Banjo Ukulele (Banjolele)
An amazing "banjo ukulele" from a flea-market in Philly.
ByDavid Hilowitz
The story
Last summer, a time so different from now that it’s hard to believe it was less than a year ago, we did whatever the opposite of social distancing is…which is to say we crowded into an armory hall, tightly packed with hundreds of other people for a special event: the Punk Rock Flea Market is something of an institution in Philly boasting not just punk rock gear, but also non-punk vinyl and arts & crafts. It happens a few times a year, I always go, and – if I’m being honest – I’m usually a bit disappointed. Anyway, last summer was the exception: within five minutes I stumbled on this banjo ukulele, which I purchased for 40 bucks. You’ll notice I did not say banjolele, this is only because “banjo ukulele” is the way the instrument was marketed when it was originally sold.
It’s available as either an SFZ or a Kontakt 5.8.1. You do need the full version of Kontakt (not Kontakt Player). The Kontakt instrument features ADSR controls, reverb, and an EQ panel.
Reviews
Truly a special instrument more ethnic than banjo
I have been building a collection of unique sounding ethnic instruments to use in various projects and this is another favorite of mine added into that collection. The recording is excellent and there is a lot of personality and character that comes through. I will use this A LOT, but not necessarily as a traditional banjo.. my first thoughts went to a Biwa or Shamisen as well. Can't wait to write some big asian melodies using this 40 instrument from a flea market.
A true hidden gem!
This needs to be on top of all lists! It has character and it's sampled and programmed really damn well! You got to love the dynamic layers and the general playability. The only negative thing I can find is that the reverb is acting weird on the release, fading off quicker than needed, even if you set the sample release at the max level. If this had custom graphics for the controls, it would be a 5/5 from me.
Nicely sampled simple ukulele
Very nicely sampled ukulele sound. I have another ukulele sound, but this one has such a clear and warm sound. Very simple but nice to add to the collection!