For years, the humble ukulele has had something of an image problem. Whether it is to do with Tiny Tim tip-toeing through 'Tulips' or George Formby 'Leaning On A Lamppost' (with his ukulele banjo), the diminutive four stringed instrument has had a problem with how it is seen in the public eye.
While the ukelele does, perhaps, have a better image than the banjo, bagpipe, or accordion, it is not as well loved as the guitar, violin, or the various brass instruments. However, a number of recent developments have helped the long, slow rehabilitation of the instrument. First, there was the successful formation of the Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain, who more than twenty years since their formation still sell out concert halls around the world. Second, the ukelele is also seen in the line-up of some indie folk bands, and whilst it will probably never be welcomed onto the stage at the X Factor, it’s beginning to make its presence felt. The ukulele is also climbing in the favour of young children, where it is now taught in the same music classes that used to prefer recorders and violins.
The growing popularity of the instrument, though should not be that surprising. Ukeleles are cheap, fun to play, are small and portable, and can be learnt easily. There are also models aimed squarely at the more mature rocker, with electric models available in the shapes of Gibson Flying Vs and Les Pauls, Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters. The Ukulele’s also available in many sizes, with the Soprano being the most popular (due to its size and shape), but Concert models are also made, as are Tenor models, that give a deeper sound.
It’s worth pointing out that anyone with a basic grasp of guitar, or any of the fretted stringed instruments, already has a head start, and the four strings of the Ukulele can be tuned to any selection of notes. If a ukelele is tuned to G-D-A-E, then it’s perfectly suited to mandolin, bouzouki, and violin players, while other tunings make it more accessible to guitarists and players of other stringed instruments.
There’s not a great deal of music written specifially for the ukulele, due to its relative youth as an instrument, and its primary use is in Hawaiian music, so the modern repertoire is taken from both the classical and pop fields. The nylon strings of the uke mean that the solo sound has a similar resonance to a classical guitar, and with a lot of two finger chords, new songs and ideas are easy to find and develop.
Obviously, as with all instruments, there are models to suit for every budget, and some of the very cheap models are little more than toys. £30, however, will buy a very decent Soprano model, while £100’s can be paid for very high quality instruments.
The Ukulele is an entry level instrument for anyone who wants to go from playing Guitar Hero to playing music, and as a source of entertainment is cheaper and uses less electricity than the game. So if your New Year’s resolution is to learn a musical instrument then the Ukulele is a good place to start. And don’t worry, you won’t be laughed at as much as you fear — this little four stringed instrument has afficionados everywhere!
For general information about the Ukulele, and information about local groups, visit www.mightyukelele.co.uk
