Elessar
Well-known member
I see lots of advertisements about humidity and cleaning cloths but no reference to basic care. Any specific advice for noobs?
I see lots of advertisements about humidity and cleaning cloths but no reference to basic care. Any specific advice for noobs?
What about care and feeding of newly acquired instruments?
Common sense should prevail as noted above. Keep it safe as It is a musical instrument. If it is made with solid woods and you live in a cold climate where you run the heat in the winter you have to be concerned about the wood drying out. Keep it in a case with a sound hole humidifier. If it is laminate you don't need to go through this trouble. If you tell us the make and model we can tell you if it is solid or laminate.
Other than that, wiping it down after each use, including the strings is about all you need to do. Oh and don't play it while eating a greasy cheesburger or pizza, strings coated in goop don't sound good.
They have black tuning knobs with matching black strings,
This is my first Ukulele and as such is intended to be my "beginner instrument." Provided I continue I have my sights set on upgrading as needed. I understand that these are musical instruments and can be damaged easily so I intend to protect my investment with care. I was just wondering about any specific advice other than general cleaning.
I understand that these are musical instruments and can be damaged easily so I intend to protect my investment with care. I was just wondering about any specific advice other than general cleaning.
I would try to find out from the seller what make of strings are on your new uke. If they turn out to be black Aquila Lavas then that should be fine. Otherwise you may want to think about changing them for something else.
Did your bundle include a gig bag? If not then seriously consider buying one. And keep your uke in it when it's not being played.
It doesn't look like any set up work was included - so the action on your uke may be higher than is strictly ideal. It's not the end of the world but getting it 'fixed' will ensure optimum playability. And will make learning a whole lot easier... and more fun
Edit: After a bit of googling I'm pretty sure the strings are GHS black nylons, so I would strongly recommend that you either buy some Aquila nylguts or Martin M620s.
Choirguy: I agree with you regarding the "investment" because the price point which I have started would be considered throw-away in most industries. However, the investment of time through the hours practiced and like the memories of our first love, I would think that my first Ukulele will always have a special place in my heart that will make it I a priceless friendship cherished always.Also, the term "investment" has to apply to your growth rather than the instruments. Most ukuleles decrease in resale value the second they are owned. There are exceptions, but those are usually rare instruments.
Jollyboy: I was figuring on needing to replace the strings, simply because I can't know what is on this ukulele. I may have an opportunity to purchase some new strings even before it arrives. It is supposed to include a gig bag but we'll see. I can't know about set up but the retailer is supposed to be a major Kala outlet so maybe...
Waiting,...patiently...NOT! I'm pretty excited.
I agree. My advise to beginners is to not start messing with your uke until you know enough to know what you want. Just randomly changing strings because someone tells you that you should will not make your ukulele sound better or make you a better player.I would suggest living with the included strings for a few days and then making a decision based on how you feel about them:
- If you think they sound okay then leave 'em on Think about trying something else further down the road.
- If you think they sound a bit quiet and restrained then try some Aquilas.
- If you think they sound horribly dull and lifeless then try the Martin M620s.
Also... one thing to mention is that new strings take a while to settle in. For the first few days you are going to be doing a lot of tuning - literally every few minutes to start with. This is entirely normal and does not mean that there is anything wrong with either the strings or the instrument
Waiting for new toys to arrive is horrible
Enjoy your unboxing
My advise to beginners is to not start messing with your uke until you know enough to know what you want.
I totally agree! My first uke is not my best or most expensive, but it will always be special to me. Enjoy your new uke!Choirguy: I agree with you regarding the "investment" because the price point which I have started would be considered throw-away in most industries. However, the investment of time through the hours practiced and like the memories of our first love, I would think that my first Ukulele will always have a special place in my heart that will make it I a priceless friendship cherished always.