Alternative to guitar (Updated with pics in last page!)

Want to ask about strings, maintenance, amps, mics, or comparisons of different guitars or any music equipment? This is for all threads related to music equipment.

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sfmartins
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Alternative to guitar (Updated with pics in last page!)

Unread post by sfmartins » Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:58 am

Guys, I've been 2 weeks in Athens without playing guitar.
I'll still be there until February 2007, coming to Portugal probably every 2-3 weeks.
I don't feel like taking any of my current guitars there (nor the D35 (!), nor the old dreadnought Fender), cause they're too big to carry!

Thus, I was thinking about any other string instrument, much smaller, that I could take to Athens, to have some fun at the Hotel, but also to keep my fingers "in shape".

What do you guys think is a good cheap alternative?
Last edited by sfmartins on Fri Nov 24, 2006 1:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Sciaracastro
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Unread post by Sciaracastro » Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:21 am

buy a crappy guitar (~50€)
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Gold
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Unread post by Gold » Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:33 am

not a string instrument, but why not get a harmonica? I know it wouldn't keep your fingers up to speed, but it would probably be fun to learn.
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sfmartins
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Unread post by sfmartins » Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:48 am

I actually have a harmonica, but don't know how to play... :? It could be fun to learn though
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IDrinkTooMuch
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Unread post by IDrinkTooMuch » Sat Nov 04, 2006 10:31 am

get a ukulele. there really cheap and incredibly easy to learn. pretty fun too.
Matt

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sfmartins
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Unread post by sfmartins » Sat Nov 04, 2006 11:50 am

An ukulele seems a great option. What's a good cheap model?
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Grachi
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Unread post by Grachi » Sat Nov 04, 2006 12:55 pm

IDrinkTooMuch wrote:get a ukulele. there really cheap and incredibly easy to learn. pretty fun too.
yea, do this. Or get one of those backpacker gutters/baby guitars if you don't mind spendin g the money. Martin makes them but I imagine someone else has similar ideas too and maybe for cheaper prices.
- Andrew
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taylordb
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Unread post by taylordb » Sat Nov 04, 2006 2:56 pm

Actually, get a baritone ukulele.....it is tuned just like a guitar (unlike other ukuleles)....so you will be able to transition to it very well.
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Kahn
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Unread post by Kahn » Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:40 pm

MANDOLIN
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taylordb
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Unread post by taylordb » Sat Nov 04, 2006 4:24 pm

He wanted a "good, cheap alternative". Mandolins aren't cheap (well....compared to a uke).


Although I do love mandolins.
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IDrinkTooMuch
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Unread post by IDrinkTooMuch » Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:37 pm

ukes are ridiculously simple, baritone or not. just find a chord chart and you'll be playing anything you want in no time. just go check out ukes on musicians friend or at a local shop.
Matt

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sfmartins
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Unread post by sfmartins » Sat Nov 04, 2006 8:11 pm

Yeah, a mandolin would be great. We have that kind of stuff here in Portugal a lot. Actually the ukulele was introduced by the Portuguese in Hawaii :lol: However, they are kind of more expensive that what I want...

Now, I know nothing of ukuleles... but they really seem cheap. Since I'm in Europe, the best would be to buy online at a German company. A quick search returned these ones:

http://www.thomann.de/thoiw10_harley_be ... .html#fpix
http://www.thomann.de/thoiw10_harley_be ... dinfo.html

Do you think the spruce top is worth the additional 40Euros?

It would be great if someone could help me on this.

Thanks guys.
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taylordb
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Unread post by taylordb » Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:05 pm

I would not spend the extra on a spruce top. Actually, a good majority of ukuleles are made of mahogany. I would still go with a baritone model.....I don't think the ones you listed are.
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sfmartins
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Unread post by sfmartins » Sun Nov 05, 2006 5:29 am

I wasn't able to find a baritone on the website, but I've found this one with 6 strings (but different tuning):

http://www.thomann.de/thoiw10_yamaha_gl1_prodinfo.html

and an awesome bag :lol::

http://www.thomann.de/gb/millenium_ukulele_gigbag.htm

What do you guys think?
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IDrinkTooMuch
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Unread post by IDrinkTooMuch » Sun Nov 05, 2006 10:01 pm

well, i personally like regular ukes better, but its all up to you my friend...
Matt

Oh I sleep just to dream her
I beg the night just to see her
That my only love should be her
Just to lie in her arms
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