Martin’s New Premium Ukulele Strings

Martin unveiled their new line of premium ukulele strings this week at NAMM 2018. They appear to be Aquila Lavas.

Going Back

A few months ago, I put gut strings on my main ukulele. I ran into some big intonation problems after a while, though. I had to switch back.

Going Gut

Important upate: I have run into major intonation issues due to these strings and cannot recommend them.

I’ve been playing gut strings on my basses for at least as long as I have been playing ukulele (10+ years). I’ve always wanted to try them on my ukulele, but was apprehensive about drastically changing the vibe of my main axe. I finally pulled the trigger on some Aquila gut strings, and thought it might be helpful to put my thoughts down here, but first some background…

But… Magnets

My wife spotted this in the window of an antique store in downtown Woodland, CA. 

Don’t Fear the Soprano

I picked up the ukulele some years back because I wanted an instrument I could bring places with me more easily than I can my double bass. I’ve gotten pretty into it, and recently had a custom instrument built for me. When you have the opportunity to completly spec something out, you really explore the possibilities and form some opinions. Believe me, I have some opinions. But first, some background.

I’d Be Astonished If I Were Amused

In which I also played bass some ukulele, and sang some harmonies. This was my first time recording music in many years. Many. As in, before people really used computers to do it at home. This was released last September, so I thought it was about time I mentioned it here.

I Sold Out

My song “The Creekside Serenade” is featured in the new Nugget Markets Instagram spot.