May 31st, 2010

Banjolele by Dreima

The other day, in a moment of reckless abandon, I bought a banjo ukulele (banjolele) off eBay.  I’ve wanted one for ages.  I think it’s made by a German maker, Dreima.  From what I can find on the internet, they’re not particularly well known but it looks good, has a nice sound and a sturdy weight.  I’m guessing it dates from the twenties or thirties.  The bridge has 8 places for strings but it’s been strung with 4 strings.  I do wonder if the bridge has been taken from a mandolin or something and it’s in fact not a Dreima as the headstock has no makers mark.  Anyway, it doesn’t matter as it’s a lovely little item.

Here’s an audio clip: Dreima banjolele clip

Here’s some snaps.

ukulele banjo

The body shot.

ukulele banjo

Dreima stamp.

Full nude.

uke banjo by dreima

May 27th, 2010

Banjo greeting card

Okay, so their not ukuleles, but hey – I got this card for my birthday and it’s great.  So I think it’s okay to post.

banjo birthday card

May 24th, 2010

An apple, a heart and a one stringed skull

I was browsing the website Etsy the other day and wandered upon a shop called, Celentano Woodworks.  Their schtick is they can make any design into a 1 or more string instrument.  Yes, they have ukuleles on there.  Rather lovely looking ones too.

The Heart Tenor ukulele

Heart tenor ukulele

Not a ukulele but a one string skull guitar.  I want it.

one string skull guitar

An apple ukulele.

apple ukulele

All photos – Celentano Woodworks.

May 22nd, 2010

Andrew WK – Party Hard, ukulele tab

Andrew Wk partying hard

In his own words, Andrew WK is a Musician, TV Personality, Motivational Speaker, Nightclub Owner.  He also likes to party hard.  In any eighties party scene he would be the chap threatening to do some crazy shit, like cut an arm off,  because he was in a party frenzy.

Now consider this: what could be better for your ukulele party playing than the chords for Andrew WK?  Nothing, I think – certainly not Pink, who’s song feebly asks others to, get this party started.  Couldn’t she start it herself?  Doesn’t sound like her heart was ever really in the whole partying business.  So back to the pro, Andrew WK.  Here’s the chords to party hard. I’ve simplified them but the main riff section is still a little tricky to play at first.  However, once you get the hang of playing it, the unlimited use of the word party, as a verb of course, will be open to you for ever more.  It’s worth the effort, I think.

Andrew WK – Party hard chords for the ukulele

May 19th, 2010

UK spring Antifolk festival 2010

antifolkuk_large.jpg

The Men from the Twenties, a little ukulele bongo duo I’m a part of, are playing the uk antifolk festival at 12 bar, Denmark Street, this Saturday.  It’s us then Mr Solo, who sometimes plays a pink ukulele.  There’s lots of other great acts on, so if you’re about then come along.

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