November 2009 – Page 6

World’s Prettiest Ukulele

I honestly think that I'm not exaggerating. I do believe that this is the prettiest ukulele I have ever seen. The inlays are incredible! I was just wandering through eBay while I was drinking a cup of tea (I'm freaking still getting over this cold) when I see this MAKANI SURF TENOR UKULELE FULL KOA CUSTOM by Kazu Mori.

Reading the auction notes, this ukulele looks to be custom built by Kazu Mori. Apparently Kazu's father is a master builder himself. The wood is Koa and there are beautiful inlays all over this thing. Check out the surfer near the sound hole. Also, there are abalone fret markers and the neck is bound in ebony? Dang! Unless I hit the lottery, I'm going to have to live with just looking at the pictures. But, the pictures are so pretty that I might be able to live with that. Also, if I did own this thing I'd almost be afraid to touch it, let alone play it. It's like skateboarding on the roof of the Sistine Chapel or something.

eBay: Silver Coin Pick (fun!)

So, after my rant earlier about picking, I felt a little bad. If you play guitar/ukulele/bass with a pick, more power to you! It just so happens that I don't. But... now, after finding this rad Silver Pick, I'm starting to wonder if I haven't made a terrible mistake in never learning. Look at these pictures, depending on the price ($9.99 - $14.99) you can get a custom silver pick made from an old silver coin. Fun!

OLD SILVER PICK Dulcimer Ukulele Mandolin + SILVERTONE

Here's some more eBay auctions with different coin picks. Check 'em out!

What kind of Ukulele Player are you?

So, I have some pretty strong opinions on this subject, so please forgive me if I offend. I'm definitely getting grouchier as I age. Anyway, for those who don't know I'm a fairly recent ukulele convert (last 5-6 years or so). I've been playing bass and guitar since I was in the 7th grade, but I'm self-taught. So, my style is weird and I wouldn't say that I'm technically great, by any means.

However, I am a pretty decent bass player and I enjoy playing bass. I also play my bass with my fingers and I have pretty strong opinions on that subject. For example, I don't think slapping is ever okay and if you play with a pick then your tone better be super tough. Well, I guess Flea gets a pass, but that's about it. And, by tough, on the picking style, I mean like Kim Gordon, Brian Ritchie or Kim Deal tough. Not Nu Metal tough.

So, being a bass player first, I actually play guitar like a bass. That is to say, I don't use a pick. I strum with my fingers and I play single notes by plucking with my fingers. It's weird, but I've been doing it for too long to go back. Anyway, I'm just giving you some information so you can put the rest of my crazy rant into context.

BEGIN CRAZY RANTS:

1) I distrust attractive musicians. To me, music is what you get into if you are sort of weird and goofy looking, yet you still want to meet girls (or boys, or whathaveya). Attractive people don't need the extra help. This is our thing! Go back to writing bad poetry and modeling. For example, when I first heard The Apples in Stereo, I envisioned them as a bunch of really pretty boys and I hated them. Then I saw a picture of the band (cause they are pretty goofy looking) and I fell head-over-heels in love.

2) I value honesty and enthusiasm over competency and technique any day. So, while I appreciate someone who is incredibly skilled, like Jake Shimabukuro. I would much rather see an awkward teenage kid play an original song on Youtube. Two examples: The Robot Song by The Scribbles and Kazookeylele Version 2. I'm not saying I want music to be played poorly, I'm just saying I appreciate original thought more. Also, it's probably a sour grapes deal because, while I can write some goofy fun songs, I'll never be able to play like Jake Shimabukuro.

I thought I had another rant here, but I got distracted by a squirrel and lost my train of thought. I guess what I'm saying is that I sort of believe that music should be fun. Both for the listener and the performer. Especially, if you are playing a ukulele. I sort of frown on ukulele "shredding". That's what guitars are for. Again.. sour grapes, I guess. What do y'all think?

Video: George Formby – When i’m cleaning windows

I have to admit that I didn't have any idea who George Formby was until 3 weeks ago. It seems to me that here in the states, if you only know one thing about the ukulele then you know about Tiny Tim. I think across the pond, over in the UK, it's George Formby instead. Now.. everyone should know that I love Tiny Tim dearly! He was like a walking encyclopedia of tin pan-era music. But, he's not really an exceptional ukulele player. I mean, he's great, after watching Formby it seems to me that Tiny Tim is outmatched. Formby has some crazy strums! Also, he's a real crack-up! I mean, look at those facial expressions! What do you mean, "Look at what?". Oh.. right. Here's the video:

I've been working on a version of this song, but just watching the video now I realize that I play it in a different key. I start with F and then go to F7 but I think George starts at C and goes to C7. I'll make a video soon of me playing, but don't get your hopes up. George is definitely the master. Maybe I can get my son (Age 5) to sing it with me, though, he loves this song. This and Big Rock Candy Mountain are our big duos (besides our Ramones covers).

Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer: FLATTERY NOT INCLUDED (2008)

So, ever since I first head Mr. B's Chap-Hop History, I've been in stalker mode. In case you want to join me, you can stalk Mr. B The Rhyming Gentleman in the following places:

Well, during my stalking adventures I learned that Mr. B has a record called "Flattery Not Included". Well, I need that. But, I was having a hard time finding where you can purchase it. I'm still not 100%, but I think you can only get it on ebay:

If anyone is able to turn one up from another online location, please let me know!