Ed Fagenson

Ukulele Expert

Ed Fagenson is a Ukulele Expert based in Orange County, California. He is a highly skilled ukulele professional, boasting extensive experience as an educator, instructor, and group leader. Throughout his career, Ed has overseen ukulele ensembles of varying sizes, including gatherings with as many as 200 participants. His captivating performances have delighted audiences in both intimate and large settings. Ed plays a pivotal role in nurturing local ukulele communities through his active participation with Island Bazaar Ukuleles, a prominent retail and online store, and The Orange County Uke Festival, a celebrated event in Southern California. His expertise encompasses a comprehensive understanding of all aspects related to the ukulele.

Professional Achievements

  • Leads 40-50 ukulele players in the Easy Dozen Ukulele Jam, where he creates all the arrangements of popular hit tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
  • Founding Committee Member, Orange County Ukulele Festival, an annual three-day event that offers education and entertainment to ukulele players worldwide.

Favorite Piece of Advice

Focus on your playing techniques. Mastering various strumming and picking styles, fingerpicking patterns, and unique techniques like chunking or tremolo can significantly enhance your playing experience and sound. Additionally, when it comes to performing, remember that stage presence and confidence are just as important as your playing skills. Practice your performance as much as you practice your songs, and don't be afraid to experiment with amplification methods and microphone placements to find what works best for you.

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Q&A Comments (4)

Can I use a tuning fork for tuning my Ukelele?
Using tuning forks presents challenges as each key requires a specific tuning fork, necessitating multiple forks for different keys. This means that a ukulele player would need to carry four separate tuning forks. Additionally, tuning forks lack visual indicators to confirm whether the string is accurately tuned to the desired pitch. Unlike clip-on tuners, which display real-time feedback on a panel, tuning forks rely solely on the player's auditory perception. This reliance on personal judgment can make it more difficult to ascertain whether the strings are in tune or need adjustment. In contrast, clip-on tuners offer a more user-friendly experience by providing clear indications of tuning status without the need for multiple tools.
Are tuning forks more accurate when tuning a Ukelele?
The utilization of tuning forks introduces challenges, as each key demands a specific tuning fork, requiring the ukulele player to carry multiple forks for various keys. Furthermore, tuning forks lack visual cues to verify the accuracy of string tuning to the desired pitch. In contrast to clip-on tuners that offer real-time feedback on a panel, tuning forks depend solely on the player's auditory perception. Relying on personal judgment can complicate the process of determining whether the strings are in tune or require adjustment. Conversely, clip-on tuners deliver a more user-friendly experience by clearly indicating tuning status, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
How and where to buy and select a ukulele?
Consider buying from a dedicated ukulele or guitar store. Being able to play the instrument and listen to its sound beforehand is crucial. I strongly advise first-time buyers against online purchases, as the likelihood of receiving a ukulele with the desired sound diminishes when you can't play it beforehand. Opt instead to visit a local music store or explore online options like Guitar Center or other music stores, which allow you to personally test and strum the ukulele while assessing its sound quality. Another important aspect is trying out different ukulele sizes, such as concert, soprano, tenor, and baritone. Pay close attention to the fit of your hand on the fretboard and the positioning of your fingers on the strings, especially since chord changes involve adapting finger shapes. This hands-on approach provides a better understanding of the feel and comfort of the ukulele neck, particularly in the case of larger-sized instruments.
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Co-authored Articles (5)