Frailblazer - Posted - 06/04/2012:  12:42:56

Last year my dad became interested in learning to play the ukulele.  He bought some lesson books, CDs and found some stuff online.  This all started because my folks, who love to go to garage sales, came across a beautiful vintage uke made by CF Martin in the 1920's.  They picked it up for $2 and after I restored it for them (a story for another thread) it was appraised at  over $3,000.  So, my dad was inspired to learn to play and began his quest.  He was quite taken by the beauty and sound of my Romero 5 string and after lots of consideration, he decided he wanted a Romero banjo uke.  We all chipped in and that became his birthday present last year. Nice gift!!!

This past Saturday we had a gathering at our home for my birthday. To my complete surprise, my dad decided to give me his beautiful banjo uke.  It was with mixed emotions that I received the gift.  I had so looked forward to him leaning to play and experiencing the joy of making music on such a beautiful instrument.  But, after careful thought he came to the conclusion that it was not meant to be and wanted me to have it.  So, now I have a new instrument to learn!  Thanks Dad!!!

I've uploaded some pics of the instrument here: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=6941

- Ric

GMB - Posted - 06/04/2012:  13:24:07

You are a lucky man!  First, it sounds like you have a great family.  Second, you own two Romero instruments.  And third, you're going to play the ukulele.  Love my banjos, love my guitar and dulcimer, but I have played the uke since 1970.  It is a charming instrument capable of incredibly subtle nuances.  It is truly a fun instrument.   Check out Rob Mackillop and Jake Shimabakura.   Good luck and congrats!   Jerry

jbalch - Posted - 06/04/2012:  13:42:48

That is very cool. Congratulations.

Frailblazer - Posted - 06/04/2012:  13:43:38

Thanks Jerry.  When I'm ready to start learning I'll definitely check out Rob MacKillop (already a big fan) and Jake Shimabakura. 

Thanks John!

- Ric

Edited by - Frailblazer on 06/04/2012 13:44:54

pluckyfingers - Posted - 06/04/2012:  14:30:02

Great post Ric. I bought a beautiful Australian Maton guitar back in '93 and I wrote and played some lovely music on it as it almost played itself. After five years when I realised my son, whom I had taught guitar in the first place, was a better player than I'd ever be, I passed it onto him. Well the music he has created and played with this guitar since is astonishing and when he plays on stage audiences just love the story of how he used to go to bed each night listening to his dad make astonishing tunes from this instrument. I now play banjo and and we play together whenever he comes around now and it is an effortless process, the music just pours out of us.

unclekurty - Posted - 06/04/2012:  16:03:47

I'm so glad I got a banjo uke. I bought it to do old time rhythm playing but joined a ukulele club. It's just a blast playing all kinds of tunes on a uke. That's a great uke and a great story.

LarryD1 - Posted - 06/04/2012:  16:40:52

A really neat story . You are sure to enjoy the ukulele and your Dad will be proud to hear you play.