| How to Buy a Ukulele Posted: 01 Aug 2020 05:00 PM PDT Is your heart set on the bright-sounding ukulele? Well, now it's time to buy one! Buying a ukulele is definitely not the same as buying a car, but there are a few things you should remember before buying one, so you don't end up with a purchase you regret. [Edit]Choosing a Size and Material - Pick a soprano ukulele if you're just starting out. Soprano is the most common and smallest type of ukulele. They have the jangly, light sound commonly associated with ukuleles. People with larger hands or fingers might have difficulties playing the soprano ukulele, as the frets are closer together, but they are great if you're a beginner.[1]
- If you're ordering online, buying a soprano ukulele is your safest bet.
- Buy a concert ukulele for a fuller, deeper sound. Concert, or alto, ukuleles are a bit bigger than the soprano, so they have a deeper and fuller tone. It has a longer neck and more frets, and it's easier to play if you have large hands.[2]
- If you're just starting out and you're worried about how small the soprano is because your hands are pretty big, go with a concert ukulele.
- Purchase a tenor ukulele if you're a performer. The tenor ukulele is bigger than both the soprano and the concert, so it has an even deeper and more rich tone. If you plan to put on shows with your ukulele, a tenor is your best bet.[3]
- You can still perform with a soprano and a concert ukulele, but the sound might not carry as well.
- Go for a baritone ukulele if you want to play the blues. The baritone is the biggest ukulele size, so it's closer to a small guitar. It won't give you the classic high-pitched notes that soprano ukuleles play, but it's great for folky blues music.[4]
- If you're just starting out, don't try a baritone. Wait until you've had some practice on a more classic ukulele size.
- Try a plastic ukulele for a more affordable option. Although classic ukuleles are made out of wood, you can find starter ukuleles made of plastic that are usually cheaper. These usually come in a range of colors, so they're great if you want a bright, eye-catching instrument.[5]
- Plastic ukuleles won't warp in high temperatures or high humidity like their wooden counterparts, but they also don't have the depth of tone that wooden ukuleles do.
- You can always start with a plastic ukulele and then move onto a wooden one once you save up some money.
- Buy a wooden ukulele for a long-lasting instrument. Classic ukuleles are made out of either solid or laminate wood. These instruments will last you a long time and can range in price, but may be slightly more expensive than plastic ones.[6]
- Solid wood ukuleles will give you a better tone, but they are more vulnerable to temperature and can warp if the humidity is above 60%.
- Laminate wood is less expensive and not as vulnerable to temperature and humidity, but ukuleles made out of this material may not have a quality tone.
- Find an acoustic-electric ukulele if you want to play shows or record. Classic ukuleles are full acoustic, meaning they can't plug into an amplifier or sound recording equipment. If you plan on playing shows or recording music with your ukulele, look for one that's equipped with electric parts to handle your extra equipment.[7]
- Electric-acoustic ukuleles are usually more expensive, so if you're buying one for the first time, you may want to stick with a full acoustic one.
[Edit]Shopping for a Ukulele - Set a budget between $50 and $200. If you get a ukulele much cheaper than that, it probably won't be good quality and may not last you very long. Stick within this range if it's your first ukulele, and go up in price if you want a professional-grade one.[8]
- Professional-grade ukuleles can range from $250 to $1000.
- You can find ukuleles online for $25 to $30, but they aren't good quality and probably won't sound great.
- Check the dimensions of the ukulele if you're shopping online. It's not always possible to go into a physical location to find an instrument, and that's okay. If you are buying a ukulele online, make sure you read the description of the size, material, and quality of it before you make a purchase.[9]
- You may also want to read the reviews before you purchase your ukulele.
- Try finding ukuleles online from reputable music shops, like Sweetwater or Guitar Center.
- Try out ukuleles in a music store before you buy one. The best way to see if you like a ukulele is to hold it and practice strumming. If you can, find a local music store in your area and go in to test out a few different brands, styles, and sizes of ukuleles.[10]
- Hold each ukulele to see if it's comfortable. Depending on the size of ukulele and the length of your arms, you may need a smaller or larger body size. Rest the ukulele in your lap while holding the arm with one hand, keeping the instrument at an angle. Strum the ukulele with your other hand to see if it's comfortable or not.[11]
- If the elbow on your strumming arm feels uncomfortable or trapped, you may need a smaller ukulele.
- If your fingers can't move between frets very well, you may need a smaller ukulele.
- If your fingers are too large to hold 1 fret at a time, try a large ukulele size.
