Eliza Stein's List: Ukulele

 Explanations abound for the  ukulele's resurgence in the marketplace, though   most boil down to common sense.  Considered one of the easiest instruments to   learn, the uke is portable,  versatile, and inexpensive: Magic Fluke models start   at $179 for a basic  soprano-sized Flea and rise to the S500 range for fully   tricked-out models with all the  upgrades. With their small scale and just four   strings, they're justifiably  promoted as an accessible instrument for the young,   the old, and anyone who lacks  the finger dexterity to play six strings. 

Whatever the reasons for their surge in popularity, they've given rise to a  fun-loving, "big tent" musical culture--nicely documented in the Mighty Uke  film--and for that, says Phyllis, the time was right. "At a time when people are  dealing with so much hardship in their daily lives, there's a need to laugh and  make music," she says "Because the ukulele is an instrument you can carry with  you and play anywhere, it has a way of bringing people together. You can't play  a ukulele or watch someone playing one without smiling."

Explanations abound for the ukulele's resurgence in the marketplace, though  most boil down to common sense. Considered one of the easiest instruments to  learn, the uke is portable, versatile, and inexpensive: Magic Fluke models start  at $179 for a basic soprano-sized Flea and rise to the S500 range for fully  tricked-out models with all the upgrades. With their small scale and just four  strings, they're justifiably promoted as an accessible instrument for the young,  the old, and anyone who lacks the finger dexterity to play six strings.