Most ukulele players suffer from what is known as U.A.S. or “ukulele acquisition syndrome”. This is where you hunt for your first ukulele, study ads, YouTube reviews, and purchase your first ukulele. But as soon as you receive it, crazy thoughts start running through mind. Soon you realize you “need” something else. A different shape, a solid top, a customized wood combination, a low G, or whatever! Now off you go buying ukulele left and right “adding to your collection”. If this sounds like you, you are officially diagnosed with U.A.S. This disease is deadly.......on your wallet! But may I add that there is another ”disease“ out there. This sickness is called G.A.S.!
G.A.S., or “gear acquisition syndrome”, is not as deadly on the wallet as U.A.S., but it is still pernicious. This can mean you end up with a ton of junk that you really didn’t need to buy. Checking out what other ukulele players are using, especially the pros, is likely responsible for triggering 90% of those ukulele gear purchases. So fair warning… the following 7 uber-popular ukulele accessories may very well be a dangerous proposition for those who have G.A.S problems, but hey, at least they’re all under $30 bucks! Here are the top 7 ukulele accessories every ukulele player needs in their ’tool box’, and where to find them from the best brands. This in hopes to ease your G.A.S. cravings!
#1. Chromatic Tuner
I recommend the KLIQ EcoTuner. It can tune your ukulele precisely... as well as your guitar, bass, mandolin...etc., etc. This specific tuner also features micro USB charging! Meaning you‘ll never have to go to store, hunting for those small disc shaped batteries ever again.
Get the KLIQ EcoTuner here!
#2. Capo
I recommend D‘Addario’s Planet Waves Pro capo. A capo is small tool you can strap around the neck of your ukulele to keep all the strings down on the same fret. So essentially, you are barring the strings on that particular fret with a capo instead of your finger. This is a great accessory to have in your ukulele tool box when you want to sing songs in a different key. This capo will give you the precision needed to have keep adequate pressure on all of the strings of your ukulele. Spring loaded capo’s are quicker to use but lack the ability to control the pressure, resulting in fret buzz which is a deal breaker. This capo is compact and sleek, allowing it to take less room on your fingerboard.
Get the D’Addario Planet Waves NS capo here!
#3. Strap
There are many out there that don’t believe the ukulele should be played using a strap. What do I say about it? Go for it! Straps aid in allowing your left hand (chording hand) to have total freedom and autonomy. Typically you’d have to focus on holding up the neck as you play, relying heavily on your thumb pressure. Straps enable you to throw caution to the wind, and just let your fingers do the talking. You can get straps that don’t require any altercations to the ukulele. They hang on to the sound hole.
I recommend using a strap that utilizes strap buttons. If you have a drill gun, ruler, and 2 minutes, you can easily do this yourself. I recommend the CloudMusic cotton woven ukulele strap. It’s woven material is soft and comfortable to use. It also comes with all the parts for installation. Even a draw string for attaching the strap to the headstock, right above the nut. It’s also another way to customize your ukulele as it comes in many colors!
Get the CloudMusic cotton woven ukulele strap here!
#4. Stand
I have spent years looking for the perfect ukulele stand. They are a great way to showcase your ukulele. But sadly I haven’t found one that adequately met all my needs. They were either too small, not supportive of the neck, and not built using quality materials. But guess what? I found the perfect ukulele stand.....and it was a violin stand! Seriously the best stand you can buy for your ukulele. I recommend Eastar’s violin stand. It meets all the requirements and it comes in black!
Get the Eastar violin stand here!
#5. String Winder
I recommend Stringtec’s 3 in 1 string kit. It winds up strings, clips them, and pulls out pegs. I love this kit since the two pieces come apart and you use the tools separately. Usually they come in one piece. This makes using this tool cumbersome as you have parts dangling around that are not in use. The Stringtec kit gives you the ability to use the tools in the proper way. Every ukulele player needs one of these in their quivers! Trust me!
Get the Stringtec string kit here!
#6. Wall Hanger
I recommend the brand String Swing. They are proudly made here in the USA using quality materials. Not to mention they’re affordable! They come in multiple solid wood finishes you can pick the right wood to match your homes aesthetics. I personally have used one for the past 3 years to hold my custom Rick Turner ukulele!
Check here for the String Swing ukulele wall mount!
#7. Thumb Pick
Ukulele players rarely use picks, let alone thumbpicks for that matter. Though some do like the ukulele/guitar legend Ledward Ka’apana. I agree that regular guitars picks are not helpful since you lose most of your fingers just holding it. But I know some of you thinking that advanced players can use a guitar pick along with the last three digits to pick and strum. But is hard and complicated! But thumbpicks are something else!
Thumbpicks can be used in multiple ways. You can hold it like a normal pick, but you can also use it with an opened hand. This allows you to play the ukulele traditionally if you want to. A thumbpick will also aid strumming. You will be able to strum loud and clear and the fleshy tip of your pointer finger will thank you. If your a skeptic, try one out. They are super affordable and can be kept “clipped” right above the nut when not in use. Every ukulele player needs one in their ukulele tool box!
Get some here!
There you have it! The top 7 must have ukulele accessories every ukulele player needs. I know I‘ve left some off the list but I figured you already own a case, have extra strings, and may or may not be interested in having a pickup installed. I hope I helped you find the ones missing from your list. Thank you for letting me, Dr. Keli’i, get rid of your G.A.S.! Now don’t ask me for the cure for U.A.S.. Cause there is none!
Keep jamming and aloha!
Comentarios