After the rather depressing blog about the Lakeland 50 its time to get back to the properly agreed challenges. A few people have pointed out that I’m a little behind on things and need to get my arse in gear. So, inspired by Jenny and Carli, I have begun trying to learn a musical instrument (challenge 7) – in this case a Ukulele.
My record for musical ability is not great. Apart from the compulsory recorder lessons while I was at middle school I have attempted to learn the trumpet (mostly as my dad can play one), this lasted a couple of years and I didn’t even get to grade one. I also spent a couple of years learning to play the piano, I had a bit more success with that but still struggled and eventually gave up. Plus anyone who has seen my music collection (or more precisely my lack of one) will attest to the fact that I don’t have much of a sophisticated musical taste.
A quick bit of internet based research helped me select a Kala Uke as a nice cheap option (but with a good sound quality according to the reviews). I went on amazon and purchased a Kala MK-SN Soprano (their entry level Uke) and a bag to carry it for £35. The reviews online explained that the strings it came with were not so great and that to get a decent quality sound new ones (Aquila) would be a good purchase so off I trooped to Windows (music shop in Newcastle) to buy some. I have to say I enjoyed going to a music shop and buying bits for my new instrument – staff were great and were impressed with my choice – found the right strings for me and then sold me a starter pack with some beginners books and a few other bits and pieces apparently essential for a new Uke owner.
My Uke! and my absolute beginners book on how to play it - (i did check if they had one called Ukuele for ten thumbed tallentless absolute beginners in the shop but alas not)
Everything went fine until I got everything home and tried to change the strings – getting the old ones off was easy but attaching the new ones somewhat harder. 45 minutes of struggling a light swearing later and I had one string attached but so lose no note could be coaxed from it! I needed help – my first thought was my downstairs neighbours but then I remembered that a lad I work with play base and might be able to help.
So the Uke got taken back into work and handed over to Ross while I was in a meeting. He was supposed to leave one string until I came back to show me how it was done. Alas, my PhD student found him later and since she has 4 Ukes insisted on completing the job and seeing how it sounded. So stringing the thing is still a mystery – but I have been offered cheap lessons and even had an invitation to join a band.
Now the strings are all on I’ve had a chance to start trying to play – just learning the basics of strumming at the moment and 6 of the easiest chords. Have got onto the first tune the book suggests – for the time being my rendition is not recognisable but I am having fun trying – so thank you to whoever suggested this one!
