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PlayUke's W5–The lap steel that plays like a uke!
After arthritis in my hands forced me to give up playing ukulele and producing festivals, I went in search of a new instrument that I could play without pain. I found that I could play in the lap steel position without pain, but the playing style was different and the learning curve was steep.
That set me in search of something I could play similarly to how I played ukulele–strumming with the occasional lick to accompany singing–but in the lap style position. So I decided to create my own instrument–one with a short learning curve that was more friendly to my old "ukulele brain." After much experimentation, I came up with the W5–a family of strummable 5-string lap steels with special tuning and a re-envisioned fret marker system that make for an easy transition from ukulele.
If you have hand issues like me but want to keep playing, or you are a uke player looking to broaden your horizons, check out my demo videos below.
The W5s are built of solid woods in the USA by Christopher Yonker at Black Kat Ukuleles. The W in the name refers to the shape of the body which is a nod to the Weissenborn Hawaiian Lap-Steel Guitar. The 5 string configuration allows you to play major, minor, and dominant 7 chords by simply placing a slide bar over fret markers. Watch the demo videos below for more information. The W5 is available for order now and will be formally introduced at the 2022 Reno Uke Fest in October. Until then, feel free to contact me with any questions: Douglas 775-220-0995 / playukemail@gmail.com.
Demo Videos
more to come!
Intro to the W5
The W5–Why It Works
Demo Song: Every Night
Do you also suffer from hand pain while playing ukulele? Can the W5 help you play more comfortably?
Take this simple test
As mentioned above, I designed the W5 to allow me to continue playing in a similar style to how I played ukulele without my arthritic hands hurting as much. It works for me, but everyone is different.
To determine if lap playing is easier on your hands, emulate the playing style by laying a ukulele on your lap and strumming it. Hold a thick pen or dowl in your left hand and move it up and down the neck. If those motions don't hurt, the W5 might be a good fit for you!
Specs & Order Information
Electric W5:
Solid Body available in six colors: Crimson, Creamsicle, Berry, Sky Blue, Mint, Dandelion Yellow
Mini-Humbucker Bridge Pickup
Volume & Tone Pots
Maple Neck
20 inch scale
5 steel strings: .042w, .032w, .024w, .013, .09
Tuning: CGCGBb or CGCGC
$655 including delivery to any US address.
Ordering:
A $300 deposit is required with balance due upon completion before being shipped. Delivery takes 4-6 weeks depending upon how many orders are in the pipeline. Contact me by text, phone, or email for colors, wood options, or to arrange payment:
Douglas Reynolds 775-220-0995 playukemail@gmail.com.
Acoustic Specs
Acoustic W5:
Solid Spruce Top
Solid Cherry Back & Sides
Maple Neck
20 inch scale
5 steel strings: .042w, .032w, .024w, .013, .09
Tuning: CGCGBb or CGCGC
$695 plus $38 delivery to any US address
Production Time on Acoustic Version is 5 weeks.Options:
Add K&K pickup: +$150
The 2022 Reno Uke Fest is now online!
I have turned over leadership of the festival to Dani Joy and Perry Stauffer. They are hard at work setting up the festival and have a stellar lineup in place. Please visit them at www.renouke.com and join their mailing list for updates.
