As of October 2026 I’ve decided to do a monthly blog looking back at my musical endeavours for the previous month. So, although the end of October is fast approaching, I’ll start with September because that was a pretty exciting and unexpected month for me. More on that in sec.
I see the Monthly Round-Up blog as a way of cataloguing, sharing and promoting recent arrangements, compositions, publications and recordings. This will include links to YouTube uploads as well as the links to where you can access the sheet music if so inclined. As many of you already follow me on Patreon I hope this will help you to find my latest material while keeping us connected. I’ll also let you know about any upcoming events such as concerts, festivals and workshops.
September was all about the new Kala Waypoint Steel String Grand Baritone. Steel strings? Not something I’d ever considered until Geraint Morgan at Kala Brand UK told me he was going to send me Kala’s latest baritone in the hope that, if I liked it, I could do a couple of videos. I’ve been a Kala Artist for a couple of years and already have a Contour Series baritone and a Metropolitan series baritone. Steel strings seemed a bit off-piste for me but curiosity and the usually dose of UAS had me intrigued.
Alex at Southern Ukulele Store had recently done a review of the Waypoint on Youtube and he particularly noted the “sexy” custom made case. He wasn’t wrong! The case is a work of art in itself. After a few moments of admiring the outside I set about opening the case. Nice antique looking latches too. The thing that struck me first was the perfect fit. Sounds basic but how many times have you bought a ukulele and then had trouble finding a suitable case or gig bag? But the Waypoint case, being custom made, provided a perfectly snug fit. Tick!
The second thing that struck me was the stunning sun burst moto in the middle of the fingerboard. Perhaps a bit bling for me? But I’ll roll with it. Third thing was the dazzling orange plush felt lining of the case. Pass me my sunglasses. Oh boy, I thought, someone really cares about this ukulele! Attention to detail = a solid 10.
Striking as it looked the Grand bari was still sitting comfortably in its case. I couldn’t help but wonder if the Waypoint was just a show pony with a hefty price tag? In the UK the Waypoint is retailing at just under £1,000. A considered purchase.
Click here to view availability at World of Ukes.
Click here to view availability at the Southern Ukulele Store.
As a classical player I was also a wee bit concerned that the steel strings were going to wreck my nails. Eep! Well, I’ll just have a gentle 5 minute play and probably send it back…. Hasta luego, baby!
An hour later…
Nails intact I was still playing away. Oh wow! The sound was amazing! Sure, the size of this grand dame is pushing into the region of a tenor guitar but the sound really is stunning. Absolutely perfect for my recent project of arranging Irish harp tunes by Turlough Carolan. I was excited.
I couldn’t wait to make a video and see what my followers thought. I decided to revisit my arrangement of Fields of Athenry. This is a favourite and seemed like a good road test for the Waypoint with the notes moving all the way up and down the neck. I have to say the steel strings added an extra sparkle and brilliance to the piece. Intonation spot on. Happy!
Long story short the Waypoint is now a surprising, and treasured, addition to my ever growing ukulele collection (rolls eyes, clears throat). I’m really looking forward to exploring the potential of this Grand ukulele and applying some new techniques to the steel strings.
Two new arrangements followed ~ Young William Plunkett and Carolan’s Dream. Have a listen and see what you think.
Okay, you don’t need to rush out and buy a Waypoint but if you like steel string guitar then maybe this is something to think about. Oh, and by the way, I’ll just point out that in keeping the Waypoint I had to pay for it (although I do get an artist’s discount) so I’m not being paid to promote this ukulele. I play what I like and that’s that. Plus, at one point Kala really wanted me to send it back!
As I upload these videos I am sharing the sheet music, in TAB and notation, on my Patreon channel. You can either subscribe to my channel (per month or yearly) or purchase the individual posts.
Once I have enough material I intend to publish a collection of Carolan Tunes for ukulele.
Meanwhile, October rolls on and I have a book about to be published by Productions d’Oz and set of 5 lute pieces which will form a mini collection.
My next workshop and performance, along with Paul Mansell and Matthew Quilliam, will be at the Southern Ukulele Store on December 5th. Info here.
That’s it for now! I’ll be back soon with October’s ukulele shenanigans.
Happy plucking!
Sam ❤️🎶
