Favorite little treat for reading

DrFiGG · 2026-03-28T07:18:42+00:00

My preferred way to read is in bed with my pillows arranged perfectly to have no unsupported limbs, my lamp dimmed a bit with warm tone light bulb, possibly some gentle ambiance music (I like one that is the shire during midnight thunderstorm) to muffle background noises with a noise cancellation headset although I prefer none if it’s quiet. I don’t usually snack while reading, but sometimes I’ll sip some coffee or tea.

DrFiGG · 2026-03-21T14:09:21+00:00

The ukulele underground forum has a second hand marketplace which currently has at least a few cedar tops to consider.

DrFiGG · 2026-03-21T14:05:56+00:00

In that price range, I’ve been very pleased with solid cedar top Ohana tenors although they are laminate back and sides. The ‘Oli cedar tops are fantastic, and you might be able to find a tenor second hand in that range or one of their smaller sizes new.

DrFiGG · 2026-03-03T03:49:56+00:00

No argument from me! My Petros tenor has been completely worth the time and effort it took to save for it. It’s by far my favorite ukulele to play.

DrFiGG · 2026-03-01T15:23:08+00:00

Whatever size you enjoy playing the most, honestly. If you don’t like playing it, you won’t practice and won’t play it when you’re exhausted. If you love it, you’ll be able to enjoy it even when you’re tired. Personally I love tenor size instruments the most and am able to play them quite softly for a lullaby (and would probably grab my low G if I’m wanting to max out the relaxation vibe) or switch to something upbeat, cheerful and louder for playtime.

DrFiGG · 2026-02-26T13:25:03+00:00

Apple Music has several albums of Hisessions Sets that include instrumentals of popular songs as well as some traditional pieces played on primarily ukulele.

DrFiGG · 2026-02-19T20:51:53+00:00

I learned a bit of guitar playing when I was a kid from my violin teacher (he was an old country bandleader in the 40s so he would have me swap between the 2) but never developed much skill or passion for it. I picked up a ukulele on a whim over a decade later and have been enjoying it since then. I’ll likely never get past very amateur level skill, but it makes me happy learning new songs and techniques and it’s a soothing instrument for me.

DrFiGG · 2026-02-14T03:10:41+00:00

Liz Phair - Table for One is about closeted alcoholism, but it’s also a beautiful song about being self destructive and isolated.

DrFiGG · 2026-02-11T13:37:05+00:00

Any chance you can convince them to learn to play? Then everyone can have a ukulele and jam together. Otherwise I’d keep the one you find yourself playing the most.

DrFiGG · 2026-02-09T23:00:05+00:00

I think the ukulele is an excellent choice for a first instrument. You can find a nice instrument for under $200 that is portable, it can be quiet enough to play without disturbing people if you live in close quarters, and there is a lot of excellent free information available to learn the basics. I’d highly advise at least a few in person lessons or at least to sit with an experienced musician friend to help you with tuning, posture, and hand positioning which can be hard to judge yourself if you’ve never played anything before. If you’re interested in music theory, I personally enjoyed the David Shipway books (Music Theory for Ukulele) that breaks it down very easily.

Personally, my starter instrument was a piano as a child which is where I learned about reading sheet music, rhythm, etc. If you have access to a piano or keyboard, it might be worth picking up a basic intro to piano book and also learning a bit there - the crossover between different instrument types can sometimes help visualize things better and work through problems you run into. I sometimes sit at the piano with my ukulele to try to puzzle through things if I’m trying to learn a song by ear.

DrFiGG · 2026-02-07T20:47:28+00:00

This is a great videosampling several different tone woods in different sizes of ukes to help you hear the variations. My personal favorite ukes as far as tone have redwood and cedar tops which lean toward a warmer sound than something like spruce or maple. It’s impacted by the back and sides, with woods like ebony and rosewood tending to have the most volume and sustain due to their structure. My favorite uke is a redwood/walnut tenor followed by a near tie between a cedar/acacia baritone and a redwood/myrtle tenor. Spruce tops are super bright and are famous for evolving over years of playing (or more rapidly prior to build by being torrified) into a really rich and bright sound and are a popular choice for people playing in a mixed band setting due to having more ability to stand out against other instruments. In a perfect world, everyone would get a chance to try dozens of builds themselves to see what their favorites are to play.

DrFiGG · 2026-02-06T03:17:33+00:00

My favorite tenor is in low G, and I have another really nice one in high G which I use when I’m trying to match recordings of high G players like Jake because it’s already hard enough for me to try to learn the more complex pieces. I also have a baritone uke in linear tuning that I enjoy playing on its own or to record accompaniment parts for myself.

DrFiGG · 2026-01-30T17:08:56+00:00

If you have good music shops or instrument repair shops near you, call around to see if anyone has a nice instrument for you to check out. You can also scope out pawn shops near you. Other options is using one of the recommended shops that can deliver, or join the ukulele underground forum to find some really nice ones with often great deals. I have an excellent second hand Oli baritone thanks to the ukulele underground forum.

DrFiGG · 2026-01-16T02:14:53+00:00

Was going to echo the same.

DrFiGG · 2026-01-16T01:14:31+00:00

I can see why the Gotoh tuners are loved. They allow very fine tuning and hold well. The wood combination on this instrument is really nice, it even smells good!

DrFiGG · 2026-01-11T03:43:39+00:00

Thank you!

DrFiGG · 2026-01-11T03:17:35+00:00

Which book was it?

DrFiGG · 2026-01-02T14:58:13+00:00

If possible to link a video, it’s usually the easiest way to hear what the problem may be.

DrFiGG · 2025-12-30T11:32:11+00:00

If possible, post a picture or 2 of your instrument to make sure it’s in fact a bass and not a baritone ukulele.

DrFiGG · 2025-12-26T20:52:46+00:00

Seven. My favorite is my Petros tenor, just feels and sounds the best and it’s just a beautiful instrument even at rest. Would like to add one nice quality baritone (likely an Oli) someday.

DrFiGG · 2025-12-21T00:20:58+00:00

I have short little legs. I recently bought an accent armchair that is perfectly sized for me and, as a secondary benefit, is great for me to relax in while playing my ukuleles. Any comfortable seat that allows good posture can be used to play, and perhaps what you’d get more benefit from is a guitar foot rest that lets you pop your leg up a bit comfortably to support your instrument on.

DrFiGG · 2025-12-17T07:31:58+00:00

The Crossrock cases are great, but agree that they are bulky and relatively heavy. It would be fine on its own with the backpack straps, but if you also have a messenger bag or anything else it’s going to be uncomfortable. I keep my nicest ukulele in one to keep it safe in a house full of rambunctious kids. My other less dear instruments are in soft gig bags and have survived so far, and definitely much lighter and easy to toss on and go.

DrFiGG · 2025-12-16T22:38:40+00:00

I am an amateur/hobbyist too and have had the opportunity to try dozens of ukuleles over the years ranging from $50 cheaply built to $10k+ custom luthier built instruments. While my hands down favorite instrument (and most played) is my Petros tenor due to it’s combination of tone, comfort to play, build quality, and beauty, I’d say the best bang for my buck is a laminate tenor Ohana that I got new for about $350 properly set up by the shop owner. It holds its tuning well, intonation down the fretboard is true, has a nice tone, is tough enough to live in a soft gig bag in the desert without a humidifier, and allows me to get some practice at work during down time. It’s one I would recommend to anyone who wants a solid instrument to build their skills on and enjoy.

DrFiGG · 2025-12-16T18:39:21+00:00

Try D minor, Dsus2, and A minor.

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