The purpose of this video is to acquaint you with the ukelin, its description, history, who was credited with its development, why it was created, and how it was sold. The ukelin is one of the multiple hybrid instruments created during the Depression-era. The late 19th-century musical gadget manufacturers combined two or more instruments into one. Some other similar instruments were the Hawaiian Art-Violin, Banjolin, Guitarolin, and the Violin-uke. Other Marxochime Colony hybrids include the Hawaii-Phone, Mandolin-uke, Marx Piano Harp, etc. Marx even invented a one-string slide guitar named the Pic-Nik.
Also given is Cindy Jane’s family history with the ukelin and some of her favorite hymns which she likes to play on it. She does provide one stanza and chorus of each hymn vocally so that the listener will have an idea of the content of that particular hymn with her ukelin accompaniment. She hopes that the viewer will be motivated to look up the remainder of the lyrics for each hymn and be blest.
Cindy Jane provides insight on and demonstrates how to play the ukelin and the items which are needed with this instrument. She encourages the viewer to think about trying to learn to play the ukelin himself or herself. She believes the part which takes the most practice is developing coordination between bowing and strumming it at the same time.
Cindy Jane enjoys playing this instrument and wants others to have that same enjoyment. She believes it is too good of an instrument to be sidelined to the closet or attic. She also gives tips about buying a ukelin off of eBay. Her main tip is not to buy a ukelin which has a crack extending to one of its metal tuning pegs because it would need a rather expensive repair which could only be properly done by a luthier. The bottom line is she wants more people to give the ukelin a try.
If you have questions or comments about the ukelin, please contact Cindy Jane at:
cindyjane522@yahoo.com