- Check the quality of the ukulele before you buy it. Look for cracks, dings, or damages in the body and neck of the ukulele before you make your purchase, especially if it's used. The body should be solid without any breaks and the neck should be in a straight line without a bend to it.[12]
- Damaged ukuleles may not sound as good and could become unusable very quickly.
- Make sure the frets lay flat on the neck of the ukulele. When the neck of a ukulele gets really dry, the frets can get pushed up and out of the wood or plastic itself. This phenomena, also called spining, is super hard to fix and can make your instrument sound out of tune. Hold the neck of the ukulele up to your eye level and check to see that the frets lay flat on the neck of the instrument.[13]
- The frets are the metal lines on the neck underneath the strings of the ukulele.
- Soprano ukuleles are great for beginners since they are small and easy to strum.
- Since ukulele strings are delicate, you don't need a pick to strum them with.
- Novelty-shaped ukuleles look great, but they can be hard to play or keep a tune.
[Edit]Warnings - Wooden ukuleles can warp in high humidity. If you live in a humid area, consider buying a ukulele case and case dehumidifier to keep your instrument protected.[14]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Keep a Loaf of Bread Fresh Posted: 01 Aug 2020 09:00 AM PDT As delicious as bread may be, no one wants to bite into a stale or moldy slice. If you don't keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels of your bread, it's more likely to go bad at a fast pace.[1] Thankfully, you can use standard household tools and appliances to keep your bread looking and tasting as fresh as possible! [Edit]Opting for Short-Term Storage - Use a breadbox if you plan on eating the bread in 3-4 days. Find a flat, cool, and dry space in your kitchen or eating area to place your box. Arrange 1 or multiple loaves into the breadbox without cramming them into the container.[2] Keep the box closed, and try to eat or use the bread within a few days time.[3]
- You can purchase bread boxes online or in most home goods stores. They're made from a variety of materials like ceramic, bamboo, and more.
- Breadboxes help provide a slightly humid environment for your bread without a lot of air circulation. This helps keep your bread fresh without it turning stale.
- A microwave can work as an impromptu breadbox, as long as you keep it turned off.[4]
- Put a homemade loaf in a paper bag and keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days. Slide your bread loaf into a paper bag before leaving it on a cool, dry, and flat area, like a pantry or countertop. If the bread is already sliced on 1 end, leave the sliced end facing downwards in the bag. Try to keep an exposed or cut parts of the bread covered so the loaf doesn't go stale.[5]
- While you can try storing your bread in plastic, there's a good chance that your bread will spoil more quickly.
- You can also use foil to wrap your bread.[6]
- Don't keep your bread out for more than 5 days.[7]
- Leave store bought loaves wrapped in plastic at room temperature for 2-3 days. Don't transfer or rewrap any bread that you've purchased at the store, regardless of whether it's sliced or whole. Instead, keep the loaf wrapped securely in the plastic bag or packaging that it came in. Leave it in a cool, dry, room temperature area where it won't spoil easily. At this point, continue using this packaging for several days if you plan on eating the bread immediately.[8]
- Avoid storing your bread in warm, moist places, like on top of a refrigerator or dishwasher.
[Edit]Freezing the Bread - Slide your loaf into a large, freezer-safe bag. Find an airtight, sealable bag that's large enough to fit your bread loaf comfortably. If you can't fit the loaf into a single bag, slice it into smaller chunks.[9]
- You can also wrap your bread in plastic or foil before storing it in a freezer-safe bag. However, this isn't required.[10]
- Force out any air inside the bag with your hands. Place both hands at the bottom of the bag and begin applying pressure to the plastic. Move your hands upward to guide any extra air out the top. Repeat this process until you can't feel any air inside the bag.[11]
- If you freeze bread in an air-filled bag, it won't stay as fresh.
- Seal the top of the bag to make it airtight. Use the zipper or seal to completely close off the bag. Once you've done this, double-check that your bag is completely closed so your bread isn't at risk of going bad while in the freezer.[12]
- Place the bagged bread in the freezer. Find an empty space in your freezer that's large enough to fit the sealed bag of bread. Be sure to label the bag with the current date so you can remember when you purchased or prepared the loaf.[13]
- Defrost the bread within 2-3 months. Keep an eye on the date listed on your freezer bag in the coming weeks and months.[14] If you want to defrost your bread, open the freezer bag and place it in the refrigerator for 1 night.[15]
- If you defrost your bread on the countertop, the melted water could make the bread soggy.
