PLUC Tales – Ron’s Progress

Ron’s Lani Ukulele

Just an update of my ukulele activity since I have not been able to attend club.

I have purchased and subsequently sold several ukuleles. I have enjoyed the opportunity to sample them. I now have my Flea and a Lani ukulele which I think I will keep.

The Flea still rates well with me and I have no intention of selling that. As for the Lani, it was said that if I bought it, I would never buy another for a long time, which I guess is good news for me. LOL.

I have also learned a couple of fingerstyle songs, from Mark Kailana Nelson’s book Learn to Play Fingerstyle Solos for Ukulele, among which are: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, All Through The Night and La Mananitas, which of course meant I learned to read tabs. (See the Ukulele Hunt review for a full song listing.)

 

PLUC Tales – Ron’s Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome

Ron’s Kala Travel Uke

While I have not had the opportunity to attend club, I still strum the ukulele every day and recently purchased my most expensive instrument so far. A Kala Travel Uke, model SSL WTU 1005. This was purchased purely for its looks and I had to buy it.

A slimline uke with spruce top and lacewood back and sides, this created a conflict.  Which do I love the best: my new travel uke, a real pleasure to play and great quality, or my Flea? Strangely enough, my Flea came out tops and I decided I like this best. I might of course be shot down in flames for saying so but that’s how it is. Simon will be delighted, LOL.

As for the Kala. In order for me to love it better, I decided to try D’Addario strings which failed miserably regards sound and were ultimately changed to Aquila. Much better.

I got to thinking about folk who possess several ukuleles. Whether they are loved equally and for what reasons?

Warm regards to all. Ron

Other PLUC Tales: More Benny Hill Than James Hill – Dave P; I Never Liked The Uke – Steve H; Long-Distance Strummer – Gail; New Uker! – Sheila; A Tale Of Two Ukuleles – Tina; The First Rule Of Uke Club… – Anthony; Ron’s Progress; Probably The Most Fun Instrument In The World… – Jos; It’s Been A Year – Part 2 – Jeanette; From Classical To PLUC – Andrew; A History Of The Ukulele – And Its Part In My Downfall – James; Santa Rides Again – Alan F; Steph’s Story; Uncle Ron’s Legacy… – Wee Kheng; Dan’s Story; Five Years & Loving It – Simon; My Ukulele Origins… – Rufus; Why Ed Started Playing The Ukulele; Ron’s Song; It’s Been A Year… – Jeanette

 

PLUC Tales – Ron’s Song

Ron’s Uke

I had an amusing experience when I decided to play the ukulele and treat my Philippine girlfriend to my crooning.  Despite the fact I don’t sing at the club, I enjoy it and often break into tune on Messenger.

Little did I realise, I had left the sitting room window open and also treated half the block to the same. There happened to be kids playing outside who suddenly went quiet and clapped when I finished. To say I was embarrassed is an understatement. Me, I just had a great time.

Family tells me I have improved and my ukulele sounds better (now it’s in tune).  Thanks to my friends at PLUC who are always willing to help and advise.

Regards tuning, I would recommend Get-Tuned.com. If I had visited there in the first place all would have been well.

I am basically a shy person but cannot help but get excited at my fortune. The ukulele is a great social instrument and most people enjoy listening whatever level you play at. The live music is a real treat and PLUC form the largest part of my social calendar.

Ron

Other PLUC Tales: More Benny Hill Than James Hill – Dave P; I Never Liked The Uke – Steve H; Long-Distance Strummer – Gail; New Uker! – Sheila; A Tale Of Two Ukuleles – Tina; The First Rule Of Uke Club… – Anthony; Ron’s Progress; Probably The Most Fun Instrument In The World… – Jos; It’s Been A Year – Part 2 – Jeanette; From Classical To PLUC – Andrew; A History Of The Ukulele – And Its Part In My Downfall – James;Santa Rides Again – Alan F; Steph’s Story; Ron’s Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome; Uncle Ron’s Legacy… – Wee Kheng; Dan’s Story; Five Years & Loving It – Simon; My Ukulele Origins… – Rufus; Why Ed Started Playing The Ukulele; It’s Been A Year… – Jeanette

 

PLUC Member’s Choice – Cliff ‘Ukelele Ike’ Edwards

Fellow PLUCer, Ron, would like to nominate Cliff Edwards (‘Ukelele Ike’). He developed an interest in Cliff after discovering him on YouTube & immediately liked his music: