of distortion pedals andlots of effects, and come full-circle. He has experimentedwith various "sounds" and trieddifferent techniques in a endless

quest for refinement. He hastaken inspiration from some ofthe greatest ukulele and guitarplayers of music history andincorporated their ideas andtechniques into his own musicalrepertoire.

Jake pushes the ukulele intonew territory because hedoesn't limit himself with rigidthinking. It is obvious that hesees the ukulele as a seriousmusical instrument, not anovelty or a toy. If guitarists caninnovate, why not ukuleleplayers, too? And so it is that ifJake imagines it, and hears asong in his head, he finds a wayto play it with a ukulele.

If I had to pick a genre in whichto place Jake Shimabukuro, theperformer, I might choose jazz,but many of his songs seemsright at home in rock and roll.Still, some pieces are classicalmusic. Jake's CDs are a mix ofjazz, rock, and classical pieces,and some that defy description.I am convinced that there aresome artists that cannot bepidgeon-holed into a particulargenre. Jake is without a doubtone of them.

Jimmy Buffett is one of the fewperformers that has beenaround for decades and still fillsstadiums at his concerts. Iwashrilled when I heard thatJimmy had Jake fronting for himon tour.

Jimmy has a huge followingand his music falls into acategory all its own. In my mind,Jake was a perfect fit for aJimmy Buffett tour and it was agolden opportunity for a youngartist looking for internationalexposure, not to mention what itdid for ukulele sales.

The recent popularity of ukulelehas been attributed to anhandful of people, Jim Beloff,Izrael (IZ) Kamakawiwo 'Ole,James Hill, and Jake. In fact,many people give Jake and his"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"video sole credit for the uke"craze", which is certainly ahuge part of it, but it is, in fact,just a part of the whole story.

Jake's appeal is a combinationof youth, skill, timing,perserverence, determination,and humility. He is incrediblytalented and very likable.Jake before the show at Akron, Ohio

In the midst of planning thisarticle, one of our area ukuleleclub members (COUP - a.k.a.Columbus Ohio Ukulele Peeps),Randy McGinn, found out thatJake was going to beperforming in Akron, Ohio onMarch 7th. We went straight towork and contacted Jake's PRmanagement to see if wecould meet with Jake in Akronand get some pictures beforeand during the show. We weretold about Jake's new CD andarranged for a promotionalcopy to write our review at thesame time.

We'd like to take this opportunityto thank Jake Shimabukuro, hisPR manager, Michael Bloom,Sony, and Hitchhike Records forhelping us make all of thispossible. If not for Michael'sefforts, we would not have beenable to catch Jake betweentours and get the interview.

Not only does Jake play likelightning, his tour schedulekeeps him on the run.

The easiest way to get aninterview with Jake was viaemail by way of Michael Bloom.

After the interview we have aCD review of "Live", Jake's latestalbum, set for release April 14th.You don't want to miss thatalbum, it is Jake at his best.

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Q: What was your first ukulele(brand name and size).

A: Kamaka standard size

Q: How old were you when youstarted playing?

A: 4 years old.

Q: How old were you when youfirst took the stage?

A: 14 years old.

Q: Have you played in a "band"in the past? Do you anticipateevery playing in a band in thefuture?

A: I started out playing in bands.I still enjoy performing with othermusicians so I would say thatthe idea of being a part of aband in the future is a possibility.

Q: You said in your DVD, MillionMiles Away, that your songshave lyrics, or you have lyrics inyour head when you are writinga song. Have you ever thoughtabout publishing those lyrics?

A: Not really. My lyrics are betterleft unsung.

Q: What is the largest audienceyou have had in a show whereyou had top billing? (I know thatfronting for Jimmy Buffett wasprobably the biggest audienceyou have had - Jimmy is agreat guy and that was a greatopportunity)

A: Close to 5000 people.

Q: I know that you also playsmall beach houses andcoffee-house type of places,too. Is it that you like the

intimacy of the small places?

A: Yes. It's a lot easier toconnect with the audience.

Q: You have said that you get alot of your energy, when you areplaying on stage, from theaudience and that they are alarge part of the performance.Was it always that way?

A: Yes. But recently I've becomemore aware of it.

Q: People have speculated asto whether you and James Hillhave every jammed together,have you?

A: Not really. But I do admire hisplaying very much. And, he's areally nice guy!

Q: You have an assortment ofKamaka ukuleles. When didthey start sponsering you?

A: About twelve years ago.

Q: Have you played one of theirJake signature ukes?

A: Yes, of course! They soundgreat!

Q: Which of your Kamaka ukesis your favorite?

A: Buffy 2! I've had her now forabout three years.

Q: Are all of your ukuleles tenorsize?

A: Yes.

Q: You are such an amazingukulele player, have you everthought about playing guitar to

see what you could do withone?

A: I do play a bit of guitar. Iknow a few chords, but itdoesn't bring me as muchsatisfaction as playing theukulele.

Q: You have just completed anew CD that will be available inApril. What is the title? Howmany songs are on it? Are theyall new or have some been onprevious albums?

A: The title of the CD is "Live." It'smy first live CD and they are allnew tracks.

Q: How many shows do youplay in a year?

A: Around 250 shows.

Q: Are there any future goals orplans you'd like to share with us?

A: I'm currently involved in aprogram called Music Is GoodMedicine that focuses oninspiring and mentoring childrento serve in their communities.

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Once again, I'd like to take theopportunity to thank Jake andhis PR Manager, Michael Bloomfor helping me get an interview.

Jake came off a tour and wentimmediately to work withHitchhike Records to get his new"Live" album ready for an Aprilrelease and launched a newtour without much break. Icaught him at the end of ashort bit of vacation time to getthis interview. It's concise and to

the point, but we were able toget Jake to sit still long enoughto answer a few questions for us.

--------------------------------

We caught Jake in Akron, Ohioon March 7, at E.J. Thomas Hall,University of Akron.

We were fortunate enough tocoordinate a brief meeting priorto the show and take a fewpictures for the magazine. Wewere also permitted to takesome concert shots.

I slipped a business card to oneof the Akron police officersworking security detail and hegave it to one of the venue staffmembers to let Jake's tourmanager know that I was there.In a brief moment, I was beingushered to a dressing roomwhere I found Jake playing hisukulele and nibbling on a fewcold cuts and some freshveggies while he was mentallypreparing for the show.

Jake stood and shook my hand,introduced himself, and thenwe took a few photos andtalked briefly.

I left after that to give him timeto prepare for the show. I wasushered to the main floor of thevenue to meet with my wife,COUP member Randy McGinnand his wife. We took a seat atone of the tables prepared forthe show and a few momentslater I took a position just off thestage where I would be allowedto photograph Jake during thefirst three songs of the show. Iwas at the foot of the stage withspeakers over my left shoulder.

Above: Jake started the show seatedand was up and down the wholeevening.

Right: Jake told the story about theinspiration for the song "Dragon" andjust started playing when I took thisshot.

Below: Jake was totally focused andpouring his heart into "Dragon" when Icaught this facial expression.

Jake hit the stage at 8:05 PMand he captivated theaudience within the first two barsof his opening song. From themoment he stepped on stageto the last goodbye, the crowdwas his and there was no doubtthat Jake Shimabukuro was inhis element.

