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Ukelele -
Hawaii
Purchased in Waimea, Kauai Island, Hawaii,
1996
From
Graciela's Notes
This is a popular smaller guitarlike instrument
with four strings now native to Hawaii. The
instrument was originally imported by Portuguese
sailors into Hawaii in the 1870’s and it found its
way into the continental U. S. in the early 20th
century. It proved very popular, in part because the
use of tablature allowed players to learn quickly
without the ability to read music. Popular music of
all kinds employed the instrument, and it could be
heard in vaudeville, musicals, and films. Its
popularity died out after World War II, but it could
be heard in unusual settings, that is as the
accompanying instrument to the unusual vocal
stylings of Tiny Tim who revived an endless number
of Tin Pan Alley songs. It
is definitely associated with Hawaiian music and
Hula Hula dancing. I bought this ukelele in Waimea,
Kauai Island (Hawaii) when I visited with Betty
Itakura in February 1996.
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Back view
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For
more information email: fabrm@lake.ollusa.edu
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