The 4th Peg

Following up on The 4th Peg’s popular “UKEMAN” shirt, there is now a “UKEWOMAN” shirt available at The 4th Peg’s CafePress store. The logo appears in either a fun yellow ochre or maroon color on a variety of shirts. Also added, a fun “UKU-CUCU” (pronounced “ookoo-kookoo”) design to show the world how obsessed you are with ukuleles! Ok.. maybe “obsessed” might be a tad too strong. But we are nuts about them.

Bottled water - It’s all the rage now. We drink, drink, drink because it’s good for our bodies. Did you know your ukulele needs water too?

When wood-bodied instruments dry out, the wood shrinks. Cracks develop, bridges and braces loosen and fret ends start sticking out from the edges of the neck making them feel sharp. The finish can dry out too, leaving a wavy appearence that can lead to cracks in the finish. If you have a vintage uke, it probably already has experienced under-humidification. Oh, what’s a uker to do?

Humidify it! Purchase a hygrometer (device to measure relative humidity) and a humidifier and rest them in your ukulele case. These aren’t expensive and will save your precious ukulele and preserve it’s sound and wonderful qualities. It’s not difficult and involves little of your time. 40% to 50% RH (Relative Humidity) is the goal inside your ukulele case. Often just a quick check every 2-3 days to refill the humidifier is all that’s needed.
Larrivee Guitars has a great article on humidification. It’s written in reference to guitars but applies equally to ukuleles. Find it here.

An `Ukulele Slack Key Guitar and Hawaiian Steel Guitar Workshop will be held in Pahala on the Big Island of Hawai`i for the weekend of May 18-20, featuring Grammy winner Keoki Kahumoku, `ukulele master Herb Ohta Jr. and Steel Guitar teacher Konabob Stoffer. With topics such as Beginner `Ukulele along with Intermediate and Advanced `Ukulele, this is going to be big opportunity to learn from some of Hawai`i best. The events lead up to a public concert on Sunday. Shouldn’t miss this one if you are on the Big Island! The registration form and schedule is at: www.konaweb.com/keoki