|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
My son wanted (and received) a Ukulele for his 14th birthday, instead of a video game this year. Tickled my heart when he asked for it  Ukulele's must be the "in" thing to own these days as a teenager? He has already learned how to play a couple of songs on it as well. There is hope for him yet ! lol Trax 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
You might want to turn him on to the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain if he doesn't already know about them. There are some great videos on youtube. Also this classic medley by Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Uke as well as glockenspiel are all the rage these days with the cutesy indie 'twee' bands that are on the college scene. It's charming music to my ear and I hope it continues in popularity.
If you doubt this, head to Noisetrade.com and/or bandcamp.com and look up the most downloaded bands or the bands that pay for noisetrade banner ads. Tons of them are using uke and bells these days.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The Uke, once very popular and then relegated to the history bin, is indeed enjoying a resurgence.
Popular recordings and movie soundtracks that featured some of Hawsii's greatest Uke maestros is responsible.
The younger generation, as with all younger generations, is attracted to the instrument, likely because it is NOT a typical instrument found in the father's and grandfather's (or mothers) instrument collections.
Good Thing IMO
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
In it's heyday, circa 1920s and 30s, the Uke was extremely popular among teens and young adults ala Rudy Valley. It's small size made it handy around the campfire and other outings. "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole did much to rejuvenate it's popularity and many tourists to Hawaii brought one back home with them. I, for one, am very happy to see it's rebirth and I look forward to hearing many young Ukulele virtuosos in the near future. Here's Iz's version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Approaching 14 million views, it has to have piqued interest in the instrument and sold a lot of Ukes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_DKWlrA24k&ob=av2n Woah, it's over 68 million views on his "Official" site! That translates to more than a few Uke sales, me thinks.
Last edited by Don Gaynor; 05/05/12 08:32 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 358
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 358 |
Many comercials are aired with ukelele background
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365 |
I started learning the Uke when I was seven, because my hands were too small for anything else. Over the years (about 55 of them) I've had many different guitars, but I've still got that same Uke. It's great to see it returning to popularity.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
The pro pianist in our band is also a music teacher (piano & guitar). She mentioned that she had been playing a uke with some friends and she wanted to get one. So, we both got a tenor with low g strings. I had tried to learn guitar but my old man fingers wouldn't cooperate. However, I found the uke to be very user-friendly. My wife did too so she got one. I now have 3 different sizes. One (Flea) has a plastic body and fret board. I like sitting outside playing some simple song like Scarborough Fair with arpeggios. Very relaxing.
The uke is truly a folk instrument, IMO. There are hundreds of songs with just 3 simple chords (some only have 1) so with it anyone who wants to play music can start strumming. The cost is very reasonable. You can get a good beginner uke new for around $50. My most expensive uke cost $250 and it's solid mahogany with excellent resonance. So, it's really not difficult to get started with the uke and there are hundreds of free youtubes and websites with free music. At the other end of the spectrum there's Jake Shimabakuro who is one of the top virtuosos in the uke world. He has a bunch of youtubes that are incredible to watch.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,273
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,273 |
I'm in a similar boat to Rog.
A friend of ours from Hawaii gave my twin brother and I each a uke back in 1954. We played and sang many a duet before graduating to guitars.
I've always credited Tiny Tim for "unpopularizing" the instrument to some degree.
As an aside, the small uke that I still have is tuned A-D-F#-B, the typical "my dog has fleas" tuning. BIAB doesn't show this tuning, or at least I can't get the guitar window to show anything but the G-C-E-A tuning.
Is there a way to change that, or is it something for the wish list?
Thanks!
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
As an aside, the small uke that I still have is tuned A-D-F#-B, the typical "my dog has fleas" tuning. BIAB doesn't show this tuning, or at least I can't get the guitar window to show anything but the G-C-E-A tuning.
Is there a way to change that, or is it something for the wish list?
Thanks!
LLOYD S
The BIAB fretboard Settings, when set to Ukelele, does indeed have the "My Dog Has Fleas" standard Uke tuning, however it is down one step from yours, G-C-E-A.
So chord fingerings would be the same, but it would be necessary to invoke Transpose such that BB was sounding two half steps up and then things should match.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
I would have like to learn the uke but my hands are too big! I had to go the other way to get to the guitar - via the bass  George Formby
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
It is amazing how the human can take something and turn it into a work of art. If you have never heard of Jake Shimabukuro give the youtube below a listen, and some of his others. No flies on this young man! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snPQ1z5FoqQI will be in Hawaii in a weeks time so I hope to catch a few players similiar to him. DennisD
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345 |
A friend of mine just came back from Hawaii. He was excited that his uke was coming this week. He turned me on to Jake too. While My Guitar Gently Weeps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gaWuadgL3g&feature=related
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Thanks for the videos :-) he can tune his Uke with an app on the wife's iphone. Just ask Siri, lol His fingertips are sore from playing it so much, which is a good thing I told him he needs to build up some callous' and his fingers won't hurt as much. I was happy that he chose an instrument over a video game for his birthday wish. I believe he will stick with it and learn how to play it correctly. It came with a chord diagram and I told him to learn the C,F & G chords first  That way, he will be able to play just about any song ever written. I am off to view the videos now. Thanks again for responding and posting them. I appreciate it ! Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
This is the one we got for him, btw. Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Quote:
A friend of mine just came back from Hawaii. He was excited that his uke was coming this week. He turned me on to Jake too.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gaWuadgL3g&feature=related
My fav Uke video so far. That kid is an amazing Uke'ist Wow, he makes that thing sing !!! Thanks for the video.
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Concert is a good size and Lanikai is a decent brand. Here's a great site for free songs w/chord charts included: http://doctoruke.com/songs.htmlHere's a great learning site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYYCChmhEfk&feature=relatedSorry, I forgot to mention that the renewed interest in the uke has started ukulele clubs all over the world. Many communities have them including mine. Folks just get together to share and play. Some even do performances and play at public venues. Stan
Last edited by Shastastan; 05/06/12 01:11 PM.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Thanks Shastastan, those are perfect for him. It even has a tuning guide that will help him as well. Thanks again for those links Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345 |
By the way...it's pronounced Ook-a-lay-lee!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,221
Posts802,044
Members40,070
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean