No uke got mail today. But if you live in California and around the area, check out Aldrine’s show or seminar. Check out these videos and see if he’s coming to an area near you. Also check out this THREAD for more details.

Bay Area
 

Huntington Beach

San Diego

Hope you guys have an awesome weekend! Stay uke and classy.

-UU Staff

Connect with ukulele players and discuss this episode HERE.

Hey Undergroundlings! Have you ever wondered, how the heck do people read tabs? In this episode, the one and only Dominator (of Dominator’s Uke Tabs) stops by and explains the basics of reading ukulele tabs! How convenient!

As Dom explains:
1. To orient yourself, it may help to draw the headstock on the left side of the tab, and the body (facing you) on the right side of the tab. This way you can see that the top line is the A string (bottom string on your uke), the second to the top line is the E string, the second from the bottom line is the C string, and the bottom line in a tab is the G string (top string of your uke).
2. A number on a specific line corresponds to a fret on a specific string. So if a number 4 appears on the top line, you would play the fourth fret on the A (bottom string) of you ukulele.
3. Numbers that are stacked on top of each other (or in the same vertical line) are to be played or strummed at the same time. Numbers that are staggered are to be played one at a time from left to right.

There are many more notations that go along with tabs (ex. hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, etc.) but we’ll save these for another episode. If you’re excited and want to learn the ins and outs of reading ukulele tabs right now, just log into the UU Forum and click on the “Tabs” section. And for more awesome tabs of great ukulele songs, check out Dominator’s site: Dominator Ukulele Tabs.

AND if you haven’t ordered your ukulele-related paraphernalia from the Ukulele Underground Store yet, go on and click! Lock them in and get them shipped in time for the gift giving!

Have fun, keep strumming, and stay safe this holiday season! Spread the joy of music wherever you go and the world will definitely be a better place.

Aloha,
-UU Staff

That’s right – April is the month we show even more love to the people of the Underground by giving away another (this time, even nicer) Free Ukulele!! It’s the “Oh, The Places Uke Will Go!” video contest, sponsored by KALA Ukuleles!

Here’s what you need to do:
1. Make a video of yourself and your ukulele in front of a landmark. Hometown, state, national, whatever. Basically anyplace that ukes can go.
2. Say your name (or screen name) and tell your viewers that you’re from the Ukulele Underground. Something like, “Hi, my name is BlahBlah_653 and I’m a part of the Ukulele Underground!! Stay tuned, because we’re about to change the world.” Or something to that effect.
3. Tag your video with the phrase “Ukulele Underground”
4. Submit it to the Official Contest Thread.

Done.

If you can’t get a hold of a camcorder, just find a good landmark and take a picture of yourself and your uke in front of it. Add your caption and tag it up with the info above and post it in the Contest thread.

We’ll be accepting only one entry per person – so make yours the best it can be! We’ll announce the winner at the end of April. Good Luck!!

*Oh yeah, if you would like to see the Ukulele that we’re giving away, it’s actually the very same model that Ukulele_Junkie reviewed a few weeks ago (plus a case!). Click HERE to see his video review.

View Contest Entries here

Brought to you by Kala Ukuleles

In this episode of Uke Minutes, Aldrine gives a few fun facts about the origin of the ‘ukulele; its name, where it came from, and the ancestor instruments it was modeled after. For a much more comprehensive history of this marvelous little instrument, check out the following web-tastic presentations:

History of the ‘Ukulele (UGH)
Over a Century of Ukulele History (Bounty)

How To String your Ukulele

So, you need to string your ukulele? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here we’ll help guide you through all the steps to replace your old, dead strings with some brand spankin’ new nylons …

Check out our video tutorial for all the same content, no reading required.

What you need:
1. a NEW set of strings.
2. a pair of string / wire cutters
3. about 20 minutes of your time

You should also determine whether your ukulele has a standard or tie-bar bridge and whether it has a standard or slotted head (see video) prior to starting your string-changing experience.

STEP #1:
Loosen the strings on your ukulele by turning the tuning pegs. Depending on how the strings were last strung and the type of tuning pegs on your ukulele, you may have to experiment and see which way equals “loosen.” If the string pitch continues to get higher, you’re definitely NOT turning it in the “loosen” direction.

STEP #2:
Once the strings are all fairly loose, you will reach a point where you can just pull the string off of the tuning peg. Do this for all of your strings.

