It's Time to Pick a Side

Over recent years the ukulele has grown in popularity so much that, in retail terms at least, it rivals the guitar for the top spot of the most popular musical instrument. And yet it is also divisive.

Devotees will not hear a bad word said about their beloved instrument — and rightly so. We would probably all be defensive of the instruments we play. Its opponents, probably the opposite.

But here's the thing: when the electric guitar was invented, many hated it. The source of the devil's music, they called it. But the electric guitar prevailed — just as the ukulele has. Even Bob Dylan made the switch eventually.

Have any of the ukulele's opponents ever tried playing one? A proper one, not the cheap toys that many mistakenly buy as their first ukulele. That's a pertinent question. And here's another: if they have tried one, how long did they try it for?

Because anyone who has ever learned to play the guitar — or any other musical instrument — will know that it takes time when you first start out to get to grips with the basics. So unless they give the ukulele the same time and patience, no fair comparison can be made.

At Music Bits we don't take a side in this debate. We like to remain neutral. But if we did have to pick a side, it wouldn't be either. We are on the side of music. On the side of the instruments and those who play them.

To us, all musical instruments were created equal — from the humble kazoo right through to a digital synthesiser. They all have their place in the musical family of instruments. No one instrument is any more or less valid than another. The same is true of musicians.

So why pick a side at all? Perhaps choose your own side, as we always do. And there is something inherently musical in that. Any song is an expression of the writer, the player, the combined emotion and meaning.

Now that's a side worth taking.

Whichever side of the debate you fall on, the best way to find out is to pick one up and play. Browse our Soprano, Concert, and Tenor ukuleles — or, if the guitar still has your heart, explore our range of Acoustic Guitars and Electric Guitars. Whatever you choose, we're here to help you play.