Where to start? OK, I'll readily admit it, I'm talent-less! Yes, I have no talent. Well, at least
no musical talent. And, possibly, none at all.
When I was six I took accordion lessons. The accordion is in the attic. I might be able to play one or two simple songs. Who knows?
When I was six I took accordion lessons. The accordion is in the attic. I might be able to play one or two simple songs. Who knows?
When I was a kid many of us had harmonicas. Usually, a Hohner Marine Brand. Over the years I've tried to learn to play the harmonica. OK, yes, I can play basic songs. I now have about 20 harmonicas, including one custom, And, yes, a bunch of harmonica books, But, can I actually play a harmonica? Maybe a little..... But, haven't practiced in a while.
About eight years or so ago, I got interested in ukuleles. Can't remember exactly what drew me to them. Well, I think the only four strings may have been part of it. Also, it seemed most folks said that you could be playing actual songs with little practice. In fact, there are many YouTube videos that claim you can play hundreds, if not thousands, of songs by learning just three chords. As I best remember, my first uke was a Fluke or Flea manufactured by Flea Market Music.
I then started looking around and, thankfully and fortunately, found Michael Aratani. Yes, he had an eBay store. He was known as Music Guy Mic (MGM). What a delightful fellow. And, after meeting Mike (on the phone) my uke buying started with a vengeance (a story for another time). OK, I have nine ukes. Can you ever have too many ukes????? I ended-up with several of what I think folks call the three Ks. Mike was always there with sage advice. Several times I'd see a really cool looking uke and call Mike. He often told me not to buy the latest cool uke I'd found. He'd tell me that I had far better ukes already. He was always patient with my beginner questions and always steered me in the right direction. Thank you, Mike.
A week or so ago, I dug out my ukes after having rarely played them for years. And, I tried to contact Mike and sadly learned that he'd died at age 55. Yes, I knew he'd been battling a serious illness.
Here is an amazing tribute to Music Guy Mic.
I also learned that there is a special ukulele to honor Mike. And, I just couldn't resist and, as I type this, the great folks at theukulelesite.com will soon be getting my uke ready for shipping. The set-up procedure they use is amazing. And, Andrew granted my request to have Joel set-up my uke.
I just can't imagine a better place to buy a ukulele. They have everything on their site: comparisons, information about types of wood used for ukuleles, strings, sizes of ukes, instructions about how to play...well, everything you need.
Buy a uke. It's (almost) guaranteed to put a smile on your face and can give you a lifetime of pleasure.
Some people think a ukulele is nothing more than a kids' toy. That is far from the truth. To give you an idea of what a ukulele is capable of take a look here, here, here, and here.
Edit: Uke arrived today, April 16, 2015. Amazingly, the folks at HMS for purchases over $400 ship free FedEx two days. I like my uke...perfectly setup and ready to go. Now, if I can just figure out to to play these things....
About eight years or so ago, I got interested in ukuleles. Can't remember exactly what drew me to them. Well, I think the only four strings may have been part of it. Also, it seemed most folks said that you could be playing actual songs with little practice. In fact, there are many YouTube videos that claim you can play hundreds, if not thousands, of songs by learning just three chords. As I best remember, my first uke was a Fluke or Flea manufactured by Flea Market Music.
I then started looking around and, thankfully and fortunately, found Michael Aratani. Yes, he had an eBay store. He was known as Music Guy Mic (MGM). What a delightful fellow. And, after meeting Mike (on the phone) my uke buying started with a vengeance (a story for another time). OK, I have nine ukes. Can you ever have too many ukes????? I ended-up with several of what I think folks call the three Ks. Mike was always there with sage advice. Several times I'd see a really cool looking uke and call Mike. He often told me not to buy the latest cool uke I'd found. He'd tell me that I had far better ukes already. He was always patient with my beginner questions and always steered me in the right direction. Thank you, Mike.
Here is an amazing tribute to Music Guy Mic.
I also learned that there is a special ukulele to honor Mike. And, I just couldn't resist and, as I type this, the great folks at theukulelesite.com will soon be getting my uke ready for shipping. The set-up procedure they use is amazing. And, Andrew granted my request to have Joel set-up my uke.
I just can't imagine a better place to buy a ukulele. They have everything on their site: comparisons, information about types of wood used for ukuleles, strings, sizes of ukes, instructions about how to play...well, everything you need.
Buy a uke. It's (almost) guaranteed to put a smile on your face and can give you a lifetime of pleasure.
Some people think a ukulele is nothing more than a kids' toy. That is far from the truth. To give you an idea of what a ukulele is capable of take a look here, here, here, and here.
Edit: Uke arrived today, April 16, 2015. Amazingly, the folks at HMS for purchases over $400 ship free FedEx two days. I like my uke...perfectly setup and ready to go. Now, if I can just figure out to to play these things....
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