STEP #3:

Standard Bridge:
Remove the opposite end of each string from the bridge of your ukulele. This may end up being a little tougher than you think, as strings sometimes get stuck in the bridge. If you’re having trouble, you may use tweezers or a pair of needle nose pliers to grip the knotted end – if you do be EXTREMELY careful not to scratch the top / face of your ukulele. Go on to Step #4*.

Tie-Bar Bridge:
Grip the knot that is holding the string to the tie-bar and pull the free end of the string through the loop. If this is the first time you’re restringing one of these, it may look complicated down there now, but we’ll break down the knot, so don’t worry about forgetting what the formation looks like. Continue to Step #4*

*Note: At this point, collect all your old strings, wrap them around each other and throw them in the trash. This way, they are guaranteed to not be mixed in with the new strings once you take them out.

STEP #4:

Standard Bridge:
Take out your new pack of strings and remove the G string*. Tie a knot at the very end of the string, leaving about half an inch (about 1.5 cm) of string on one end of the knot. Pull the rest of the string towards the head of the ukulele and slip it through the hole in the metal pin of the first tuning peg.

Tie-Bar Bridge:
Remove the G string* from your new pack of strings. Thread the string through the bridge from the side closest to the sound hole. Take the end of the string that just passed through the hole and loop it behind the end of string leading into the hole. Continue looping under the length of string that runs over the top of the tie-bar two times. Pull the free end of the string towards the head of the ukulele and slip it through the hole in the metal pin of the first tuning peg.

*Note: Strings are usually packaged in individual paper envelopes with their string name (for example, G) and numbered thickness on the outside of the envelope or noted on the string packaging.

STEP #5:
Pull the string taut and set it into the first notch (reading left to right) in the nut. Start winding the tuning peg, to tighten the string. Typically, strings are wound “downward.” So as the string tightens, guide it to spiral downward, closer to the headstock.

STEP #6:
Repeat Steps #4 and 5 for the rest of your new strings, in their proper bridge and tuning peg positions.

STEP #7:
Tune your ukulele strings using your favorite tuning method. Remember, you’ll probably notice your ukulele going ‘off tune’ faster than normal for the first few days after re-stringing – this is normal, as the strings need time to grip and set in. It is fine to tune your ukulele a couple steps higher the first day after stringing to let them set, then re-tune them to normal tuning before playing.

That’s it! You’ve now got your very own NEWLY STRUNG UKULELE!

*We know there are other less-basic considerations when stringing your uke; such as tensions for different uke sizes and/or tunings, ukuleles with more than 4 strings, wound metal string substitutions, pegged bridges, and the like. For any comments or questions regarding stringing in the video, this article, or beyond, please post in the official Uke Minute 5 video thread. Mahalo.

Humidity. It’s not something that tends to loom at the forefront of your mind, in regards to ukulele – especially when you’re rippin’ it up hardcore or kickin a smooth, tasty lick on your most prized wooden possession. And because historically, the instrument has tended to inhabit coastal or near-coastal-lying areas, the idea of even needing a humidifier on the inside of one’s ukulele case is often dangerously overlooked.

Today, with the help and support of international shipping and widespread exposure due to the internet, ukuleles have migrated to practically every inhabitable space on the globe. Unfortunately, many of those places often times experience relative humidity below the optimal 47%.

Right Now: Go to your favorite weather-information-providing-website now and check your city’s current relative humidity.

If it’s within the 35-45% range or lower – and you don’t have a humidifier in your ukulele case – you’re absolutely FU**- … um, DOOMED.

Just playin’. If you do, however, find yourself in the above-said arid state of doomed-ness, you should definitely take certain immediate actions:

1. Get an instrument humidifier.
2. Load it with purified water, according to the directions.
3. Insert the humidifier properly into your instrument / case.
4. Relax. Everything’s gonna be alright.

This sequence of actions might seem simple and relatively inexpensive, but in the long run, it may end up saving you much of your precious time and money. Here’s why:

Low humidity can quickly dry out the wood that your instrument is made of. This may cause the wood to shrink, slightly warping it from its original shape. Natural wood does not have uniform density, so the wood of your ukulele will shrink and warp in some areas more than others.

What does this all mean? It means that too much shrinkage is bad. Shrinkage increases the tension on your wood and the glue that holds it together. This may cause your instrument to ‘feel’ differently or render it dysfunctional.

Common problems associated with low relative humidity are string buzz, warped back and top, and cracking or bowing of the instrument.

