What You Need To Play a Uke and Jam

There aren't many things you need to start playing the ukulele. Here are a few ideas.

Questions? - TwinCitiesUkeClub@icloud.com
The List - Items in Blue are links to a website
If you bring the items listed here, you will be in great shape to play the uke and participate in jams. Cadenza Music, Groth Music, Schmitt Music - Edina and other local stores have a good selection of these items.  If you are going to shop online, go with www.elderly.com, www.theukulelesite.com and www.mimsukes.com.  Top notch trustworthy businesses!
  • ​​#1 - Ukulele - As long as it will stay in tune, it’s fine - You can find ukes for $40, but spend about $75 or more, plus the accessories listed below.​ More money buys better sound, a life-time uke, a uke that can be tuned and stays in tune. You will be able to tell the difference. 
My Martin C1K Koa Concert -
Not my most expensive uke, but one of my favorites. Super sound & workmanship!​
  • Brands you can't go wrong with - Amahi, Kala, Pono, Magic Fluke, Mainland, and Bonanza. If you are not sure of the size, go with a concert. Concerts are a nice middle point - not too big, not too small. Click here for more information on purchasing a ukulele. 
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  • ​​​Want your "forever" uke? Plan on at least $450. Martin ($400-$5000) - Click on the Martin photo above for a Martin $500 C1K & T1K review, Kala Elite (hand built in California - $700-$3000 - Kala Elite reviews here & here) - Kanile'a ($850-$5000 - Review), and others are sensational ukuleles!  ​​
Ask anyone with a "forever uke. You truly do get what you pay for!
*** For more good ukulele purchase, accessory and use information, 
click here and here.
High G vs. Low G Tuning
  • Click here for a good description of low G tuning. - Either tuning is fine. However, the some jams will include playing melodies. “Having that lower string in a low G tuning allows one to have a few extra lower notes to complete the scale and therefore extends the melodic range of the ukulele.” This makes a big difference when playing in some keys, like G. Low G tuning works well on concert and tenor ukuleles, but generally not soprano ukes.
 
  • #2 - Gig-Bag - Don’t forget a decent gig-bag to carry your uke.  Click here for a good inexpensive choice.  Click here for my one of my favorites, Protec Gold.  It has a pouch big enough for your 8 ½ x 11 Yellow Book and other jam materials.  Be sure to buy the correct size for your uke. Both Cadenza and Groth Music carry ProTec bags.
  • #3 - Tuner - D’Addario (my favorite), Snark and Fender - Local music stores routinely stock good tuners.
  • #4 - Music Stand - Click here for a tremendous Peak foldable music stand.  Spend the money for a Peak.  You will never regret it. Both Cadenza and Groth Music carry Peak stands.
  • #5 - Music/Song Books - If you want to have the absolute best books of songs, get The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living (known as the Yellow Book) and the Leap Year Edition with 366 different songs (the Blue Book), or both. Available locally and online (hard copy and ebook). Used at jams by StrumMn meetings (Yellow and Blue) and the Twin Cities Ukulele Club at the UkeAmericana and Friday Morning Jams (Yellow Book). The Twin Cities Ukulele Club Friday, BUG and UkeAmericana jams also use the Favorite Old-Time American Songs For Ukulele book - hard copy and ebook.
  • #6 - Humidifier For Your Ukulele - Not an option in Minnesota or Wisconsin. When your furnace goes on in your house, your uke humidifier goes in your ukulele. Click here to find out why. My favorite humidifier is Oasis (about $20).  Both Cadenza and Groth Music stock these.
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Why? - Because you never see someone playing a ukulele without a smile on their face!