Clippings: The "American Way" to Play Uke (1918)


This clipping, from a 1918 "Music Trades" rag, explains the Durkee "American Way" to play a uke, supposedly of Miss Durkee's own invention, conjuring up a whole new science to the uke as a lead instrument...!

Right, she plays it with a felt pick. And let the hyperbole roll!
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Anonymous said…
This gave me a good laugh.
June 25, 2012 at 6:21 PM
Jim Tranquada said…
Jake: To be fair, Miss Durkee's claim isn't any wilder than Manuel Nunes' claim to have invented the 'ukulele. She just a mandolin teacher/virtuoso trying to make sense of this faddish new (in 1917-1918) instrument. You can see Thomas Rollinson taking the same kind of approach in the first 'ukulele method published on the mainland, "Method for the Ukulele (Hawaiian Guitar)" (1909). He suggests that a pick be used as well, although he advises that "it is doubtful if the mandolin tremolo would be effective." Jim T.
July 1, 2012 at 12:45 AM
Antebellum Instruments said…
Jim: Thanks for adding that. :)
July 4, 2012 at 8:24 PM
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