The Joy of Ukuleles |
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| By Andrew Tucker.. |
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| In 2003 Bill Robertson created an excellent short
documentary about the mystique of the ukulele called Rock
That Uke. He stated that the shape, the size, and certainly
the sound, all in combination, account for the immensely
intriguing popularity of the ukulele. Robertson believes
that, by the simple act of physically holding the ukulele, a
person quickly becomes enchanted by the instrument. As he points out in the film, a ukulele "[is] about the size of a human infant". And just like an infant, a ukulele is held close to the chest, near the heart, as if you were cradling a baby.... which probably seems a little sappy. You have this small, wonderful instrument that you're shielding from harm which in turn gives you a real sense of purpose. But what most people remember is that distinctive sound. Pleasant, innocuous, unrelentingly cheerful. It always has that same sound, no matter who may be playing it - such as Taylor Mac, who recently performed with a ukulele at the Dallas Undermain Theatre. As Taylor Mac pointed out, the sound of a ukulele takes us back to a time in our youth when "nothing is our fault". Such memories can only leave you feeling happy. Robertson, whom I consider to be the foremost expert when it comes to expositions about the ukulele, also points out that, because there is a high end but no low end on the ukulele's four strings, that gives it what is known as the "'pink' quality." "You're strumming it, all the strings are in the upper range, and it doesn't have that bass sort of support that a guitar has, that robust sound. Just the high sound, which gives it a very childlike quality that conveys a certain innocence." Fans of the ukulele will cite other reasons for its popularity, most notably it's low cost, easy portability and a simplicity of style that almost anyone can learn to play. For those just starting out, a soprano ukulele will run about $30 to $40. For more advanced players looking for a custom instrument or collectors who enjoy an instrument made with finer woods or with inlays, the cost can run into the thousands of dollars. Ukulele experts are confident that you will be able to learn to play any ukulele easily. Levine of the Dallas Ukulele Headquarters claims, "I can teach anyone to play the ukulele in about fifteen minutes." He begins teaching with a short session (around fifteen minutes) at the beginning of his classes. All these things imbue the ukulele with a quality that you don't find in other musical instruments. It's partly because of the humanity of the instrument," he tells us. "Pretty much anyone can pick up a ukulele, and you can learn how to play three chords in about an hour, and play a song. So it brings joy, because people see the possibility that 'If you can do it, I can do it, too. |
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