Pete Howlett Tenor - Ukulele Review

[claudioscola]

I'm watching vids like this while I wait for my Howlett to arrive later this month. When you play The Scientist, it is so simple that I immendiately copied it but you make it sound so great on that uke. The harmonic quality is excellent. My brain interprets an orchestral violin in the background. Are you using sustain or any other effects?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@claudioscola Maybe a touch of reverb, I'm not sure.

[thesecession]

Thanks for the video, I appreciate the audio quality, helps really hear that tone!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@thesecession Thank you.

[Ukesouljah]

Beautiful Ken! There's many musicians on you tube, but I am move to say you are easily my all round favorite!!! ; )

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@Ukesouljah Thank you so much.

[hyunhoshin]

The scientist??

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@hyunhoshin Yes.

[Anggiclassicerz]

what song are u playing?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

@Anggiclassicerz No idea.

[Anggiclassicerz]

@KenMiddletonUkulele it sounds the same like "whered you go - fort minor"

[thetootsietim]

Now then, Bob Dylan's I want you, played by Ken Middleton on a Pete Howlett Custom built tenor. Yes please. 

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks for watching.

[martifingers]

I think you may just do justice to this wonderful instrument.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you.

[thebroadarrow]

nice bit of kit,,,

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is.

[SimpleJack027]

whats being played from 4:28 to 4:42 ? it sounds really familiar

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It's the opening to I Want You by Bob Dylan.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[hrlarson]

Absolutely gorgeous instrument in every aspect!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, it is.

[oliverandelle]

Thanks for the great reviews. I like the bit of "I want you" you do on this one.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I think I have recorded the whole song somewhere on YT. Thanks.

[BlindLemonJaffaCake]

That Uke is totally awesome! I'm gonna buy one from Pete. That thing is very very cool! Great playing as well Ken. You make Coldplay sound better than them. Those Uke's are expensive to buy, but I think they are certainly worth it. That's the best Uke I've seen in ages. 10 outta 10.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It was expensive, but only about the same price as a standard factory-made Hawaiian instrument like Kamaka or Kanile'a. And this uses mastergrade wood.

[BlindLemonJaffaCake]

Hi, Ken. Sent Pete a message about his Uke's, didn't get a reply, so I'll go for a Kamaka or Kanile'a instead. All the best for 2010.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Steve. It is a wonderful instrument.

[ArgapaUkulele]

Ken - congratulations! And thank you for playing it in the beginning, so many reviewers wait for 10 minues before you get to hear anything.

/ Sven

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Sven.

[verrecchia805]

Beautiful sound and look. Congratulations Ken, you deserve it.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much.

[mugambismonkey]

Another awesome review! The instrument looks and sounds fantastic!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much for the comment.

[GrumpyOldManUK]

Beautiful. I love simple ukulele's and agree with you about the silver tuners, gold always looks too Blingy. When you're picking it has an almost Elizabethan sound to it (if that makes sense).

Even if I hadn't seen the strings I would have recognised them instantly as Aquila's. They're the most Aquila sounding Aquila's I have ever heard!

Ian.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Haha. I agree about the Aquilas. It is because the body produces such a pure tone.

[johncaudrey]

That is one beautiful looking and sounding instrument.

May it bring you much enjoyment!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you, John.

[emilyzeez]

gorgeous ukulele. another great review!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Emily.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, Tony, you can smell the quality.

[kc8afw]

That is a beautiful instrument! Great review and wonderful playing. It sounds heavenly!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much.

[SaddleSoreSista1]

Very beautiful ukulele indeed. When you first played it at the beginning of the video, it almost sounded like a twelve string. The sustain is incredible.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It has got very good sustain and an excellent pure tone. At the beginning I was playing a lot of fast rolls which is why it may have sounded like a 12 string.

Sorry, don't know your name, but it's nice to hear from you again. Thanks.

[angrimgirl]

So nice! Thank you for posting this. Would you mind sharing the chord progression you are playing at the beginning? I am a big Coldplay fan, and would love to play the scientist like you do!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is basically Em7|C|G|G2.

