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I’m using the “ukulele creations” PhD strings and really like them. I like the regular Aquila new nylgut strings on another koa tenor I have, but I’m not a fan of the Aquila super nylgut that come with most Kanile’a, even though they have some other desirable characteristics like not stretching so much as the regular nylgut. I would imagine the uke logic normal tension would also be very similar and really good. I actually almost sent my Kanile’a K-1 T DLX back a year and 1/2 ago when I got it. Now I think it sounds amazing. They just get better.
Beautiful uke! I have a similar Kanile’a but without all of the appointments that yours has. I can tell you that with a lot of playing mine has gotten noticeably even better. It also got better a lot better when I put on some high molecular weight fluorocarbons. The PhD strings on mine sound amazing.
The Fishman loud box mini is pretty awesome and would be a great acoustic amp for all home and small venue purposes. I highly recommend it. I have the charge with a optional battery and it lasts a long time on a charge. I see Matt has one also. They know what they are doing. They are simple and the sound is great.
RonI also would like to add that like many of the lessons I play them in low G with just sight modifications. I think they still sound really good.
RonString tensions definitely vary. I am very particular about getting my tenors action set up the way I like. Sometimes I will do it myself and sometimes I will have a professional do it. I almost always lower both the nut slots and saddle. This helps even high tension strings be easily playable. I like the nut slots lowered so that when the third fret is depressed there is just a VERY tiny space above the first fret and the saddle lowed so there is about 2.7mm above the 12th fret to the bottom of the strings.
If you would like a really nice version, look up Taimane’s YouTube version and slowly go through it, tabbing out every chord.
Hi @rjn1952,
I was in SB / Goleta from 64 to about 88, but still over there every few weeks. DP, UCSB, SBCC. May be moving back to the general SB vicinity in the nearish future. Have bought two of my current three ukes in SB. Kala 1KOA-T, Kamoa, and a brand new Kala super tenor Spruce/Ziricote.
RonHi,
I grew up in SB and still consider it my second home. Did you happen to see Taimane when she was there in October? You found a great site!
RonHi, I have not used any picks yet. I just keep a good set of fingernails on my right hand. Going from guitar to ukulele I found that I wanted to grow the thumb and index nail a bit longer. Aaron Keim has a video on using finger picks that you might want to check out. Definitely can make for a louder sound. Taimane uses a “Herco” thumb pick for some of her really fast tremolo picking. The “Ukulele” magazine that just came out has an article on using a flat pick.
thanks, RonJust watched the Vinicius video. I find it interesting how some of the pros do so much picking with just the thumb. It is reminiscent of flamenco guitar players that sometimes play long passages thumb only. Taimane and Jake play some long lyrical passages thumb only. I feel like I would need to grow my thumb nail out quite a bit to get the lyrical picking sound. Instead I use a two or even three finger “picado”, with rest strokes to emphasize particular melody notes, carried over from classical guitar studies. Talking w/ Taimane following one of her recent spectacular concerts, I was able to purchase and have her send me a copy she still had of the “Taimane Songbook”, and am having a blast with it. There are pieces that she plays mostly thumb only, but I’m able to get a similar sound using i-m or i-m-a picado. Got to say that Taimane is still my favorite, but still looking forward to seeing a solo Jake concert.
Both of my ukes (tenor) are low G. It just seems to work better for what I’m striving for. Coming from the guitar world it seems more natural and I like that the Low “G” is about where my singing voice starts. An issue is that when I go into a ukulele store and try them out (usually high G), the difference is so sticking it’s hard to play anything.
-RonI’ve got a really simple arrangement of “morning has broken” would love to see a more realized version. Thanks.
-RonAnyone else going to see one of the Taimane shows, as she swings through California this month?
I’m going to the one in Santa Barbara on the 22nd. Saw her once before and can’t wait to see her again.
I still get more of a reaction playing her “Moon” from others than most anything I play.
-RonThe personality test came up with Advocate for me, 61% introverted. I grew up playing for my parents friends at parties, and even played weekly at a heath food restaurant I worked at decades ago, but it was never very easy. If I’m not the center of attention, off to the side a bit, I’m good to go. That’s why Jina’s advise is so interesting. A possible upcoming “songwriter’s showcase / open mic” has got me somewhat terrified as to how I might react when in the “spotlight”. Usually with these sorts of things, I tell myself that even if I get nervous I will still do a good job.
-Ron