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Ukulele Recording Tips and Tricks

 

Ukulele Recording Tips and Tricks (ukuleleRecording.shtml) | Updated: 01-Jul-2008 - 23:55

Microphones

One Mic Recording & Performance

Quick Links

Recording Ukulele click to show or hide or section

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...

  1. ProTools files can be read by most professional studios for final mastering.
  2. Many instructional books and large user community.
  3. Very powerful editing capabilities.
  4. ProTools offers a free version online.
  5. 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

Highslide JSI 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 click to show or hide or section

 

Apple, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
408.996.1010

Links

information-lite.png Info click here to view more 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.

Audacity®

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.

M-Audio
5795 Martin Rd. Irwindale, CA 91706
tel: (626) 633-9050
fax: (626) 633-9060

Links

MicroTrack II, a handheld 24/96 digital audio recorder

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.

information-lite.png Info click here to view 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.

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

information-lite.png Info click here to view more 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.

ProTools
Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc.
2001 Junipero Serra Blvd.
Daly City, CA 94014-3886
Phone: 650.731.6300*
8:30am – 5:00pm PST

Sibelius click to show or hide or section

 

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 - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com

Sibelius Professional Edition Sibelius Music Notation Software. Software. CD-ROM only. Size 14x9.25 inches. Published by Sibelius. (631221)
See more info...

Sibelius G7 - Kontakt Edition - sheet music at www.sheetmusicplus.com

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)
See more info...

Guitars click to show or hide or section

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.

Brian Moore Guitars
iGuitar, Inc.
290 Main Street - Suite #3
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Phone 845-809-5347
Fax 845-808-5348

Links

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Fender

Links

Harmony-Central user reviews: Fender

information-lite.png Info click here to view more 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.

Godin Guitars
19420 Avenue Clark-Graham
Baie d'Urfé, Quebec H9X 3R8, Canada
Phone: 514-457-7977
Fax: 514-457-5774

Links

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MIDI ready guitars.

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

information-lite.png Info click here to view more 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.

Microphones Manufactures click to show or hide or section

 

Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc.
1221 Commerce Drive Stow, Ohio 44224 Tel: 330-686-2600

Links

information-lite.png Info click here to view more 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.

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

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

information-lite.png Info click here to view more 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.

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


Additional Resources & Links
  • NEW Microphones 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Macs and Mics - link

One Mic Recording & Performance click to show or hide or section

 

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:

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.

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