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Ukulele Recording Tips and Tricks
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Ukulele Recording Tips and Tricks (ukuleleRecording.shtml) | Updated: 01-Jan-2009 - 02:48
Recording Resoruces
Microphones
One Mic Recording & Performance
Quick Links
- Apple Hot Deals on Audio/MIDI
- Recording on Shoestring Budget - [ link ]
- Harmony Central Recording Links
- Yahoo - Recording
Recording Ukulele
Getting your uke to tapr, disc, 1010101010101 amd more…
Here are some tips and tricks for recording ukulele I've picked up from research
Other than going to a well equipped commericial recording studio. It is realitivly cheap to set up home recording using a computer. All it takes is a mic, recording software and an interface to get the instrument to the computer.
See Recording Gear section above for companies that I have gotten reccommendations and information on.
From Gerald Ross
From Gerald Ross (link)
One of the industry standards is ProTools by DigiDesign. Some advantages...
- ProTools files can be read by most professional studios for final mastering.
- Many instructional books and large user community.
- Very powerful editing capabilities.
- ProTools offers a free version online.
- Many community colleges offer classes in ProTools.
Disadvantages... somewhat long learning curve.
I recorded my entire 'Ukulele Stomp' CD using ProTools. I took my raw tunes to a professional studio for final mastering. I like it.
I used an Audio-Technica Pro 37 microphone to record both my uke CD's "Ukulele Stomp" and "Moonlight And Shadows".
Ukulele Stomp
Instrumental Swing, Blues, Pop, Latin and Hawaiian music arranged for the ukulele. Solo uke, ukulele duets, and full band arrangements.
Moonlight and Shadows
An eclectic collection of instrumental favorites.
Swing, Blues, Pop, Latin and South Sea flavored selections performed on the Ukulele and Hawaiian Steel guitar. Solo ukulele, uke/steel duets and full band arrangements!
From Curt Sheller
Here is are a few recordings using Apple's GarageBand and a G-String Ukulele.
Giant Steps, solo ukulele
MP3 - Here is a MP3 recording of Giant Steps, solo ukulele for reference.
An island flavored improv over a I VI IV V progression in G major [G Em C D (D7)]
MP3 - Here is a MP3 recording of An island flavored improv over a I VI IV V progression in G major [G Em C D (D7)] for reference.
Here is a recording using Apple's GarageBand and a Lanakai Tenor Ukulele.
First recording a Minor recording glich-spike around 2:30 in. Posted for reference.
MP3 - Here is a MP3 recording of First recording a Minor recording glich-spike around 2:30 in. Posted for reference. for reference.
Here is the recording gear that I'm using.
- American Archtop Collector Series 7 String
- James HIll G-String Tenor
- Apple iLife GarageBand
- M-Audio Axiom 40 Keyboard
From Jon Prown
I record directly into a Sony PCM D1 Portable Digital Recorder--a rather expensive but very
easy to use unit that has two high quality condenser mics set in an X-Y pattern and records
WAV files--and then master with Ozone 3 software.
Jon has recordings at: www.UkeLand.com
Here is a recording of the Beatles Eleanor Rigby
Eleanor Rigby
MP3 - Here is a MP3 recording of Eleanor Rigby for reference.
Here is a solo uke arrangement for a low "G", C Tuned uke I created a few years back: Eleanor Rigby
Web Links
Here's a link to a detailed discussion of some of the acoustic recording choices:
- Acoustic Player Magazine - link
Recording Gear and Software Companies
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Links
Info
Released with much fanfare in January of 1984, the Macintosh was the first affordable computer to include a Graphical User Interface. It was built around the new Motorola 68000 chip, which was significantly faster than previous processors, running at 8 MHz. The Mac came in a small beige case with a black and white monitor built in. It came with a keyboard and mouse, and had a floppy drive that took 400k 3.5" disks--the first personal computer to do so. It originally sold for $2,495.
Text courtesy www.apple-history.com
Everything done on a Macintosh computers.
Site is even hosted on mac by
MacHighway.
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Links
Audacity, not only is it easy to use, but it's free.
(Mac & Cross-platform) The Free, Cross-Platform Sound
Editor
Audacity is free, open source software for recording and
editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows,
GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.
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Links
MicroTrack II, a handheld 24/96 digital audio recorder
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The redesigned MicroTrack II brings even more professional features to the original high-fidelity mobile digital recorder that’s been embraced by audio and film professionals worldwide. With an extended input gain range, analog input limiter, 48V phantom power, faster file transfer rate, seamless recording of files beyond 2GB in size and other enhancements, MicroTrack II delivers the highest quality mobile recording experience available today. Simply record WAV (BWF) and MP3 files to CompactFlash or Microdrives through balanced line inputs or built-in microphone preamps—then drag and drop recordings to your computer via high-speed USB 2.0 for immediate editing or Web posting. MicroTrack II is perfect for a wide variety of applications including field recording, capturing live shows, songwriting, education and more.
