Why a UKAYLYN?
I really really loved my violin (still do), but I couldn't play and sing at the same time... Or play chords. Then I wished I had that fret advantage when I was a little out of practice (especially jumping positions)...not to mention that sometimes pain in the neck.
I tried the Ukulele, but the strings weren't linear, didn't go high to low in order, making it impossible to follow notes on sheet music. The guitar was too big and I wanted a mellower sound than the mandolin. I couldn't find the right fit.
That is why I created the Ukaylyn. It's the perfect fusion instrument for me...and maybe you too.
Ukaylyn strings make sense! Because the string tuning GDAE is in linear 5ths, most violin and mandolin players will feel right at home here. Finding the right note is intuitively easy. Playing mandolin chords and reading sheet music of the classics are a breeze… Bach double anyone? With frets, those notes are easy to hit on tune. Violin and Mandolin teachers will find the Ukaylyn the perfect compliment to enhance their student's education while adding a little fun to the mix.
Easy! The Ukaylyn's scale length is 14-15", with the neck size of a Concert ukulele. This makes notes and chords easy to reach. It's body size is similar to the larger sized Tenor ukulele which gives that slightly deeper sound without the guitar bulk. We use classical guitar strings, but with only four strings, the chords are so much easier to learn than a guitar.
Bottom line; The Ukaylyn has the size benefit of a ukulele, the 4 string advantage of a violin, the easy chords of a mandolin, with the strum-ability of the guitar. All that in a sound to love. Let the fun begin!!!!Enjoy,
Alicia Kay Gelfond-Holtz