[JTPokie]

Congrats! Very nice!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks JT.

[Sheepstar15]

Wow - that sounds beautiful Ken. Fantastic :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you.

[worschd21]

very beautiful instrument, indeed!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you for watching.

[UkeVal]

Wow !!!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Absolument!

[g0dkarma1]

Beautiful instrument. Did you accidentally leave the reverb/delay effect on on a few of the pieces?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Not accidental, but too much.

[KYOTOZOOM]

Very beautiful instrument,

The sound is also wonderful.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Tsutomu.

[shangyien]

Congratulations. It looks and sounds stunning. Is it finished in shellac?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No. I believe it is a cellulose finish.

[sammysagun]

that ukulele just sings!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Absolutely.

[FranSpain]

A new piece of art from one of the best uke luthiers!!!

CONGRATULATIONS KEN!!!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks for the comment, Fran.

[keanghiero]

Nice

5*

All the best

Kean

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you, Kean.

[casetone2514]

What a beautiful instrument!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, I'm pleased with it, Tony.

[sinner48]

wow nice uke ken hope to hear some tunes from that ,from you in the near future

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

You certainly will.

[uke5417]

Very nice, Ken. I love "deep" wood, too.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much.

[Djcwozza]

I cant wait to spend a few days with Pete i'd love one of these right now!!!

Have to stick with my guitar vids for now!!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks for the comment.

[buddhUU]

Ken, that's fantastic! Beautiful uke and it sounds amazing.

Have fun!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Rick. I certainly will.

[reyalpEleluku]

lovely uke -- may you enjoy it for a long time

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you.

[idrnoel]

Have you decided what you're going to name her?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

No names, I afraid.

[krabbers]

stunning sound

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks K.

[idrnoel]

I know it is written that I shall not covet my neighbours house, or neighbour's wife or ox or donkey.... I'm going to check if it says anything about coveting ukuleles. Really, she's a stunning uke and her voice is simply ... as you said, rings like a bell. You're a very very lucky man Ken.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I'm certainly blessed, Dylan.

[HumbleSounds]

Wow, beautiful.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[scaredofbrightlights]

was he playing the scientist at the beginning?

[DuddlesLovesMaia]

Hah, yeah, he is. Awesome, huh?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Some time ago I did a video of the whole song.

[theBradlands]

What a beautiful instrument.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Brad.

[cyberg00se]

How many years was the waiting list? It's certainly worth the wait. I can never get one myself anymore, but if I could, that uke is certainly one of Howletts to be put in the legendary category.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It was a 12 month wait. And "yes", it is worth the wait.

[loondoo]

WOW, beautiful uke, Ken! Amazing waves in the grain!!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Very big curls.

[weegingayin]

I thought you were going to break into the Beatles song "Fool on the hill" :-)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, it starts the same. I can probably remember most of the Beatles songs, but I've never recorded one on the uke.

[stodd32]

Very beautiful instrument you deserve it Ken happy uking

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks for that.

[irvingjohn]

You're the greatest reviewer of ukuleles EVER.  Really loved it. Gorgeous uke too.

[kennymelodica]

tremendous !

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[UkesterBrown]

Thats a wonderful looking and sounding ukulele. A nice thing about having a ukulele built for you is that it is not all esthetics- the luthier can build for the sound you want from it to a certain degree. Congratulations.....

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, it has a clean, precise sound with a lot of sustain.

[bluesuke]

It looks and sounds Fantastic . Your great playing helps I'm sure

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you very much.

[IanReentrant]

So I take it you like it then ;~)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I certainly do, Ian.

[BoyBeamish]

A really beautiful ukulele and a very nice review.

Ken, I think that you finally have the outstanding ukulele that your playing deserves!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks. I think I will mainly use it for Celtic music.

[ynot6523]

It looks and sounds beautiful Ken.

Long enjoyment of it.

Tony

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is beautifully made, Tony. And the sound is so even and precise.