- Reheat any frozen bread at for at least 25 minutes. If you're heating your bread directly out of the freezer, set your oven to a medium-high temperature. Place your loaf in the oven and let it reheat for around 25-30 minutes.[16]
- If you're reheating frozen slices of bread, feel free to put them in the toaster instead.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Opting for Short-Term Storage - Breadbox
- Paper bag
- Plastic bag
- Foil (optional)
[Edit]Freezing the Bread - Freezer-safe plastic bag
- Permanent marker
[Edit]References |
| How to Play With Dogs Posted: 01 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT Most owners are happy to let people play with their dog, especially if you are at a dog park. Ask permission and approach the dog cautiously, and you can usually make a new friend. If you've just brought a new dog into your house, it's especially important to play safely and respectfully. [Edit]Interacting with a Stranger's Dog - Ask the dog's owner if you can pet and play with their dog. Always get permission before petting or playing with a dog. The dog may be a service animal, or the owner may not want their pet interacting with other people. Once you get the owner's express permission, feel free to approach the animal.[1]
- Similarly, don't offer a dog any treats until the owner gives you permission. Depending on their diet, the dog may not be able to enjoy the treats you have on hand.
- Encourage the dog to sniff your hand. Hold out your hand around the dog's nose level so they can give it a good sniff. Let the pet smell your hand for several seconds, or until they feel comfortable enough to let you approach. Once the dog is comfortable with your presence, you can pet and engage with the dog more.[2]
- Dogs have a very strong sense of smell, and tend to identify things by scent. Letting a dog sniff you lets them give you a once-over, and helps put them more at ease.
- Play with the dog without staring at it or making loud noises. Avert your gaze as you play, and try not to stare at anyone's dog directly. This can come across as intimidating, and the dog may have a negative reaction if they think you're a threat. Instead, look at the dog while they're looking in a different direction.[3]
- Watch for signs that the dog is uncomfortable or agitated. Pay attention to a dog's ears, which can signal when the animal is angry, nervous, or just uncomfortable. Note that lip-licking and yawning are signs of anxiety and nervousness, while flattened ears and a tucked tail indicate fear. Additionally, if a dog's tail is really stiff while they're wagging it, then the animal is being aggressive.[4]
- For instance, if a stranger's dog has its tail tucked in, back away since the dog is scared and uncomfortable.
[Edit]Experimenting with Games and Toys - Play tug of war to keep the dog engaged. Invite the dog to pull on the end of a toy. Wait for your dog to let go of the toy eventually, then wait a few seconds before declaring a rematch. Try to instigate this game with the dog so you can stay in control.[5]
- You may need to grab the collar of larger dogs if they refuse to let go of the toy. If you're playing with someone else's dog, ask permission before you do something like this.
- Tug of war can be played with a variety of objects, like a rope toy or your pet's favorite blanket.
- Entice the dog with a game of fetch. Toss a flying disk or other fetchable toy around, then encourage the dog to bring the toy back. If you're playing with your own dog, start by praising the dog for holding the toy. Graduate to running backwards while holding onto a treat so your dog will chase after you while still holding the toy.[6]
- Some dogs are more into fetching than others. Don't be discouraged if your dog isn't interested in this game right away!
- Invite the dog to play hide and seek with you. Find a neighboring room or enclosed area to hide while the dog stays in a separate area. Yell the dog's name and praise them with treats once they find you.[7]
- You can play this inside or outside, depending on your living space.
- If the dog is really eager, you may need someone to hold them back while you go hide.
- Impatient dogs may not be a great fit for this kind of game.
- When playing hide and seek with a smaller dog, you may want to hide close by so the dog doesn't have to search very far.
- Encourage the dog to search for their favorite toy. Throw or hide the dog's toy somewhere in your living area or out in some open grass. Unlike fetching, invite the dog to sniff around and search for the toy. Use an excited voice so your dog is really engaged and inspired to keep looking.[8]
- Always hide toys in safe places where you don't mind your dog poking around.
- Any kind of dog can play this game, though some pets may not have a long enough attention span for this activity. For impatient pups, hide treats or segments of their meal instead of a toy.
- Supervise while the dog plays with a squeaky toy. Some dogs like to entertain themselves by throwing their squeaky toys in the air and pouncing over them. Keep an eye on dogs as they do this to make sure they don't eat or destroy their toys.[9]
- Sometimes, dogs will try to remove the squeaker from the toy.
- Any dog can enjoy a good squeaky toy—just keep in mind that stronger, rambunctious dogs may rip into their toys more quickly than a smaller, mild-mannered dog.
