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Post by JeffG on Jun 24, 2015 11:15:55 GMT -7
Just picked up a Gretsch G9121 Tenor ukulele and it's fantastic. For about $200 I got a great instrument that I can plug in with a gig bag. Before buying this one, I'd been tinkering around with my girlfriend's Kanaloa KT tenor uke. I've now become a big fan of the instrument, specifically the tenor. (Sopranos are just too small and don't have as much tonal variety to my ear.) After poking around online, reading reviews, etc., I found that it's not uncommon to string the high G string with a low G, thus making it more guitar-like. I ordered a pack of those strings and am curious to check it out since I'd love to get a little more low end out of this thing. I've been learning tons of songs that I already knew on guitar (mostly just chords for now) in preparation for a little acoustic gig I'm doing next week with a guitar player. I'm really looking forward to it and have thoroughly enjoyed learning a fun new instrument. It brought back memories from learning the guitar and mastering my first songs. The cool thing is that it takes MUCH less work on the uke since I already play a stringed instrument, can strum, etc. And there are only 4 strings! I know this sounds like an ad or something; it's not. I don't work for anyone. I just wanted to share how much fun these little guys are and the kind of quality (darn good!) you can get for $200.
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Post by jimiata on Jun 24, 2015 12:15:50 GMT -7
Nice!
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Post by simpleton on Jun 24, 2015 13:28:48 GMT -7
They say if you play chord shapes from guitar on the uke it's the same as having a capo on the fith fret.....at least that's what I've been told by someone. I didn't know that Gretsch was even making Ukes... Looks sweet.
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Post by JeffG on Jun 24, 2015 14:10:31 GMT -7
Yeah it's not some masterbuilt Collings or anything but excellent for the $.
I hadn't thought of it as a capo on the 5th fret, but you're right.
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Post by JeffG on Jul 6, 2015 12:21:57 GMT -7
Updates for anyone who might be interested:
1. In order to string the uke with a low G, the slit on the bridge which the string has to pass through to go over the bridge had to be widened. In other words, the slit was too narrow to have a thicker string pass through it. Not a crazy "mod" by any means, but just a FYI if you're thinking about putting a low G on your uke.
2. I put Aquila Reds on there since they got the best reviews online for mahogany ukes. They sound SO MUCH BETTER! You will want these strings. But man oh man do they take some stretching to stay in tune. Also, be sure to follow the instructions (when you get them you'll know what I mean) on how to string and tune them - it matters.
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