[phillipsderek]

Lovely instrument Ken. Congratulations!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Derek.

[PeteHowlett]

Thanx for the instrument review. I see you are beginning to find its voice...

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Pete. Yes, it is starting to sound really beautiful, though the strings haven't quite settled yet.

[Gcow55]

Beautiful ukulele! It sounds fantastic. I love your reviews.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you so much.

[DuddlesLovesMaia]

Oh wow... that is simply, without a doubt, the single best ukulele I have ever heard. I am so excited and can't wait for my uklectic, and this video has not helped any...

Congrats, Ken! It is quite a beautiful instrument...

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your comment.

[GrumpyCoyoteTunes]

So perfect for you Ken - classy, clean, and with a ton of character.

Pete made a real beaut there.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

He certainly did. Thanks Coyote.

[okvolleyball]

beautiful

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It is.

[tux325]

lucky duck!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I am.

[paw123los]

Congrats on new uke Ken .. it really looks and sound awesome ... such a deep and rich sound. Have fun with playing it :)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks very much.

[ctrymaus]

That ukulele is beyond beautiful, and sounds incredible! Wow! Great playing too! :-)

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you very much.

[waterdog226]

Your new uke looks and sounds amazing!

[code47mastermind]

amazing... enjoy it

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks.

[josephhoh]

Stunning sound...clear crisp and yet has that wonderful happy ukulele tone.

Does this mean you have found your Holy Grail? No more UAS?

I wonder how it would sound with a low G? I bet it would make men weep...

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you Joseph. I think it would sound terrible with a low G - a lot like a small guitar.

[josephhoh]

Does that mean all the Hawaiians including Iz Kamakawiwo'ole who play with the low G get a guitar sound?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Just my personal opinion, Joseph.

[josephhoh]

It raised my eyebrows a bit as I was curious. I look forward to more of your playing.

[ruth7784]

Wow Ken, your new baby is so beautiful, congratulations! :-) Have you bonded? lol. Very good taste you've got, I love the contrast and that it's not overdecorated, very elegant, like you say, oh yeah and sounds gorgeous too lol. Only thing I don't like is the hippo ivory *sighs*, I do hope the hippos weren't hurt, or worst. Great review, as always! Love your sign off :-) Your voice seems to have recovered, are you OK now? :-) X

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

I'm fine now, thanks Ruth. So are the hippos. There may be one wandering around looking for a tooth, but otherwise unharmed ...

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Only joking. Absolutely no hippos were harmed in any way.

[deach69]

Beautiful! Sounds so crisp.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It produces a really clean, pure sound, Deach.

[BaronK69]

A beatuiful instrument Ken - I bet you're really happy now! And it sounds as good as it looks. You can really hear those sausage curls!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It does look stunning and the tone is so clear. Sizzling.

[michaeljking]

Beautiful instrument, what is that lovely plucked tune at 5.07?

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It's similar to my arrangement of "The Minstrel Boy". The tab is a free download from my website.

[michaeljking]

Thanks Ken!!

[ukeshale]

Wow. So beautiful looking and even more beautiful sounding. Lovely split strokes. Was that a Coldplay song you were playing at the start there?

I'd never noticed your preference for nails prior to this video.

A million congratulations.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Yes, I think it is Coldplay. The video is about a car crash.

The secret of getting a good tone from any uke: smooth finger nails.

[ukeshale]

The Scientist. I thought so.

[MrPlatypus70]

That is sure some beautiful wood, sounds great too. Enjoy, can not wait to hear more from it!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thanks Mr P.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you Jonathan.

[UKISOCIETY]

Congratulations!

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Thank you, Alan.

[YoppyKyabetsu]

lovely wood! Sounds nice too.

Of course, four rabid howler monkeys tied together with baling wire would sound good in your hands.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

Haha. Thanks Yoppy.

[scooterrev]

Congratulations Ken! What a beautiful instrument.

[KenMiddletonUkulele]

It certainly is, Darrell.