When it comes to musicians,there are artists and there aretechnicians. Jake is, without adoubt, an artist. He pours hisheart into every song he plays.

Jake has all of the technicalskills that you would expect froma virtuoso-quality player, but, heis not mechanical. He feels themusic and it flows through him.

Like a martial artist, Jake andthe ukulele become one.

Mu-shin, among the ZenMasters of Japan is "the mind ofno mind". It is when onebecomes so well trained in theirparticular art that they act andreact by reflex.

When Jake picks up his ukulele,it is as though he does not evenhave to think about it. The musicjust flows through him. You cansee the concentration, but Jakemakes it look effortless.

During the performance Jakeseemed so relaxed andinteracted with the crowd withsuch ease. A lot of performersappear uneasy talking with theaudience and theirperformance becomes verymechanical. They become rigidand tense. Not Jake. He wascomfortable before the crowdand he actually connected withthem almost immediately.

I wish I could remember thesongs in order that Jake playedthem. He put on a great showand played almost everythingon his new "Live" album in thecourse of the evening.

The fans didn't get enough andJake thanked them with twoencore numbers. He playedAva Maria (Schubert's) and youcould hear a pin drop. Whatfeeling! It was one of the mostbeautiful renditions I have everheard.

Jake finished off the night with"Crazy G" as the fans yelled"faster" at the appropriate time.He commented that they hadheard the CD. Absolutely.

Jake has technique, speed,and style. He feels the musicand pours his heart intoeverything he plays. He is anamazing performer, humble,and lovable. If you have achance to see him perform'live', don't miss it. Incredible.

Jake Shimabukuro LiveI received a pre-release copy ofJake's new album "Live" abouttwo weeks ago and then a finalshipping copy arrived on Friday,March 6th.

"Live" is twenty tracks, seventeenof them music and three areJake briefly introducing anumber or telling the storybehind a song.

Here are the tracks in order:

1. Trapped2. Piano-Forte3. Bach 2-part Invention No.44. Me & Shirley T5. Spain6. Five Dollars Unleaded7. Let's Dance: Prelude8. Let's Dance9. Talk Story I (Michael Jackson)10. Thriller11. Orange World12. Wes on Four13. Talk Story II (Japanese Koto)14. Sakura, Sakura15. Dragon16. Yeah17. Talk Story III (Uke Disco)18. While My Guitar Gently Weeps19. 3rd Stream20. Blue Roses Falling

If you catch Jake's current tour,this is pretty much what you willhear.

Watching Jake perform live is anincredible experience. This CDcaptures that energy very well.From start to finish, you will feel

as though you are right there inthe room with him. That is thegoal of a live performancealbum, but where others fail,Jake Shimabukuro Livesucceeds.

"Trapped" starts off sweet andstylish. It really shows Jake'sprecision and feel of the music.

"Piano-Forte" blew me away.What Jake can do in twooctave range is amazingenough, but this song is sobeautiful it's hard to believe itwas composed on a uke.

Following "Piano-Forte" withJ.S.Bach was a great idea.Again, it shows the depth ofJake's musical talent. Johannwould be proud.

"Me & Shirley T" is wonderful, it isso clean and clear and reallyhighlights Jake's ability to playjazz on four strings.

This rendition of "Spain" I haveever heard. I have always lovedthat composition anyway, butJake makes it his own.

"Five Dollars Unleaded" is anoriginal tune Jake explains isabout his father buying gasolinewhen it was much moreaffordable.

"Let's Dance" is another tunewhere Jake gives acommanding performance.Followed by Michael Jackson'sThriller (Rod Temperton). Thissong caught me off guard.

Orange World is a cool littletune influenced by "Bluegrass"and Jake wraps it up with a littleDueling Banjos (veyr little).

"Wes on Four" is an intricatenumber, quick and precise.

"Sakura, Sakura" blew me away.Jake took a thirteen-stringedinstrument and played it on fourstrings... he'll explain.

"Dragon" is one of my favoriteJake compositions. Thisrendition is fantastic. Followedby "Yeah", another great song.

"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"always inspires me. Jake'shomage to George Harrison isfabulous and 2.5 million viewson YouTube are a greattestimonial.

Jake wraps up this CD with "3rdStream" and "Blue Roses Falling"and then, you'll want to listen toit again. Absolutely wonderful.Best of all, this CD leaves youwanting more. And that good.

Victoria VoxWe caught up with Victoria Voxat the Rumba Cafe inColumbus, Ohio.

The show started a bit behindschedule due to the houseband playing over their plannedtime in a Barack Obama victoryparty. Then, they didn't clear thestage fast enough.

Once Victoria Vox hit the stage,she made a commandingpeformance. The wait wasworth it.

During the sound-check,Victoria was jamming with afunky sort of vibe on hercustom-made KoAlohaPineapple Sunday (Yep, that'sthe way KoAloha spells it).

This girl can play. I'd like to hearmore of what Victoria can dowith a ukulele if she were to cutloose in an informal jam session.

My day started at 2:00 AM, so Iwas not able to stay for theentire show, but, we arrangedto meet with Victoria thefollowing morning for aninterview. She rolled into myplace at about 10:30 AM andtook the time to take a fewmore pictures and sit with us forthe interview. We found herfunny, sweet, charming, and

full of personality.

Q: How long have you playedukulele?

A: About five and a half years.

Q: The bio on your website saysthat you were playing guitar firstand you were doing gigs?

A: I would play coffee-housesand bars and play, like, threesets of my original music onguitar. I also threw in somecover tunes.

Q: How long were you doingthat then?

A: I'd been playing guitar forthirteen years, but I've beendoing music full-time for fiveand a half, pretty much as longas I've been playing ukulele. Theukulele just started creeping intomy sets and people really lovedit. I had like two original songsand one cover on ukulele.People would say: “Play theukulele again.” I'd say, “I onlyknow three songs.” And they'dsay play them again. Once theidea of a CD came about,which was fan supported, I waskind of forced to write more onthe ukulele. “My first album,Jumping Flea, is half cover andhalf original songs.

Q: Your formal education wassongwriting, tell me about that.

A: I started writing songs when Iwas ten. I got into the guitarwhen I was seventeen. At thetime, I was starting to get intothe singer-songwriter music. Itwas not the pop, top-40 I waswriting when I was ten, it wasmore emotional andtherapeutic. It made me feelbetter and was a way ofexpressing myself. About fouryears after college, I felt that itwas all making sense, now. I feltthat it was all clicking into place.

Q: What was your first ukulele?

A: I don't even think there was abrand. I heard a version of“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”when I was in France. This wasback in 2002, I think. I cameback in the States and keptthinking “that song is justamazing” I had a copy of itfrom the “Finding Forester”soundtrack. I didn't even know itwas played on a ukulele, so Istuck my capo way up on the

neck of my guitar and playedalong with it. I was singing it anoctave higher than IZ did. Istarted playing it and peopleloved it at the shows. I had afriend in Wisconsin, his name isDale Anderson, and we shareda couple of shows and I startedplaying the song and he cameout with a ukulele and startedplaying along. I said, “You knowthat song?” and he said, “Yeah,I love that song, you need toplay that on a ukulele.” He's like,maybe sixty-six years old. Heplays this really awesome DeltaBlues and slide guitar. He hadthis collection of thirty-five or soukes and he gave me one ofhis. The one he gave me didn'teven have a brand. It said DukeKohanamoku on it. It's the oneon the cover of Jumping Flea.He gave me this ukulele andthe first thing I did was write asong. That was “Dreamin' 'BoutYou.”

As a touring musician, it washard playing uke, I needed onethat I could plug-in. So, for

Christmas 2003, my mombought me a “Fluke”. That wasmy second ukulele and I playedthat for about two years. It's agreat uke for the money. When Ireleased “Jumping Flea” andtoured Hawaii, then I gotsponsored by KoAloha. I feel solucky to be playing thePineApple Sunday. It's just anawesome ukulele and yes, itplays like butter.

Q: When did you start touring?Did you start off playing localgigs or just decide to hit theroad right away?

A: In my senior year I startedplaying open mics and things,then when I went to the BerkleeCollege of Music and studiedsongwriting, even at Berklee Ihadn't been performing a wholelot yet. I performed in acontrolled environment, in theclassroom, and it was a greatexperience. I took six months offschool and did three months inNashville doing radio internship.I was supposed to go to LA, butmy car broke down and Iended up in Green Bay.

That was 1999 and I thought tomyself that I was going to begoing crazy if I am not playingmusic, Berklee was like livingand breathing music and all ofa sudden I was at a regularcollege and it was boring. Ithought I've gotta dosomething. That was when Istarted playing shows. Everyweekend I was out playing. Thatwas in the fall of 1999(Wisconsin region). I was playingcoffee-houses or playing forfree and getting whatevermoney I could. I had a CD with

my “band” and I was selling CDsat shows.

I went back to school in Januaryof 2000. I finished college andwent to Nashville for ninemonths. I wasn't reallyperforming much either andthen I decided to go to Europefor three months to back-packand play in the streets. Then Istarted playing in London a bit.For the next three years it wasback and forth to Europe.

I toured Hawaii for the first timein December 2005. It was thenthat I got the deal with KoAloha.They saw my picture in thenewspaper. I had a publicistthat I worked with from Chicagoand she was working on thepromotional stuff for my tourand Jumping Flea. She did anawesome job of getting thename out and promoting thenew album, my first ukulelealbum.

We started researching ukulelemusic and there was this whole

world of ukulele players. I wassurprised. Wow, there areukulele festivals and ukuleleplayers all around the world. Ihad no idea of its existencebefore I started playing the uke.

The first gig I had in Hawaii, I wastold not to play ukulele, exceptfor “Somewhere Over theRainbow”. The next day, we tookoff for Maui and people werejust awesome. That's when I gotthe e-mail from KoAloha sayingwe'd love to sponsor you. InMaui, there was a lot of supportfor what I was doing.

I play the ukulele, but I still don'tconsider myself a ukuleleplayer. To me, it's different. JakeShimabukuro is a ukulele player.I strum it and I sing along. I playthe ukulele, but my voice is myprimary instrument.

Q: What other instruments doyou play?

A: I already mentioned guitar,the 'Mouth' trumpet (giggle) 'air

trumpet', for me, it's a way forme to do improvisation. I amnot a lead player. I can diddlearound a little on ukulele, butthe mouth trumpet is a way forme to improv and expressmyself.

Q: How many shows do you doin a year?

A: The max I've done is 200shows. That was really pushing it.I am probably settling in atabout 125 or 150 shows. I amvery fortunate. I pay all my billsand I am still paying offChameleon. The album wasdone on a budget. I have aphotographer I have used since2003 and I like working with him.If anyone orders a CD from mywebsite, I take the order. Ifsomeone wants it signed, I'lltake care of that.

Q: Including earlier recordings,how many CDs have you sold?

A: In all, about 12,000 CDs.

Q: How many albums do youhave?

A: I have done six, but only twofeature the ukulele.

Q: What's the biggest venue youhave played?

A: The Meyer Theatre in GreenBay, that's about 700 people. Iopened for Jake in New Yorkand that was about 300people. The smallest place Iplayed was in Kansas. Ichecked out their website andthey said they had live music. Isaid 'cool' and booked it. Ipulled up that night. I kid you

not, the bar was like half the sizeof this living room [we did thisinterview in my den – Mickey]. Itended up being a really greatnight and they were so muchfun.

Q: So, do you book these gigs?

A: I do my own booking. I haveno management. I have anassistant that helps me out oneday a week.

Q: Has your MySpace site beenreally promoting your work foryou?

A: I have not been payingmuch attention to MySpace inthe last year. I've beenspending more time onFaceBook, it's so much easier.The advertisements are notover-bearing, you don't have towait forever for a page to load. Iwas in Europe and a friend hada computer and I was onMySpace and this programasked me if I wanted todownload the song fromMySpace and burn it to CD,even when MySpace is not setto allow downloads. That is notright.

Q: When did you discoverTwitter?

A: I was on Twitter before I wason FaceBook. I signed up for aPR newsletter from a gal in NewYork and she sent out anewsletter with social networkingsites and Twitter was one ofthem. I love it. I am “tweeting”all the time. I have an iPhoneand there is an application forTwitter on it and it just makes itreally easy. I haven't been so

great with MySpace andkeeping up with blogs. I do mynewsletter once a month.Sometimes it can be prettylengthy and other times, it's like,here are the shows... I've gottago. Twitter is really great andreally easy. I don't have to loginto some site and I haveexcuse for not keeping fans upto date.

Q: I read a critic who said thatyou are “someone to watch”.Do you read the reviews?

A: I do, I mean, I have to,because I do my own websiteand when you put together amedia kit, a press kit, you needthose snippets.

Q: What are your future goals,future plans?

A: I live day-by-day, but, on theother hand, I have a full year'scalendar on my wall.

Q: How old are you?

A: I'm thirty. Sometimes I feel likepeople in the music businessdon't take me seriously,because I look young or thefact that I play ukulele (that'schanging).

I am doing everything myself, soit definitely takes longer. As faras goals, I like to be selling outtheatres touring. I would like toget some music into televisionand film. I am working with aguy in LA that is sending my stuffout. You just have to keepgoing, and networking, being inthe right place at the right timeand being available. When Iam touring, I'll contact radio

stations and let them know, andmake sure they have a CD. Idon't actively follow whatstations are playing my music.There are so many aspects ofmy business that it is hard tokeep up. There's writing,booking, radio, and interviews.

For now, I seem to be doing apretty good job getting theword out and beingindependent. I like theindependence.

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We'd like to thank Victoria Voxfor taking time to sit with us andanswer our questions.

After this interview, Victoria washeading southwest to the nextstop on her current tour.

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www.victoriavox.com

Making beautiful music is your passion, helping you do it is ours.

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Ohana CKP-70Ohana's CKP-70, Vita Ukereproduction is a ukulele thathas always intrigued me.

First off, I love the shape of thisukulele. It looks so 'Celtic' to me.It also reminds me of a lute.Since I am a big fan of bothCeltic and Renaissance Faires,and the musical performersthere, I immediately tookinterest in the Vita Uke shape.

Ohana has developed areputation for great-sounding,inexpensive ukuleles and theCKP-70 may look exotic, but it isvery affordable. The body has alaminated back and sides anda solid spruce top. This little gemis bold and loud. It is perfect forIrish pub tunes and renfestmusical numbers.

