The 4th Peg

Oscar Schmidt introduces 6 new ukulele models. One of the new models reissues the Bell shape made famous by Washburn back in the 1920s. It features a solid Trembesi top, back and sides with ivory body binding, abalone logo, rosette and fret dot inlays. The ukulele has deluxe Grover GH305 tuners with ebony buttons, bone nut and saddle and GHS strings. Deluxe hard shell case included. Retail $389.90. P.S. Change the strings and I’ll bet this model will be extremely popular.

Other models include the OU280SWK is concert-sized and has a back and sides of Hawaiian Koa with a mahogany top, the OU220SWK is also concert-sized, all mahogany in a satin finish. The OU6 and OU5LCE are both built with a Koa top, back and sides.

Full article can be found at Harmony Central. Oscar Schmidt’s web site is www.oscarschmidt.com

Aaron introduces The Bean Sprout Banjo Ukulele Company (www.thebeansprout.com). These aren’t Grandpa’s torn-up, flapper-era banjo uke! Wonderful to look at and wonderful to play with volume to cut through most situations.

The current model is concert-scale, 14 fret neck that is 1 1/2″ wide at the nut bringing a most comfortable uke to with enough frets clear to play up the neck without cramping. A unique steel flange replaces the use of feet reducing the overall weight of the uke.

So pop on over to Aaron’s web site and check it out! Also tune into Aaron’s YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqk9zy-FCtA) demo’ing the uke. Truely terrific. Now if only he’ll send me one gratis!

Koaloha recently announced a short scale Soprano uke, code named “Noah”. At 3/4 of the size of their regular Soprano, I call it a Sopranino. Price is not available yet but given the right number, I’d also call it mine!

Oh, I already have a Sopranino, a nice Tangi purchased from MusicGuyMic. Look up his name on eBay and rummage through his terrific online store. Wonderful ukes and a prince of a guy. But I digress. As much as I love my Tangi Sopranino, now I wonder if I’d love a Koaloha even more. I’ve always admired their craftsmanship and heard nothing but glowing reviews from owners. I’m salivating. Behold the small wonder here.

Dan Zanes (www.danzanes.com) recently introduced a limited edition Flea ukulele for sale on his site. He calls it the Limon and if you are familiar with Dan.. if fits perfectly! The first round of Limon Fleas sold out on pre-order. I’m sure this new round is also gone. But visit the News section on his site and see if you can still order yourself one!

In case you aren’t familiar with Dan, he co-founded the Del Fuegos in the ’80s. Recently, Dan is very active in not only children’s music but family music. His CDs reflect music that can be enjoyed by all ages and all ages can participate. Furthering those goals, Dan posts lyrics, chords and sound snippets for his CDs on his web site. Does this guy sound like a Uker or what?