uketanzon
Well-known member
Giving a short talk at a uke gig we are giving at a grand opening before we start our set...
Not sure how to say Manual Nunes last name?
Is it like NUNEZ for like the word DUNES
Talk
Some Ukulele History
- In 1879 Portuguese wood craftsman and instrument makers from Madera, a volcanic island some 600 miles off the shore of Portugal, came to Hawaii. One of these men was Manual Nunes. He brought with him an 4 string instrument called a Machete or Braguinha.
- The natives were fascinated by its sound. They called it "OO KU LAY LAY" meaning “hopping or jumping fleas”. The machete had 4 strings and was similar in appearance to today’s ukulele (see above photo). The ukulele is now forever part of Hawaiian culture and lore.
- The ukulele was virtually unknown until Hawaii became part of the United States at the turn of the last century. Soon after, all things culturally Hawaiian become popular, the ukulele being no exception. At this time, the Martin Guitar company started making ukuleles and the popularity soared until the late twenties and early thirties when it fell out of favor.
- About 12 years ago to current it again had another wave of popularity as noted pop singers and music artists discovered it again and were using it in their recordings.
- It now enjoys worldwide popularity, especially in Japan, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, as well as the US.
Why the popularity you may ask? A number of reasons: its a social instrument, fairly easy to learn and play with others, it helps reduce stress, and it does puts a smile on your face! However, it would take a lifetime to master what it is capable of doing musically. It is a respected and legitimate musical instrument!
- Martin still makes an assortment or Ukuleles at all price ranges, as does many
manufactures, both here in the US, China, Indonesia and of course, Hawaii.
- You can buy a Ukulele for $50 dollars or less or spend up to $15,000 for one.!!,
There are 4 string ukes as well as 5,6, and 8 string Ukuleles. There are banjo ukes and guitar size ukes. The most common size ukuleles are the Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Baritone. All different kinds of wood are now used to build ukuleles, however the most popular are the traditional Hawaiian Koa wood and Mahogany.
noted Ukulele artists, past and present
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole somewhere over the rainbow hit song
Jake Shimabukuro considered the world greatest player
Taylor Swift pop star
George Harrison..... Beatles
Beth Midler. actress
Barack Obama former President
Pierce Brosnan actor
many others in all walks of life
——————————————————————————————————
Manuel Nunes
(1843 - 1922)
1998 Hall of Fame Inductee
Manuel Nunes emigrated to Hawaii from Madeira in 1879 and quickly became a major force in the transformation of the Madeiran machete to the Hawaiian ukulele. He established himself as one of the earliest ukulele makers and operated his manufacturing company for over 40 years, much longer than any of the early makers. Many of his handcrafted instruments bore the label "M. Nunes, Inventor of the Ukulele and Taro Patch Fiddles in Honolulu in 1879." His skills were inherited by apprentices such as Samuel Kamaka and his son Leonardo Nunes, who carried on the tradition of fine quality ukulele construction.
Not sure how to say Manual Nunes last name?
Is it like NUNEZ for like the word DUNES
Talk
Some Ukulele History
- In 1879 Portuguese wood craftsman and instrument makers from Madera, a volcanic island some 600 miles off the shore of Portugal, came to Hawaii. One of these men was Manual Nunes. He brought with him an 4 string instrument called a Machete or Braguinha.
- The natives were fascinated by its sound. They called it "OO KU LAY LAY" meaning “hopping or jumping fleas”. The machete had 4 strings and was similar in appearance to today’s ukulele (see above photo). The ukulele is now forever part of Hawaiian culture and lore.
- The ukulele was virtually unknown until Hawaii became part of the United States at the turn of the last century. Soon after, all things culturally Hawaiian become popular, the ukulele being no exception. At this time, the Martin Guitar company started making ukuleles and the popularity soared until the late twenties and early thirties when it fell out of favor.
- About 12 years ago to current it again had another wave of popularity as noted pop singers and music artists discovered it again and were using it in their recordings.
- It now enjoys worldwide popularity, especially in Japan, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, as well as the US.
Why the popularity you may ask? A number of reasons: its a social instrument, fairly easy to learn and play with others, it helps reduce stress, and it does puts a smile on your face! However, it would take a lifetime to master what it is capable of doing musically. It is a respected and legitimate musical instrument!
- Martin still makes an assortment or Ukuleles at all price ranges, as does many
manufactures, both here in the US, China, Indonesia and of course, Hawaii.
- You can buy a Ukulele for $50 dollars or less or spend up to $15,000 for one.!!,
There are 4 string ukes as well as 5,6, and 8 string Ukuleles. There are banjo ukes and guitar size ukes. The most common size ukuleles are the Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Baritone. All different kinds of wood are now used to build ukuleles, however the most popular are the traditional Hawaiian Koa wood and Mahogany.
noted Ukulele artists, past and present
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole somewhere over the rainbow hit song
Jake Shimabukuro considered the world greatest player
Taylor Swift pop star
George Harrison..... Beatles
Beth Midler. actress
Barack Obama former President
Pierce Brosnan actor
many others in all walks of life
——————————————————————————————————
Manuel Nunes
(1843 - 1922)
1998 Hall of Fame Inductee
Manuel Nunes emigrated to Hawaii from Madeira in 1879 and quickly became a major force in the transformation of the Madeiran machete to the Hawaiian ukulele. He established himself as one of the earliest ukulele makers and operated his manufacturing company for over 40 years, much longer than any of the early makers. Many of his handcrafted instruments bore the label "M. Nunes, Inventor of the Ukulele and Taro Patch Fiddles in Honolulu in 1879." His skills were inherited by apprentices such as Samuel Kamaka and his son Leonardo Nunes, who carried on the tradition of fine quality ukulele construction.