The specimen I have is flawless.The setup is absolutelywonderful and the tone is brightand clear. The neck looks short,but it really isn't, it just appearsthat way (probably due to thebody shape).

This ukulele holds tune incrediblywell and the geared tuners dothe job well enough to maketuning a very simple task. Theyhave a very fitting look for thisinstrument, better suited for itthan friction tuners would be.They are not too heavy either.

Playing the CKP-70, the firstthing that struck me was therich, full tone. Even though thisuke has a solid spruce top, it isnot too bright. It is warm andperfect for vocal-orientedmusic. It is loud enough forjamming with a room full ofother ukulele players withoutgetting lost in the mix.

I'd love to hear one of thesewith electronics installed. Playingthis uke with a high-performance condenser mic,you want to make sure yourvolume is not too high. I'd mic it,instead, with an SM-57 (Shureinstrument mic) and point it atthe bridge, not the "soundholes". This baby has somepunch to it. Too much volumeand you will have distortion. Thatis no fault of the ukulele, just beaware that this uke has volume.

The action on this uke is justperfect. The frets are trimmedeautifully and the neck is straightand true. The strings are low onthe fretboard and it plays likebutter. From the factory, I couldcount on one hand the numberof ukuleles that rival this setup.

The back and sides of this ukeare laminated, as I saidpreviously, and I like that. Firstoff, this ukulele has a complexbody shape and I'd rather have

a laminated body onsomething like this. It is strongerand more dimensionally stable.That means, this instrument willbe more durable and less likelyto have tuning issues when youare at higher elevation or haverapidly changing weatherconditions.

The body is bound with a nicetrim. The black on white bindingis a perfect compliment to thesolid-spruce top.

One thing I will point out aboutall Vita ukes, the weakest pointin the body is the tail of the seal-shaped acoustic holes. If theyare exposed to extreme cold ordry weather, that is the mostlikely place for a crack todevelop. The CKP-70 fits aLanikai Concert uke case verywell and for $40 at Musician'sFriend, it is a good investment.

You can find the Ohana CKP-70online for as little as $160 USD. Itis a great peformer and a greatvalue.

Dave TalsmaIn the world of ukulele, luthierDave Talsma is someone youshould know.

Dave is multi-talented. He is anartist by trade, a graphicdesigner, master craftsman,musician, and makes some ofthe finest musical instrumentsavailable today.

The picture in the upper rightcorner of this page shows Daveat the work bench. Theheadstock standing close to thecenter of the picture is that ofthe Dairy Queen Uke he built forWarren Buffet.

The first time I heard one ofDave's ukuleles in action was ina recording made by GeraldRoss. What a sweet soundingtenor uke.

I wanted to interview Dave forthis issue of ukulele player tointroduce our readers to one ofthe top five luthiers (in myestimation) in the business ofukulele building. In case youwant to know the other four, wellyou can just keep guessingbecause I am not telling. Daveis one of them, though.

Dave has made vintagereproductions. He has madeukes with design features seenin some guitar companies

and on other types of musicalinstruments. He has builtcomical character ukes, like"Jack" from "The NightmareBefore Christmas" cartoon. Hehas made novelty instruments,like the "Creature" (of the BlackLagoon).

Every one of Dave's ukuleles, nomatter what the inspiration,plays and sounds like a dream.You won't find a better qualityinstrument when you get to thislevel of craftsmanship.

Dave builds instrumentsbecause doing so is one of hispassions and that makes all thedifference in the world.

-----------------------------------

Q: Your website says that yougrew up in a musical family.What instruments do you play?

A: My Dad played accordionand ukulele. He played thebaritone uke in minstrel shows inthe 70’s, real fun, black facemake-up and all. My brotherhas played all kinds of guitarssince the time of the Beatle’sand still does to this day. Iplayed trumpet all throughgrade school and high school, Istill own one but never touch it.I “try to make time” to play myukuleles and guitars, mostly

electric guitar, and whateverfloats my boat.

Q: When did you first take upukulele?

A: My Dad taught me a fewsongs when I was young, like“Aint She Sweet” and “Dark TownStutters’ Ball”. I really changedmy opinion about ukes when Imade a trip to Elderly’s andplayed a real uke, andthought, wow, these are cool.

Q: You are a visual artist. Whendid you decide to try musicalinstrumentmaking?

A: My Dad was a mechanicalengineer, and I had a fewsummer jobs in engineering too.I went to college and got adegree in Illustration andGraphic Arts, and I have alwaysthought of stringed instrumentsas visual art pieces. I decidedto mix engineering and my artwork to make musical art,instead of hanging flat art, this is3D art that creates great music.

Q: Your website says that youhave been building ukulelesand guitars since 1996, is thatwhen you went commercialwas that the actual start?

A: 1996 is when I built my first

guitar, a copy of a Martin D-18.It came out so good I washooked and began makingthem for friends and peoplewho where willing to pay forthem. After about 12 guitars myattention turned to the ukulele.There are a lot of custom guitarbuilders, but very few makers ofukes at a level I am doing.

Q: How many ukuleles have youbuilt to date? How manyguitars? Are they’re any otherinstruments?

A: Lets see, ten guitars, acousticand electric and eighty twoukuleles and one mandolin.

Q: How many ukuleles do youbuild per year on average?

A: I make about twelve or soper year, depending on howcomplex. I try to stay away fromthe workbench during our shortMichigan summers. I also havebeen teaching a student tobuild ukes too. Oh, and did Imention I work full time too.

Q: Did you start with your ownukulele designs or copies ofclassic ukes?

A: I started with my own designs,but I also do recreations ofclassics, mostly Martin styles. Ihave the most fun when I havefull control and just to dosomething cool and new. Likethe Beatle Bass Tenors and thePhantom models. My paintedpineapples are unlike anyavailable; the tops look morelike a photo. I also love to dotransparent colors over figuredwoods.

Q: How long a waiting list doyou presently have?

A: It varies from six to twelvemonths. I try to double up andbuild two that are similar at thesame time.

Q: From start to finish, how longdoes a simple uke design taketo build?

A: It takes me about six to eightweeks, the finish process takes amonth in itself with curing times.

Q: How about a fully adorneduke with lots of inlay?

A: Yes, I do all inlay work myself.I did a hummingbird headstockthat was made with over thirtypieces, and used a realemerald for the eye. I’mcurrently building a Martin 5Ktenor copy, lots there to detail.

Q: I see that you have made allsizes of ukes, what size is themost popular seller?

A: It seems the tenors arealways popular. I also do a lotof in-between scales too. Somecall them super scales.

Q: Have you made anyextended scale models?

A: I can do either 12 or 14 fretsto bodies, sometimes it’s agood thing, sometimes not.

Q: Do you have a particularfavorite uke that you've built?

A: I say that about each one,but the next is always better. Ibuild each one as if it’s formyself, it must be perfect. I think

Some of Dave's wonderful creations...

the Beatle Bass tenors I havedone are stunning to see,something that I find hard tobelieve that I actually madefrom raw materials.

Q: Do you built the cases, too?

A: I have made a couplecases, that’s a whole differentthing that I really don’t havetime for, I leave that to the pros.I have been having CedarCreek make all my customcases for me now.

