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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | It just gets worse and worse and worse .... YES, it's a freaking BANJO UKULELE. The sad thing is that it sounds incredible! Once I get things rolling with this baby and the cats can no longer stand it, I switch over to resonator uke. That makes 'em really scat.
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August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | They're coming to take you away hahaa, they're coming to take you away hahaa hihii to the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time and they're coming to take you away hahaa!
(Original lyrics by Napoleon XIV)
:p :p :p :p :p |
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May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Beautiful banjo uke, those things were the rage at sometime in my life but I can't remember the exact years. they have a good sound and can lead a marching band if played right.
Uke playing is not really a joke, I saw a Ukelele playoff of the top players on PBS and it was as good as any show I've ever seen. I would put those guys right next to Earl Scruggs or even Chet in showmanship and musical value. Best you don't see something like that or your life will be ruined as you decide to play like that on your ukes, and devote what is left of your life to practicing, sacrificing your family and your job.
Not a bad idea, go for it!
Bailey |
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December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | this man is out of control |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Ukulele Banjos were huge in the UK in the 30's & 40's & there's still a small market for them, mostly to George Formby afficianados.
During the banjo boom all kinds of banjo-hybrid stringed instruments were made. I have a 1930's mandolin banjo and it's quite horrible. |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Dave, Seek help........ |
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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Yes, I am seeking help ... to find a Tricone Ukulele!
It's just so much easier to smuggle these ukes into the house than it is those big ol' brown gitter cases. And as for my future, I have it on good authority that as long as they don't make the restraints too tight, I should still be able to play my uke.
You think I'M sick? Here's some dude's uke collection that I found on Al Gore's Internet:
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Collection? That ain't no collection! Not a single roundback in the bunch.
Someone outta get hold of this guy and wise him up. |
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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Slip, you have a good point. But I've got to tell you, Ovation (applause) does not have a big reputation within the ukulele world. Seen more as a "novelty" or something you have resort to when playing live if you can't find a microphone. Sorry to say it, but that's the way it is. Kamaka and Martin are the workhorses in the uke world, plus dozens and dozens of little specialty builders. I own a Martin and the sound is amazing. Not much high technology in ukes. They are built pretty much the same as they have been for the last 50 years. The areas of exploration are in body shapes and woods. You find all kinds of woods being used in various combinations.
Should Ovation DO something here? I'm not convinced there is enough of a market to justify anything more than what they already do with the Applause ukes. But IF they were to offer me the part-time (unpaid) position of Product Development & Marketing Manager for Ukuleles, I would do the following: 1) leverage the existing applause line as much as possible by product placement and point of sale advertizing, 2) initiate a "uke is cool" campaign, showing applause ukes in use in all kinds of places, 3) place applause ukes in schools, 4) develop a special order USA uke based on acoustic sound to compete with Kamaka and Martin (uke version of legend lx), 5) develop an on-line "custom" uke ordering portal - the buyer can pick size, color, etc. (very much like timbuk messenger bags on-line ordering), 6) have a presence at the major uke festivals and give away swag. I could probably think of more if it wasn't so early on a sunday morning ....
It's a tough call though, because the market isn't big. And if you have the choice to use your resources to build 4 ukuleles or 1 legend LX, you probably are going to make more margin on the legend, so that's a no-brainer. Awhile ago I had Al inquire to the factory if they could build me a custom uke, which obviously I would have paid significant money for. The response was NFW. I guess it's like asking McDonalds to cook you a hotdog. Yes, they could do it but why would they?
Dave |
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August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | NFW - Not For Witko ???
Dave, hope they didn't hurt your feelings :p ;) :p |
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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I think "NFW" meant something a little stronger ... but "Not For Witko" could have been what they really had in mind! |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | You know, your banjo uke would make a good clock, just pop a mechanism through the middle of the head..... |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Dave;
If you have (or can get a copy) of George Harrison's last album "Brainwashed", the first track "Any Road" features a Banjolele predominantly in the mix . . .
. . . could be a possible "candidate song" for TourJamNight . . . I'm game . . . |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Dave,
You are on the right track! Now, just add one more string, a longer neck and you'll have it! :D :D |
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Banjo Ukulele
