I own a music store that sells guitars, banjos, mandolins, amplifiers, keyboards, recording gear, and of course, ukuleles. Recently, a longtime friend and customer, Dan Wetmore, stopped in to say hello and soak up the musical ambience for a few minutes. I started telling him about my ukulele fascination and played a couple quick tunes for him. I left Dan playing some ukes while I talked with some other customers.

A few minutes later, Dan strolled up to the counter area (in a very musically strolling manner) playing a Portugese made Lehua Concert uke. I couldn't help but notice he seemed to be holding the ukulele like he'd been playing it for years. He leaned over the counter, still playing, and said "I have to have this ukulele. It just makes me happy".

I think Dan put into words the very feeling I've had since discovering the ukulele. And not surprisingly, there is a rapidly growing community of ukulele players that feel the same way. It either hits you or it doesn't. Who knows why?

Ukulele players have described their affection in many ways, but it all comes down to either getting it or not. When you connect with the little four-stringed wonder, it probably has you for life.

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