Back to the Pono

I have been neglecting my lovely Pono tenor for a while.  Last night, I pulled it out of the case and plugged it in to a new set of headphones.  I hadn't been able to get much sound out of it to my ears, but it was completely different through the amp and 'phones and I was really happy with the ringing tone and nuance with changing volume in strums.  Made me remember to play all of my ukes as often as possible!
I bought this uke at the Windy City Uke Fest in 2008 up in Chicago.  Kimo Hussey gave a seminar and played THIS uke at one of the evening events, so I knew it would do wonderful things in the right hands.  Kimo told me it was a uke that I could grow into and I now have an idea of what he was talking about. Thanks, Kimo.

Public Domain Songs

A post at Gospel Ukulele listed some public domain hymns, so I checked out the reference.  They sell copies of old songs, but have several lists that are said to be in the public domain, so OK to perform without paying royalties.  Here's their link. The site has a lot of disclaimers and indicates it only applies to US, so caveat emptor!

Whole Earth Nuclear Uklele Orchestra

The KDHX fundraiser with WENUO seemed to be a success to me.  I estimated over 100 people were there mid-evening.  They had some issues with the sound at first, 'cause it appeared that the sound guy wasn't used to working with ukes and didn't realize that they don't produce the same volume as a guitar.  The musicians kept asking for increased levels on each mike or input.  Everyone seemed to be having a great time playing or listening. 

Whole Earth Nuclear Ukulele Orchestra

KDHX radio, the only, independent radio station in St. Louis is having a fund-raiser on Wednesday, February 17 at 7 pm. The great significance of the event is the appearance of the Whole Earth Nuclear Ukulele Orchestra giving its first, and maybe only, performance of songs of the Grateful Dead. The WENUO features members of several well-known St. Louis area bands. Here's a clip on YouTube of Russian Lullaby by two of the players.

The concert will be at the 2720 Club, 2720 Cherokee, in St. Louis City. The suggested entry donation is $8.00.

KDHX really deserves our support for its presentation of every type of music imaginable. The volunteer DJs program their own shows. Check them out on the net if you are not in the StL area.

New and Old Ukes

After a long delay, I'll try to keep up with this blog, since I have ONE follower. Thanks, by the way.


I follow many, many blogs daily and find a lot that is repeated, but still enjoy everyone's opinions and efforts.


I recently sold two ukes--a Gold Tone Banjolele and a Flea--and gave away one of my first acquisitions--an Oscar Schmidt concert--to a friend who had expressed an interest in playing. She's a nun, so I am insisting on her posting Dominique on YouTube when she's ready!

You're age is showing if you remember the Singing Nun.

Anyway, having lightened the uke load I, of course, had to get some more...Our uke group leader, Karl Markl of St. Louis, MO, has been modifying the Gold Tone banjo ukes. He put steel strings on a baritone, tuned it to GCEA and added an arm rest. I like it a little better than the old GT since it sounds more like a banjo, which is the point, anyway.

The other acquisition is a concert Eleuke--unfortunately on back order, since I wanted the mahogany rather than the red or blue. I am fascinated by all of the videos and the range of effects possible from these ukes.