Info
(from their site) M-Audio, a business unit of Avid Technology, Inc, is a leading provider of creative tools for computer-centric musicians and audio professionals. Founded in 1988, the Company now has independent offices in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France and Japan. M-Audio is the driving force in the industry empowering musicians to create, perform and record with complete mobile hardware/software solutions that have forever changed when, where and how music is made.
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PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.
7257 Florida Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-216-7887
Toll Free: 800-750-0323
Fax: 225-926-8347
Links
Info
(from their site) Founded in 1995, PreSonus Audio Electronics has become known for delivering professional quality audio products at affordable prices to audio professionals, musicians and hobbyists around the world. The PreSonus staff in the sales, engineering, and customer service departments all have years of experience in professional audio as musicians and sound engineers which brings passion for music-making to every facet of the company. PreSonus’ founder and President Jim Odom is credited with two RIAA Certified Gold Records, one Certified Platinum Record along with two Ampex Golden Reel Awards as a musician/producer/engineer.
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Sibelius
Sibelius is the notation software that I use for all Curt Sheller Publications.
Having tried to learn Finale when it was Finale 2004. I found the learning curve a little steep. Sibelius was a lot easier to learn and use right out of the box.
| Sibelius Professional Edition Sibelius Music Notation Software. Software. CD-ROM only. Size 14x9.25 inches. Published by Sibelius. (631221) | 
| Sibelius G7 - Kontakt Edition The Fastest, Easiest Way to Create, Playback and Post Tab. Software. CD-ROM only. Size 7x10 inches. Published by Sibelius. (631243) |
Guitars
Guitars for Interfacing to Computers using MIDI, USB, etc… You can trigger any sound with a MIDI control whether it is a keyboard or guitar.
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Brian Moore Guitars
iGuitar, Inc.
290 Main Street - Suite #3
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Phone 845-809-5347
Fax 845-808-5348
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Links
- www.fender.com
- WidipediA: Leo Fender
- WidipediA: Fender
Harmony-Central user reviews: Fender
Info
A tried and true Fender Twin Reverb will always work. It's one of the amps one will always find in a studio and can rent when on the road. Learn to how to dial in your sound from a Twin.
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Godin Guitars
19420 Avenue Clark-Graham
Baie d'Urfé, Quebec H9X 3R8, Canada
Phone: 514-457-7977
Fax: 514-457-5774
Line 6
Line 6, Inc.
26580 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-1921
Main Phone#: (818) 575-3600
Main Fax#: (818) 575-3601
International
4 Sopwith Way
Drayton Fields Industrial Estate
Daventry, Northamptonshire
United Kingdom, NN118PB
Telefon: +44 (0) 1327 302 700
Fax: +44 (0) 1327 302 702
Links
Info
LINE 6 — Modeling Pioneers
Most non-musicians are likely unaware that the past fifty years of guitar amplifier technology has had a more significant impact on the history of rock music than the electric guitar itself. Each individual amp and effect design was created to distort and color the guitar signal in a different way, contributing significantly to why the guitar sounds of the Beatles were so different from Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd. Both the subtle and overt differences between the many types (and even specific serial numbers) of amps and effects, became cherished tonal signatures that were sought after for the particular sonic mood that they might inspire.
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Microphones Manufactures
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Links
Info
Music Recording Recommendations
AT2020
Cardioid Condenser Microphone
MSRP US$169.00
Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020
apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.
The classic edition of the legendary AT4033 microphone, the side-address
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Blue Microphones
5706 Corsa Avenue, Suite 102
Westlake Village, CA 91362-4057
Phone:
Toll Free: 818-879-5200
Fax General): 818- 879-7258
Fax (Sales): 818-879-7259
Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site )
Snowball
- www.bluemic.com
- Podcasting 101
Nice video on Poscasting
A USB mic that’s not only easy to use, but sounds as good on your desktop as it does in a professional recording studio. Meet the Snowball; the world's first professional USB mic.
Whether you’re recording a guitar at your kitchen table or a complete band in the studio, the Snowball can capture it with detail unheard of before in a USB mic.
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Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site ) - John Nady, an electronics engineer/musician and founder/CEO of Nady Systems, was the first to tackle the complex issue of noise reduction in wireless microphones. In the early ‘70’s, he succeeded in developing and patenting a companding process for wireless which continues to set the industry standard for clear, natural sound. Nady’s original marketing was strictly in music and pro audio, and by 1985, 80% of the world’s top performing acts were using Nady wireless. In 1987, Nady introduced the legendary — and very affordable — 101/201 Series, opening the world of wireless to virtually everyone. Nady is also widely credited with having developed the world’s first In-ear Monitor system (1978), as well as the first PLL synthesized UHF wireless, the UHF-950 (1991).
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RØDE Microphones
RODE MICROPHONES, LLC
P.O. Box 4189
Santa Barbara, CA 93140-4189
Ph: 805-566-7777
Fax: 805-566-0071
INTERNATIONAL
RØDE MICROPHONES (AUSTRALIA)
107 Carnarvon Street
Silverwater, N.S.W. 2128
Tel +61 2 9648 5855
Fax +61 2 9648 2455
Links
Info
NT1-A - “Why Pay Less”
The Worlds Quietest Studio Condenser Microphone.
