Daily Ukulele: Vintage novelty song, "Say It With a Ukulele" by Frank Crumit

[newredshoes]

The 1920s were kind of a heyday for ukes, and "Say It With a Ukulele" actually spent a week in the Top 10 of the Billboard charts in March 1924. I say it's time for a revival.

This video also has tons of fabulous Roaring Twenties photos. Somebody point me to a repro period bathing suit, quick!

newredshoes, it's all your fault!

[sporky_rat]

Well, and my brother-in-law John.

I just purchased (and am anxiously refreshing the history tracking of) an Orange Mahalo Ukelele. I didn't pick up any strings for it because I wanted to be able to take it to the music shop in town to see if I could give them some business, but I've used Musician's Friend before and they were very nice.

Oh my gosh, I just bought a ukelele!

edit: Well, it turns out that one was backordered like whoa, so I called them and got another one with expedited shipping for $3 more. ZOMG I'm excited!

Meep

[hope]

I bought a ukulele today. I blame newredshoes for posting about it ALL THE TIME and making me get all dreamy and envious.

In my childhood/teens I played piano, guitar, and for many years bass guitar, but haven't seriously picked up an instrument in about 13 years. But I already love this one - it just sounds so damn gorgeous!

I got a Tanglewood soprano, and spent some time this evening stretching the strings and noodling around. I downloaded a tuning app on my iphone and a chord chart. Already I'm remembering how hard it is to train strength and dexterity into my fingers.

Amanda Palmer's Radiohead covers album is also a big impetus for me. As much as my fannishness of AP is problematic, I adore those covers. I want to learn the Fake Plastic Trees chords for my first song - and of course, learn how to play and sing at the same time.

Any tips for a self-teaching ukulele beginner? Links or advice gladly welcomed!