Q: Do you do restorations ofvintage ukes?

A: Yes I have restored manyukes, guitars and violins, somesimple and some brought backfrom the dead.

Q: Greg Hawkes has one of yourpainted pineapple Ukes. Arethere any other "famous" rockmusicians that have one of yourukes?

A: Greg is the star, but I havemade many for really greatplayers too, Including MarcyMarxer, two time Grammywinner. I love to hear my ukesplayed by someone who canbring them to life, a feeling Ican’t even begin to describe.

Q: Do you have any futuregoals you can share with us?

A: I currently work a 40 hour dayjob as a graphic artist, my goalis to go full-time with the luthierbusiness. At this time its still ahobby of mine that pays for funtoys in my life, but I’m still havingfun doing it - so that’s whatreally matters.

A TUNEFUL TONIC FOR TROUBLED TIMES

http://www.suncoastukulele.com/Suncoast_UkuleleFest/Home.html

Book Review

Play Well With Others, by MarthaHaehl and Mike Walker is aninsightful tome that will teach you

how to play well with a group of othermusicians. The principles apply to anygenre of music but it was written forukulele players.

Fledgling musicians often have troublejamming with other players. It's hard toplay with other people when you have never done so.

Haehl and Walker joined forces to create a simple, easy tofollow method of learning how to jam with other musiciansand sound good in the process. They take a common-sense approach to keeping time, learning to follow theleader, understanding rhythm, ahd even learning how totranspose songs to another key.

The book is illustrated with cute little cartoons to enhanceeach lesson and explain each principle of music. I knowlots of people that could have shortened their learningcurve if this book had been available years ago.

For new musicians wanting to become involved in jamsessions, Play Well With Others is just the ticket.

Serpentine - Snake SuspenderzHowlin' Hobbit is well knownwithin the ukulele community.He is part of the band, SnakeSuspenderz. Hobbit sent me acopy of their new CD,Serpentine to review.

Here's the line-up:

1. Say Hello to Mister Snake2. FAIL!3. 20th Century Fads4. Even Your Best Friends5. Naughty Monkey6. Sausage7. Light Fingers Louie8. Flower of Shanghai9. Misery Loves Company10. Don't Get Around Much Anymore11. I'm Gonna Get Me A Lawyer12. Night Train Waltz13. Teddy Bear's Picnic14. Serpentine15. Happy Ending Waltz16. Don't Quit The Day Job

If you are not totally hooked bythe time you reach the end of"Say Hello To Mister Snake", youhaven't been listening. What agreat number to kick-off a newCD. This song takes me back intime to some gin-joint inChicago or New Orleans.

"Fail", George of the Jungle, Iwas laughing before the end ofthe first verse. Feel like aschmedrick or loser, ah, justlaugh at yourself and put somespring in your step. This song hasa great vibe to it. Love thepercussion.

"20th Century Fads" is a cutesong. Again, love the tromboneand jazz feel to the tune, butlisten to the lyrics. I recognizedthem all. 20th Century Fads.

Even Your Best Friend... Theseguys hit my funny bone on everynumber. This song has scat-singing, sounds like Satchmo."Naughty Monkey"... I neverthought I"d hear a song aboutspanking your monkey. Listencarefully to this one. "Sausage"had me laughing andwondering about any sausage Ihave ever eaten. Followed by"Light Fingers Louie" the Speak-Easy attitude continues. What acool jazzy number.

"Flower of Shanghai" continuesthe jazz of "Light Fingers Louie" ina Roaring Twenties sort of tuneabout a gal from Shanghai.That trombone just kicks.

"Misery Loves Company" hadme laughing. I know people likethat! Ah... Losers in Love.

"Don't Get Around MuchAnymore" This tune has a greatintro and I love the lyrics. Again,the trombone is sweet.

"I'm Gonna Get Me A Lawyer"reminds so much ofambulance-chasing lawyersthat advertise around here.

Love the blues harp on thissong, too. Nice touch, Hobbit.

"Night Train Waltz" Leaving townon the night train. Again, greatmusicianship.

Teddy Bear's Picnic is an oldsong from what I understand. Inever heard of it until I sawHowlin' Hobbit's video of it.

"Serpentine", once again,sounds like a gin-joint tune thatreally swings. What a great titlesong. This track pretty muchrepresents the group and thisentire collection of songs. I canhear this song in thebackground of a MickeySpillane drama.

Happy Ending Waltz seems outof place. It is a departure fromthe rest of the collection and anice change-up, actually.

"Don't Quit The Day Job (Yet).The perfect conclusion to afabulous CD.

If you like jazz and swing, if youlike the roaring twenties sort ofvibe, this is a must buy. Theseguys are great! But it here...

http://www.howlinhobbit.com/merch.php

Oscar Schmidt OU2eFor several years Oscar Schmidthas been selling ukuleles. Theyhave had their share of qualitycontrol issues and mixedreviews, but Oscar Schmidt hasnot given up the ship. Theymoved their manufacturing toanother country. They went fromChina to Indonesia and theyhave worked hard to fix theissues that they were having.

Oscar Schmidt wants ukuleleplayers to know that they are inthis market to stay. They weremanufacturing ukes before thecurrent craze and they are nowmaking professional quality ukesaddition to the low-end.

ukulele player is working to bringyou reviews of those in the nearfuture, but for now, let's take alook at one of OS's greatimproved low-cost ukes and seewhat has changed.

The OU2e and OU2 have beenthe first uke of choice for a lot ofpeople. Why? You can thankMusician's Friend and other

online stores for it. They areeconomical and pretty durable.

The OU2e has gone throughsome changes. The oldelectronics with a 9-volt batterythat had to be connected byremoving strings or dismantlingthe EQ are gone. The newelectronics, the UK-2000 are agreat improvement and there isa quick-release for the battery"compartment". That means,you won't need a screwdriverand there is no need to loosenthe strings to change batteries.

The bridge is a new style andmuch stronger. The body is athree-ply laminate and a littlethick, and the GHS strings aresomewhat thin, but plugged it,the sound is far better than Iexpected. You cna really "hearthe difference".

The neck on this ukulele isstraight and the action is justright. The tuners are also sturdyand turn very easily. The ukestays in tune extremely well.

There is a fully compensatedbridge and the intonation of thislittle uke is great. I love the lookof the mahogany top, even if itis a thick laminated instrument.It is rugged and stays in tunebetter than many in its priceclass. With the UK-2000electronics, It is no wonder Ihave seen several performingmusicians using an OU2e onstage in recent times.

I have the case pictured on thelower left to protect this uke,although it is tough enough thatthe gig bag would be all it reallyneeds. The case, though, is aGREAT case. Really. OscarSchmidt beats most of thecompetition with this case.

There are several high-end ukesin Oscar Schmidt's stable thesedays. We'd like to review themfor you and are working to dothat right now. Their solid-woodinstruments look beautiful andhave high-end features thatplace them in competition withmany of the names you know.

I'm in love. Let me explain...

I have always been a fan ofbaritone ukulele, but lastweekend I receive word fromLouis Wu, at Ohana Ukuleles,that he was sending me thisbaritone uke and it would be atour door on Thursday.