The RØDE NT1-A. Winner of the Electronic Musician 2004 Editors Choice Award and the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone. This redesigned version of RØDE’s classic NT-1 has only 5 dBA of self-noise.
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Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site ) - Royer Labs was formed in 1998 to bring David Royer's unique, modern ribbon microphone designs to the world. When we first opened our doors, ribbon mics had been largely forgotten, but the R-121 and SF-12 quickly captured the imagination of recording enthusiasts around the world. This new generation of ribbon microphones proved to be a perfect match to the rise in popularity of digital recording, as engineers rediscovered their warmth, analog feel and smooth sound. Today, Royers are found in studios and on live stages around the world.
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Shure Microphones & Audio Electronics
Shure Incorporated
5800 West Touhy Avenue
Niles, IL 60714-4608
Phone: +1(847) 600-2000
Toll Free: (U.S. only) +1(800) 25-SHURE
Fax: +1(847) 600-1212
Links
- www.shure.com
- WidipediA: Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is a common professional low impedance cardioid dynamic microphone in live sound reinforcement and studio recording applications. It is a popular choice among live users due to its sturdy construction. It is often used on instruments that produce high sound pressure levels, such as the snare drum and other percussion, electric guitar amplifier, and even vocals. Introduced in 1967, the SM57 remains one of the best selling microphones in the world today. The SM stands for Studio Microphone.
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Links
Listing Info
( from listing's site ) - Samson began 26 years ago as an audio technology company designing wireless microphone systems. Today, we are an industry leader with three distinct brands: Samson, Hartke and Zoom. Over 350 products designed and distributed by Samson are sold in 106 countries throughout the world.
Home Recording Recommendations
C01U - USB Studio Condenser Microphone
The C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is the first affordable studio condenser mic with a USB interface.
For the first time ever, musicians who record music on computers have a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances.
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Additional Resources & Links
- NEW Microphones 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Macs and Mics - link
One Mic Recording & Performance
One Mic Stand
Here is a link to an article on titled One Mic Stand from musician Del Rey's web site.
Here are links to the microphones mentioned in the article and good for the one mic texhnique:
- Rode NT1-A
- Audio-Technica AT4033 - This is the mic used by the Boulder Acoustic Society
You Control Your Sound
With a single mic setup you are your own sound man. You mix your own sound. You are not at the mercy of some random sound guy not familiar with your music. You simply control your sound by your proximity to the mic on stage. Louder, move in. Quieter, move out.
I saw the Boulder Acoustic Society perform at the the 2007 New York Uke Fest using this set up and the sound was great. The where pros at moving in and out to control the sound.
Ukulele Chords
NEW This small (1/2 size) chord book is a great little book to carry with you. Ukulele Chords covers basic open position and basic movable form chords. From these two chord categories a variety of songs and styles can be played.
A Guide to Ukulele Strums & Rhythmic Patterns
This book is designed as a guide to ukulele (pronounced “oo-koo-lele”) strums. From rock and waltz strums to reggae and broken chord strums.
A Guide to Ukulele Chords
This book is designed as a guide to ukulele (pronounced “oo-koo-lele”) chords. Covering basic ukulele chords that ALL uke players MUST know, movable chord forms, rock uke chords, how to transpose chords, learning the ukulele fingerboard and an introduction to 4-part “jazz” chords and more...
Ukulele For Guitar Players
Ukulele for Guitar Players is a guide to transferring the accumulated experience and knowledge gained as a guitar played to the ukulele.
A Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Ukulele A to Z
Covers the key of C major and C minor, including a detailed accompanying text explaining the principles behind each progression and the chord substutitions.
The Advanced Guide to Blues Chord Progressions for Guitar
Each volume of The Advanced Guide to Blues Progressions for Guitar features basic to advanced blues chord progressions. to be used with the chord voicings from volume I, II & III of The Advanced Guide to Guitar Chords.
Exploring "Jazz" Chords on Ukulele
Exploring "Jazz" Chords takes the core chords from A Guide to Advanced Chords for Ukulele and shows their use over a variety of common chord progressions based on songs from the standard jazz repertoire.
A Guide to Advanced Chords for Ukulele
If your goal is to expand your chord vocabulary, The Advanced Guide to Ukelele Chords Series is your answer. Commonly referred to as "jazz" chords. A Guide to Advanced Ukulele Chords Volume I provides detailed information on voicing 4-part chords.
The Advanced Guide to Guitar Chords
Commonly referred to as "jazz" chords this provides detailed information on voicing 4-part chords.
Harmonic Analysis For Scale Selection And Chord Substitution
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.
Ukulele - Reading Music Series
Reading Music in Open Position, Single Note Studies- Primer. Reading music is not as hard as one might think. It may be new and unfamiliar to you but is not hard when you have a proper plan of attack.
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Curt Sheller Publications
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