Ukulele - A Traditional Baby Guitar From Hawaii

Recently, we saw the latest trending among guitar enthusiast is the "baby" guitar. It's small, easy to carry and hold, and easy for travel. But the true original "baby" guitar has been around with us for many years. We may saw it performed in the clubs or lounges but didn't pay much attention, it's called Ukulele.

Today, Ukelele is commonly associated with music from the Hawaiian islands due to its use in popular music originating there. According to Queen Lili'uokalani, the last Hawaiian Monarch, the name means "the gift that came here", from the Hawaiian words uku (gift or reward) and lele (to come).

In 1915, this exotic baby guitar gained popularity on the mainland of the United States beginning in San Francisco. This is due in part to the Panama Pacific International Exposition, which took place in San Francisco, where Ukulele prominently featured in exhibit. It is estimated having 17 million visitors. The popularity of this exhibit at the Expo launched a fad for Hawaiian-themed music, including Ukulele, on the mainland of the United States.

Ukulele has been played as a solo instrument for many years, but groups of Ukulele players are cropping up all over the world. Ukulele also played in orchestra and ensembles as well.

This amazing baby guitar commonly has four strings and is actually big on tone and sweet in sound. The sounds emanating from a Ukelele depends on its size and how it has been constructed. There are four common sizes of this instrument: Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Baritone.

Soprano, the smallest Ukelele, is the original size. In Hawaii, it is known as the "standard" Ukulele, extremely light and portable. Soprano is probably the most popular and widely owned and played of Ukulele. Soprano usually have around 15 frets, as the smallest, producing tiny sound most recognizably from Ukulele. As a result of its small size, kids generally easily holding it, so encourage them to learn how to play it. Many schools utilize Soprano size Ukuleles in their music classes.

Concert was introduced in 1920s, as an enhancement of Soprano. Concert Ukuleles are slightly larger than Soprano and usually have anywhere between 15 and 20 frets, producing deeper tones.

Tenor Ukuleles are slightly larger than Concert, producing more volume and deeper bass tone compare with Concert and usually have 15 or more frets. Concert is the choice size for most performing soloists.

Baritone is the largest size, was created in the 1940s, is the largest of Ukulele sizes. Baritone exhibits a much deeper sound than other ukulele sizes.

As for choosing the right size, the very best way to find the perfect Ukulele for you is to check out Ukuleles by yourself. How it sounds and feels to you is the most important thing when time has come to decide.

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Lanikai Ukulele - Play The Sound of Hawaii

The Ukulele is often associated with Hawaii, although it actually comes from a guitar-like instruments of Portuguese origin and oddly enough means "jumping flea" in Hawaiian, maybe because your fingers resemble a flea jumping around on the fret board while you are playing.

If you're looking for a well made great sounding instrument you can trust a Lanikai Ukulele which are actually made by the Hohner music company which make many high quality musical instrument. You'll find each ukulele's sound to be as soothing as a white sand beach as you strum to the tune of the ocean.

Beginner ukulele players will especially enjoy the superb craftsmanship in the entry level lu 21. Here are a few details:

Scale Length: 13.625"
Nato wood top, back, and sides
Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
Geared tuners
White binding on the top
4 strings
12 frets

It's important to keep your Lanikai Ukulele in good condition so that it can keep its rich full sound for years to come.

Keep your Ukulele in its case when you are not playing it, this will protect it from heat, outside forces and humidity bumps.

Use a reputable polish to clean your instrument from time to time (do not use wax).

Change your strings often, a cheap ukulele with new strings will often sound better than an superb ukulele with old strings.

Use a cotton cloth to wipe down the body and strings after you play.

Never let it get wet.

The Honer company has been making the Lanikai Ukulele for quite some time now and has expanded their line up from the entry level lanikai lu 21 soprano ukulele that retails for around $80 to the more expensive $400+ Lanikai SM-CE Limited Edition Spalted Mango Concert Acoustic-Electric Ukulele.