I anticipated the arrival of theBK-32 baritone with yearning.Alas, I missed the UPS deliveryand arranged to pick up theuke that same evening.

Thurday at about 8:00 PM, Ifinally have this ukulele on mylap and I've been playing it eversince.

Ask Nipper of the "Night Owls"and he will tell you that abaritone uke is great for filling inthe bottom end of any goodtune. Nipper, I concur. I've beenpreaching the virtues ofbaritone ukuleles since the1960s, at least. They are, in anutshell, wonderful. Smooth andsoothing tones that lendthemselves to vocal-orientedmusic, blues, or jazz, thebaritone ukulele adds so muchdepth to ukulele ensembles thatno group should be withoutone.

Ohana's BK-32 is a baritoneukulele with style. The body issolid mahogany all the wayaround. It sports a veryconservation rosette, nothingfancy there. The binding istortoise-shell and gives theinstrument a dapper look. Yes, itis neatly dressed.

The neck on this ukulele isbeautifully shaped from theheel to the tip of its head. Thereare geared tuners with rose-colored buttons that accent thebinding nicely and complimentthe rich mahogany body androsewood fretboard and bridge.

This baritone uke came withGHS strings, like every otherbaritone uke I have ever seen inmodern times. They soundwarm and mellow. They havenot been played prior to me,so, they required a littlestretching to get settled a bit,but it was not long before theukulele was holding tune like adream.

Louis told me that this ukulele isvery lightweight. He was notkidding. I will be reviewinganother Ohana baritone in acoming issue, the BK-20cewhich is not heavy, but there is

an appreciable differencebetween the two.

The sound-board is thin andlively. You can feel the ukulelevibrate when you play it andthat explains the soundprojection. This uke is just theright volume. Many baritonesare very subdued, but this ukehas a voice big enough to beeasily heard.

Ohana BK-32Baritone Ukulele Style

The neck of this ukulele isflawless. The fretboard is perfectand there are no imperfectionsthat I have discovered in thebody or its luxurious satin finish.

If you have three or moreukuleles together, a baritoneuke adds so much to the mixthat I'd recommend thateveryone have one in theircollection. Record a song withjust a soprano uke track. Thenrecord the same tune with abaritone uke added and youwill instantly be convinced.

Ohana has several baritoneukuleles in their line-up. Lots ofbaritones are available on themarket, but, there are few solidmahogany baritones available.Most other makers offer baritoneukes, the vast majority of thosebeing laminated "nato" or somesimilar wood.

The BK-32 takes the lead with itssolid mahogany body andneck. You can hear thedifference in more than justvolume. The tone is very sweetand will only get better with

age. This is one instrument I planto play for a long time to come.

Right now, Ohana has fourbaritone ukuleles in their lineup.They have the BK-32 (in thisreview), the BK-20 and BK-20ce(with a cut-away body and UK-2000 pickup), and the BK-35,with a solid mahogany body.

As more people discoverukulele, the market for baritoneukes will grow. A guitarist lookingfor a 'first uke' will find a baritoneeasy to pick up and hit theground running. Tuned like aguitar, the bari is easier forsomeone to start playing songsthey already know on guitar withminimal effort and things willsound very familiar. They will getup to speed in no time.

Before you know it, those newukulele players will be addingsoprano and concert ukes totheir collection. Soon they willbe discovering tenors.

So, here is my wish-list for thefuture of baritone ukulele...

I'd like to see more baritoneukes available in solid woodand still some high-qualitylaminated body models withsolid tops. I'd like to see moremodels with cut-aways to giveeasier access to the top of theneck. I'd also like to seeelectronics in more models, oras an option in virtually everyukulele for that matter.

I'd like to see some baritoneukuleles with arch-tops, withmaple bodies, with somefigured exotic woods. Baritonesadd so much to a "band" of ukeplayers or club jam sessions.

If you get a chance to play asolid mahogany baritone uke,you'll be hooked. Ohana's BK-32and BK-35 are winners.

I give a big thumbs-up toOhana for the BK-32. Thisbaritone uke is sweet, beautiful,lightweight with perfect balanceand the tone is rich and fullacross all four strings. I highlyrecommend it.

Making beautiful music is your passion, helping you do it is ours.

Lots of old-time musicians preferanalog recording equipmentover modern digital gear.Lately, though, analog studiorecording systems havedropped off the radar scope.

Is anyone still making them?

If there are no other alternatives,then we have to face themusic, so to speak, and acceptthe fact that those old tapesystems are gone for good andsooner or later they won't evenbe repairable should the needarise.

Having been a big fan of taperecording equipment for itswarmth and broader dynamicrange, I had to literally convincemyself that digital recordershave their share of benefits. I'dlike to take a look at those.

First off, digital recorders comewith several types of storagemedia. They originally useddigital discs. Then, they went tohard drives and CD burners. Notlong after that, they startedmaking low-cost systems thatstored your song files onmemory cards.

Since virtually every majorrecording studio is now filledwith computerized gear,software has come along to http://www.wsukes.com

http://www.ukulelecosmos.com - excitement, music, lively discussion, and a whole lot more...

http://www.ukulelenoir.com/

ukulele player is created usingSerif PagePlus page layout andgraphic design software.

http://www.serif.com

Digital Recording

replace expensive specializedgear, like effects processors, forexample.

Digital files can be manipulatedin several ways. You can usuallychoose between destructive ornon-destructive editing, whichgives you almost unlimitedability to reverse something thatyou attempted to do ifsomething goes awry.

Add virtual tracks to the mix,literally, and you can dumpmultitudes of tracks on yourcomputer's hard drive, then editor mix them with one of anynumber of studio softwarepackages and various plug-ins.

Need some reverb, noproblem, we have a VST plug-injust for that. How aboutchanging tempo withoutchanging the pitch? We can dothat too. Re-recording is almostobsolete. As long as you keep acopy of your original files safelystored, you can do all sorts ofediting.

Ping-ponging is when you dumptwo or more tracks into oneother track. We used to call it"mixing down" and that gaveyou the ability to squeeze asmany as seven tracks from a4-track system. Now, however,you can just record a bunch of"virtual tracks" and use those inthe mix. A typical four track canstore as many as thirty-twovirtual tracks. Your little 4-track isreally capable of doing what anold 32-track setup used to do.

Best of all, you can buy a digital4-track for under $200 USD. Notbad at all.

Got Uke?

You can find Kala Ukuleles atwww.ukeladymusic.com

Kala KA-JTE/MAffectionately known as theKala Archtop to most playersthat have them, the KA-JTE/M isway cool!

When I pick this tenor ukulele upand start tuning it, music isalready running through myhead. I can't help myself. By thetime I am done tuning, I amready to rock and roll.

I used to play a vintage GretschElectromatic Archtop guitar.That was decades ago. At thetime, I played a lot of rockmusic and some rock-a-billyand up-tempo country with ajazz vibe to it. When I pick upthe Kala Archtop, I can't helpjamming to old blues and jazztunes. Oh, yeah... play thatfunky music, white boy.

Cool... hot... funky... jazzy... theyall apply to the Kala Archtop.

This particular model has a high-gloss finish, like most archtopguitars. It has the same "f-holes"that you find in so many jazzguitars. This one sports pearl-likebinding, a laminated body,rosewood fretboard and bridge,chrome geared tuners, andpearl inlaid palm trees in theneck. Nice bit of bling. Thepickup is based on the Nano-Flex EQ system. Nice touch.