- Engage the dog with a flirt pole. Find a park or other open area where you can run around with the dog. Hold out a flirt pole, which is a long pole with a lure attached to 1 end. Encourage the dog to change after the lure.[10]
- You may be able to find this at a pet supply store.
- A flirt pole may be a great option for a high energy dog, like a Golden Retriever.
- Blow bubbles to entertain the dog. Take a normal bottle of bubbles and blow a few in your dog's general direction. Some pets will be really entertained by this, and will chase after and try to eat the bubbles.[11]
- Always use a non-toxic bubble solution that's recommended for children!
- This is a great option if the weather is too overcast to play outside.
- Any dog can play with bubbles, though it likely depends on their personality and interest level, and what kinds of games they usually enjoy.
- Set up a pool and other water games in your yard. Find a kiddie pool and fill it with a few inches or centimeters of water. Encourage your dog to splash around and enjoy the water, especially if the weather is hot. You can also turn the hose on and encourage your dog to splash around with the water.[12]
- Some dogs aren't a fan of the water, which is totally normal. You can play a different outdoor game with them!
- This is a great outdoor activity for dogs of all sizes.
- Stuff a dog toy with treats to keep your dog amused. Find a dog toy with a lot of cracks and openings for dog treats. Let the dog sniff the toy and start rolling and chasing it on their own. The dog may burn a lot of energy just from chasing the toy![13]
- If you're playing with someone else's dog, always ask permission before giving treats.
[Edit]Practicing Safe Playtime with Your Dog - Teach your dog the "take" and "leave" commands so they can play safely. Use treats as a way to encourage your dog to "take" and "leave" toys so they don't become possessive during playtime. Place a treat on the ground and wait for your dog to stop going after it—once they stop, reward them with an even better treat. To practice "take it," let your dog have the initial treat after they stop trying to nose it out of your hand.[14]
- For instance, try putting a treat in your closed palm, then wait for them to stop sniffing and nudging your hand. Once they behave, open your hand and use a clicker to praise your pet, while saying "take it."
- Encourage your dog not to bite during playtime. If your dog bites you, make a loud noise or yell like you're in pain, even if you aren't hurt. Keep your hand still so your dog realizes that biting is hurtful and bad to do. If your pet still isn't getting the idea, ignore them for 10-20 seconds as a brief time-out period.[15]
- For instance, simply turning away from your dog for 10 seconds can count as a time-out.
- Make the toy look exciting so your dog wants to play with it. Don't wave a new toy in your dog's face—instead, hold it gently in your arms and hug it, showing your dog that the toy is valuable. To get your dog interested, drop the toy near them and then pick it up quickly, which further proves your pet that the toy is valuable and interesting. Once your dog is interested, play tug of war to make them even more engaged.[16]
- The tug of war game should only last a few seconds, or else your dog may get bored of the toy.
- Hold any dog toys below your waist so your dog isn't tempted to jump. Keep an eye on where you hold your dog's toy so they aren't tempted to jump or leap onto you. Try to do this whenever you play your dog, so your pet knows that they shouldn't jump around during playtime.[17]
- This will also make it safer and easier for others to play with your dog.
- Play for 5-10 minutes and see if your dog is satisfied. Give your dog several minutes of undivided play attention and see if it wears them out. Depending on the size and usual energy level of your pet, you may need to play with your dog for longer before they're satisfied.[18]
- Active dogs need around 30 minutes of exercise each day, but the amount of playtime your dog needs depends on the other kinds of exercise your dog gets. For instance, if you take your dog on a 20-minute walk, you can dedicate 10 minutes or so to rigorous playtime.[19]
- Enforce a consistent play schedule if you have multiple dogs. Dedicate certain sections of playtime to each dog, so all your pets get to burn their energy. If one of your dogs runs after a toy that isn't meant for them, call them back and have them sit or lay down. Give that dog a 30-second time-out, then proceed with your usual playtime.[20]
- Call a vet if a dog looks hurt or injured.[21]
- Stay still if a random dog approaches you. Any sudden movements could startle it.[22]
[Edit]Warnings - Don't bother a dog if it's eating or resting.[23]
- Don't try to pet a stray dog—it may not be friendly or trained, and could lash out if you try to pet it.[24]
- Some larger dogs don't know their own strength, and may knock you over by accident. If this happens, roll into a ball and stay as still as possible so the dog realizes they've done something wrong.[25]
- Always supervise young children and babies when they're around dogs.[26]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
No comments:
Post a Comment