No silly thats NOT a mandolin its a UKE!

**Northern Pike** · Jan-22-2010, 9:31pm

I love the ukulele. But it requires the same physical sacrifice as the classical guitar - NAILS - to bring out its essential voice. Many guys, even if their job did not demand clipped nails, would never grow their fingernails out, for social reasons and/or personal grooming. The felt pick just doesn't get it done for me. Can play rhythm alright w/o claws, but melodies don't sound proper. Kind of like playing a fiddle by dragging a sweat-stiffened sock against the strings.

**journeybear** · Jan-28-2010, 10:25am

No, no, you don't understand - that IS the proper sound for a ukulele!

Just kidding ... really! REALLY!! HONEST!!!

**Toubi Sard** · Sep-19-2011, 3:22pm

Hi, I'm new to this site... I play the ukulele but have just got my hands on a Tanglewood bowlback mandolin.
Experience with playing mandolin in my youth left me with an irrational fear of anything with steel strings.
I have decided the tune my mandolin g'C'E'A as a re-entrant ukulele, this is more for instant ability to play scales and chord shapes that are familiar.
I also get the chance to harden my finger tips up.
With time I might re string and use GDAE.
Is there any one else out there tuned to g'C'E'A using really light strings?

**Pez D. Spencer** · Sep-19-2011, 11:44pm

Ukulele Cosmos is another good uke site, from England.

**Michael Richmond** · Sep-20-2011, 1:28am

Originally Posted by Northern Pike

The felt pick just doesn't get it done for me.

For what it's worth, I find that a medium-hardness Wedgie rubber pick works well on my RISA stick uke. I tune the RISA to GDAE and use it as a travel mando... the rubber picks produce a smooth, warm tone.

**Geordie** · Sep-20-2011, 8:45am

Originally Posted by Northern Pike

The felt pick just doesn't get it done for me.

I play mine with the edge of my thumb. Most folks strum with the back of their middle finger.
I've recently picked up the mando after years of playing the uke, and so now I'm having trouble working with a pick; it's a whole different way of playing!

**Mike Scott** · Sep-20-2011, 11:45am

There is a uke site www.ukuleleunderground.com that has a forum that contains a wealth of info on getting started on the uke. It is similar (although not as good as here) to the Cafe. You may want to check it out. I have always thought of the Kamaka as the "Gibson" of ukes. There are other "K" brands that rival them too. The uke is a blast to play and is super easy too (especially if you have played guitar). Have fun with it!

**Mandoviol** · Sep-20-2011, 11:50am

Originally Posted by mandomansuetude

Just wondering...could a uke be tuned GDAE and used to practice mando chords when sore fingers need a break? Wm

Yes, you can, but not easily using the standard uke strings(!). Aquila makes a set of strings for soprano ukes that are tuned G-D-A-E. And they're pretty cheap, too. I got mine for my Flea through Elderly.