The arched top and back arebeautifully shaped and the ukeis easy to hold. The jack for thepickup is at the very bottom ofthe ukulele. I actually like thatplacement. The chord is out ofthe way when you are playingon stage, whether seated orstanding.

I expected a muted tone withthis ukulele when playedacoustically. I was wrong. Thisuke has plenty of volume. Itsounds fantastic acousticallyand even better plugged intothe studio board. The EQ worksvery well and I like the volumeand tone wheels. I think theygive better control than sliders.There is a dime-sized battery inthe active electronics that giveit the pre-amp power it needs.

I plugged in the Archtop ukuleleand almost immediately startedplaying a rendition of theKansas song "Dust In the Wind".The action and intonation werereally nice and the tone wasperfect for that song.

I can picture a group of playersjamming to something in theorder of Stray Cats or a similarrock-a-billy genre with this uke.The feel of it, the sound of it, thelook of it... this ukulele wasmade for that sort of music.

If you like blues and jazz ukuleleand want a recommendationfor that to buy for just that sort ofmusical genre, the Kala Archtopshould be very high on your list.

The Kala KA-JTE will bring out therocker or blues jammer in you. Itis a great choice for someonewanting the look of a jazz guitarin a four-string ukulele. It really isunique in the uke market.

ukulele player and kala present...ukulele player and Kala Ukuleles came together to bringyou this exciting opportunity. One lucky reader will winthis ukulele.

All you have to do is submit your name, an e-mailaddress, and a shipping address so that if you are thewinner, we will be able to ship it to you. You only need tosubmit your information one time and you will be in therunning for all of the Kala Ukulele give-a-ways.

You read about the Archtop, the Kala KA-JTE/M ukulele inthis issue of ukulele player, now, here is your chance towin. Follow the instructions below...

We will not share your contact information with anyonefor any reason.

note: if you have trouble with the form, e-mail your entryto [email protected] name, shipping address, e-mail address.

http://www.tricornpublications.com/uke_contest.htm

Thanks for reading ukulele playerand thanks to Kala Ukuleles for their support.

April 30 - May 2, 2009

Three Days of Ukes

Instructors & Performersinclude the following:

Gerald Ross

Victoria Vox

Michelle Kiba

Pops Bayless

Gerald Jones

Festival Location:

MetropolitanCommunity

Churchof

Greater Dallas

Lone Star Ukulele Festival!without you, it's just kelele

festival features progressive classeslearn more from your instructors

Sign Up Now!

Early Bird Special Price: $99 ...on March 15: $125 ...April 30 $140

Sign up now to get the best prices and assure you are included inthe limited number of spaces.

How to Sign Up:

PayPal your $99 Early Bird Registration at this website:

www.LoneStarUkeFest.com

You will receive an e-mail receipt and detailed updates about thefestival as new activities and events are added.

Instructors and performers include Gerald Ross, MichelleKiba, Victoria Vox, Pops Bayless, and Gerald Jones.

Dallas Ukulele Headquarters and UkeLadyMusic

For More Information e-mail us at...

[email protected] or [email protected]

Call: 214-924-0408

http://www.wsukes.com

http://www.ukulelenoir.com/

If you would like to list your club here, submit contact informationat this website:

http://www.tricornpublications.com/uke_player.htmor e-mail me at this address:[email protected] will add you to our list.

USA

California

Nuked UkesWe are in Auburn California. Welcoming players from all levels.contact: Loyce [email protected]/loyce'sblog

Ukulele Society of AmericaContact: Richard Douglas(760) 458-6656300 Carlsbad Village Dr.Carlsbad CA, 92008http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/ukulele_society_of_america

Ukulele Club of Santa Cruzwww.ukuleleclub.com

One of the Largest Ukulele clubs in America! Usually meets every third thursdayat Bocci's celler in Santa Cruz, but check the website, cause it sometimeschanges. Or email [email protected] for club information.

Connecticut

The Ukulele Club of Southern Connecticut and theKookeeUkie Ukulele Band.

We welcome players of all skill levels and offer classesfor those new to the ukulele. Check our web site athttp://www.orgsites.com/ct/uke-club/index.html.Pete [email protected]

Ukulele Club Listings...

http://psychichamster.com/

Ukulele Clubs continuedFlorida

Tampa Bay Ukulele Societywww.meetup.com/tampabayukes

Each meeting will start with a group lesson followed by an informal jam sessionfor players of all levels. Everyone gets a chance to call a few tunes.Kansas (and Western Missouri)

Kansas City Ukestershttp://www.kcuke.com

Minnesota

StrumMn ukulele playershttp://strummn.nexo.com/

New Mexico

The High Desert Sand FleasMeet the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month at theAlbuquerque Press Club [6pm - 9pm]2101 Highland Park Circle, Albuquerque, New Mexico - USAcontact: Stephen Hunt via email: [email protected]://sites.google.com/site/hdsfgcea/

New York

Ukulele Club of Potsdam (New York)meet-up every other Friday at 5PM at Tim's Comic & Game, 6 Main Streetcontact: Tim Connolly [email protected] call: (315) 268-1598.Loaner ukes available. Bring your uke and leave your cares at home!

Ohio

COUP (Central Ohio Ukulele Peeps)[email protected]

Texas

Robert S. [email protected]

Lone Star Ukulele Club (in North Dallas)http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lonestarukuleles

The Dallas Ukulele HeadquartersGo to www.meetup.com and search TheDallas Ukulele Headquarters to join the group. Lots of fun events and jams!

CHUG - Coffee House Ukulele GangFort Worth, Texas

This wild west ukulele gang meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.Contact Steve for more info. ([email protected])

Vermont

Vermont Ukulele Societyemail: [email protected] on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

Washington

Seattle Ukulele Players Association (SUPA)www.seattleukulele.org/

UKEngland

Ukulele Society of Great Britain43 Finstock Road, London W10 6LUTel: 020 8960 0459Email: [email protected]

Cambridge Ukulele Co-operative [Cuckoo]Meet alternate Sundays 2pm-6pmThe Portland Arms Cambridge CB4 3BAIfIf you're cuckoo about ukes come and join us.http://www.myspace.com/cambridgeukuleleclub

Ukulele Philharmonic Orchestra of SudburyTuesdays evenings from 7.00pmThe Institute, Station Road, Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2SPBeginners Welcome

Uke Wednesday JamEvery Wednesday 7 till closing Downstairs @ The Royal GeorgeCharing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EA, U.K.contact: Quinc email: [email protected]://ukeweds.intodit.com

SCUPA - Second City Ukulele Players Association

We meet weekly on Tuesdays at 7:30pm in the upstairs roomat The New Billesley Pub, Brook Lane, Kings Heath,Birmingham, West Midlands B13 0AB

We accommodate all players beginners to experienced.Call or text Jon 0787 353 1161 or email:[email protected] for more information.