To prevent these problems, get a humidifier and use it. Humidifiers typically sell for anywhere between $5 and $20. They all basically do the same thing, so if you’re thinking of paying more than that, shop around some more. Here are the basic styles of humidifier:

Sound Hole Humidifiers: This type of humidifier fits snugly between the strings of your ukulele and into the sound hole where it is suspended within the instrument to provide humidity from the inside out. They are typically the most effective of the humidifier types, though it may be hard to find ukulele-sized ones. Drawbacks to some of these include dripping on the inside of your instrument, if the humidifier is oversaturated with water.

Instrument Case Humidifiers: These humidifiers are usually a little cheaper and just sit inside the ukulele case or attach to the case lid or sides. They tend to be less of a hassle in comparison to the sound hole humidifiers, although they are somewhat less effective and (especially in ukulele cases that are molded to fit a specific ukulele) are somewhat bulkier as they take up more room in the ukulele case.

Tip: If you can’t find a small enough humidifier to fit in the case or sound hole of your ukulele at your local guitar shops, check out shops that sell mandolins, violins, or violas.

For the most part, the cost or style of your humidifier won’t matter too much – as long as you have a humidifier and use it properly (don’t forget to add water every week-or-so – see your manufacturer’s instructions for more details) you should be alright.

And if you spent all your money on buying your ukulele in the first place and don’t have any left over to buy a humidifier, Make Your Own!*

*Ukulele Underground is not liable for any damages incurred to instruments and/or users as a result of users making their own humidifiers. Please use caution and common sense.

Looking for an ukulele?

-Yes! What kind should I get? What is the difference between the sizes? Do they sound that much different? Which is the best for me? Ahhh! I have so many questions!

Relax. In time, we’ll break down everything for you … but first, SIZES:

Standard / Soprano – As far as size, the soprano is probably the most popular and widely owned size of ukulele. Extremely light and portable, this is the official “go anywhere” instrument, and it is usually priced the cheapest, so if you ding it up, simply get another. It is also the smallest, producing the ‘tinny’ sound most recognizably associated with ukuleles.

Concert – Concert sized ukuleles are slightly larger than sopranos and usually have anywhere between 15 and 20 frets (compared to the soprano which usually have around 15 frets). This size has a slightly fuller and louder sound than the soprano, making it perfect for backyard jams or small gigs.

Tenor – Slightly larger than the concert size, the tenor typically displays greater volume and tone than smaller ukulele sizes, making it the choice instrument size for most performing soloists. Tenor ukuleles usually have 15 or more frets and the larger size allows for instrument makers to incorporate cutaway designs to make it easer for players to reach the higher frets.

Baritone – The largest of the ukulele sizes, baritone ukuleles carry a much deeper sound than other ukulele sizes. Tuning on this size is often the same as the bottom four strings of the guitar (DGBE) instead of the traditional GCEA. As with tenor ukuleles, you will also find more 6-string and 8-string models of baritone, where specific strings are doubled up, usually in octaves.

*Approx. values; overall length may vary by maker.

“Super” Models – A few ukulele manufacturers (notably KoAloha, Kanile’a, and Kau Wela) offer the lovingly dubbed, “super” ukulele sizes. These models usually describe a traditionally-sized ukulele body, with the scale (fretboard) length of a larger model. For instance a “super concert” would be an ukulele with a concert-sized body and a tenor-sized neck. The advantage to this would be having the range and playability of a tenor, coupled with the milder concert-sized ukulele sound.

So that’s the lowdown on sizes. But as always, the very best way to find the perfect ukulele for you is to check out ukuleles for yourself. How it sounds and feels to you is the most important thing. And if you absolutely can’t find a store near you that stocks them, listen to clips online and ask around in the uke boards. We’re always willing to lend a helping hand. Oh yeah, and when you do get your new uke, remember to post a pic and/or video for all of us to see.

Shoots,
-UU

This is the article for Uke Minute 3 – Ukulele Sizes.

Um, ok … go for it … yeah, hit the lights … no the other one … yeah, HIT IT!

Ahhh, yes people. FINALLY! Do you smell that? That there is the sweet smell of the underground wafting through your nose holes. Welcome one and all to UKULELE UNDERGROUND – The one-stop online location to soothe that aching ukulele addiction.

With New Ukulele Lessons each month, “Uke Minutes” technical tips, Live internet performances and broadcasts, Reviews, Live lessons, and more to come – go ahead, try out your new dancing feet, and check back often. We’re only getting started.

We’re glad you found us. Welcome to the Underground.

-UU Staff