Ukulele Clubs continued

Ukulele Clubs continuedStockton to Darlington Ukulele ExpressMeeting monthly in Darlington, northeast England new members alwayswelcome. contact Simon at [email protected]://ukuleleexpress.blogspot.com

Whickham & District Social ClubSimonside View, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 4AQ.We meet every 2nd Wednesday 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.http://tunearmy.blogspot.com/

UkeGlos Ukulele ClubMeets on first & third Mondays every month, 8.00pm at The Strand Wine Bar,40 High St, Cheltenham, Glos.

Wooden & banjo ukes welcome. All levels of playing ability & song styles. Forfull details visit: www.ukeglos.co.ukhttp://www.ukeglos.co.uk

Ukulele Sundays host:Tim Smithiesemail: [email protected] host a Ukulele Jam session on Sunday evenings in Sheffield UK called 'UkuleleSundays' All welcome - 8.30pm onwards. Riverside Cafe Bar.http://www.ukulelesundays.co.uk.

"Brighton ukulele Sundays"Meet first Sunday of the month at the Brunswick Pub in Hove East Sussex UK.Visit Facebook Brighton Ukulele Sundays for more details.

Ireland

UKULELE [email protected] ukulele club meets on the second saturday ofeach month.Players from all over Ireland. Ukeplayers of all levelswelcome. Ifyou are a visiting uke player please feel free to come along. The meetups areheld at 2, eden park, Dunlaoire, Co. Dublin.

Scotland

Monday UkearistEdinburgh’s very own ukulele gathering. We gather once a fortnight onMondays from 7 to 10(pm!) at Mackenzie School of English near the foot ofLeith Walk

6 John’s Place,EH6 7EPContact: John Hobson, +44 (0)7940 513969, [email protected]://ukearist.co.uk

Ukulele Clubs continuedSouth Wales

Ukulele Nightsmeet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 8.30pm.The Albion, Glebe Street, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales

Contact: Sarah Thomas: [email protected]: www.ukenights.blogspot.com(for songbooks, directions and more. Beginners very welcome)

Germany

Ukulele Club of [email protected] (home page)www.ukulelenboard.de (message board)

Deutscher Ukulelenclubc/o Raimund SperKorneliusstrasse 1D-47441 Moerstel. +49/2841-394837fax + 49/2841-394836www.ukulelenclub.de

Holland

Ukulele Jamboree in Rotterdam - hosted by 'The Uke Box'The night is comprised of a workshop, performances & open mic.To Join the Mailing List send an e-mail to: [email protected]

To read more about this and our other ukulele projects go to:http://www.ukulele-interventie.blogspot.com (Dutch)Visit my personal blog spot and click on 'Ukulele' under "Contents" (English)http://www.shelleyrickey.blogspot.com

Note: Shelley has an Etsy store where you can find ukulele related items forsale, check it out: http://www.thejumpingfleamarket.etsy.com

France

Ukulele Club of ParisThursday starting 7:30 PMMeetings are announced on the website King David Ukulele Station at this URL:http://www.ukulele.fr

USALone Star Ukulele Festivaldates are 4/30-5/2 in DallasUkeLadyMusic and The Dallas Ukulele Headquarters are organizing the event.more information coming soon.

UK Ukefest

July 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th 2009Run CottageHollesleySuffolk IP12 3RQmore information available soon onwww.ukulelecosmos.com/phpBB2/index.php

France

Fête de l'Ukulélé de Nantes (Nantes Ukulele Festival)April 4th 2009email: [email protected] information available here: http://www.myspace.com/feteukulelenantes

Paris ukulele FestivalLe 4 juillet 2009 / July 4th 2009 "La Bellevilloise"http://www.myspace.com/[email protected]

This year edition will happen on July 4th with :Kelli Rae Powell (USA) www.myspace.com/kelliraepowellTim Sweeney (USA) http://www.timsweeney.us/Elvira Bira (Sweden) www.myspace.com/elvirabiraUkulele Zaza (Belgium) www.myspace.com/ukulelezazaMarie Darling (France) www.myspace.com/mariedarlingPatti Plinko and her Boy (UK)www.myspace.com/pattiplinkoandherboy

Making beautiful music is your passion, helping you do it is ours.

it's new...it's cool...

it's...ukulele barttLive from Los Angeles

Saturday, April 4at 8:00 PM PT...

Ukulele Bart Sextetwill perform for a global

audience on theWorld-Wide-Web.

check the website for info.http://bartt.net

Catch Bartt at theNYC Ukefest, May 29, 2009

Essential Links from the World-Wide-WebUkeTalk - http://uketalk.com/links.html"Ukulele Spoken Here" is one phrase that comes to mind. It you want to talkukulele or catch all the news that is news, this is a can't miss website.

Brudda Bu's Ukulele Heavenhttp://www.geocities.com/~ukulele/index.htmlIf you'd like to learn the history of some of ukulele's greatest players, this site isabsolutely essential.

Ukulelia - http://www.ukulelia.com/The World's Greatest Ukulele WebLog" Need I say more?

Ukulele Cosmos - http://www.ukulelecosmos.comOne of the hottest ukulele forums on the web. Don't Miss It!

Ukulele Undergroundhttp://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/index.phpAnother really popular ukulele forum, lots of Hawaiian players and folks from theWest Coast of the Mainland USA.

Flea Market Music - http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/default.aspThis is Jumpin' Jim Beloff's website. He has lots of great resources and anexcellent forum as well. You can buy Flukes and Fleas there, too. Jim also haslots of songbooks, DVDs, and other great stuff there.

UkeLadyMusic - http://www.ukeladymusic.com/Auntie Noel runs a really great shop. Her passion is ukulele and it shows.Contact Us: phone 214-924-0408or email [email protected]

Kiwi UkuleleNew Zealand's Ukulele Companionhttp://www.kiwiukulele.co.nz/

Bounty Musichttp://www.ukes.com/

Bounty Music Maui111 Hana Hwy. #105Kahului, Maui, HI 96732open 9 :00 to 6:00 Monday thru Saturday * Sunday 10:00 to 4:00

Phone: (808) 871-1141Fax: (808) 871-1138

German Village Music Haus

We Sell Ukulelesexpert setups for your fine

ukuleles and guitars.

350 S. Grant AvenueColumbus, Ohio 43215

Bill Foley, owner and luthier.www.gvmh.com(614) 228-8467

email: [email protected]

http://www.ukecast.com/mp3/

Green Ukulele?

We'd like to hear your thoughtson "green ukuleles". By that,we mean ukes that are madewith all non-toxic materials.Nothing that could potentiallyharm the environment or theend-user. Thoughts and Ideasare welcome.

You can submit yourcomments to use via thedownload page for thismagazine:

Your comments will be sent tous via e-mail and then we canpass that information along tothe manufacturer that wantsto know.

Online Resourceshttp://[email protected]=Website listing:

Home of Tiki King Ukuleles since 1999. lots of neat Ukulele stuff,such as the webs largest Ukulele makers database, Custom HandBuilt Tiki King Ukuleles, and ukulele stuff to see and buy. We haveFlukes and Fleas, Ukulele Art Gallery, Ukulele classes, chordcharts, CD's and more!

Bonsai Garden Orchestraemail: [email protected]: http://www.bgo.nuMySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bonsaigardenorchestra

World Music Festival "glattundverkehrt" on july 22nd .www.glattundverkehrt.at

UkePicsAssorted Ukulele Picture Exposéhttp://www.ukepics.com/