Ukuleles are a popular instrument for schools. However, if you have one ukulele for every pupil in the class, then you have around 30 ukuleles to store when they are not being used. This can make storing ukuleles in a school quite a challenge.
We talk you through all the ways you could store ukuleles in a school in this article, but, if you are looking for a quick answer, here it is:
2 x GearHooks Ukulele Storage racks, each holding 25 ukuleles, fitted in a primary school.
The best way to store ukuleles in a school is to store them on hooks fixed to the wall or screwed to the inside of a cupboard. It is not practical to have every instrument on its own hook as this will take up too much space. However, there are specially designed ukulele hooks that will hold several instruments, by the neck, one behind the other. Hooks like this save space and allow each ukulele to be easily accessed for lessons. It also makes them quick and easy to put away afterwards. Some manufacturers make a rack that holds several hooks allowing 25 or more ukuleles to be stored on one rack.
We explore all the ways to store ukuleles in this article and answer some specific questions like;
What is a ukulele?
What is the difference between a ukulele and a guitar?
Why are ukuleles popular in schools?
Ukulele storage - a general guide
How to store ukuleles in a school
Can you store ukuleles in a cupboard?
Can you hang ukuleles by the headstock (or ‘neck’)?
Where in a school can you store ukuleles on the wall?
So lets start with a few basics;
What is a ukulele?
A ukulele is a four-stringed instrument that originated in Hawaii in the 19th century. It belongs to the family of instruments known as chordophones, which includes other stringed instruments like the guitar, mandolin, and banjo.
The ukulele is typically made of wood and comes in different sizes, from soprano (the smallest) to tenor (the largest). The four strings of a ukulele are typically tuned to G-C-E-A and are played with the fingers or a pick.
Ukuleles are known for their bright and cheerful sound, which makes them popular for a variety of musical styles, including Hawaiian music, folk, pop, and rock. They are also relatively easy to learn, making them a popular instrument for beginners and music education programs in schools.
What is the difference between a ukulele and a guitar?
The ukulele and the guitar are both stringed instruments, but there are several differences between the two:
Size: Ukuleles are generally smaller than guitars, with the smallest size (soprano) being around 20 inches long, while the smallest guitar (parlor) is around 36 inches long. The larger ukulele sizes (concert, tenor, and baritone) can be closer in size to a small guitar, but they are still generally smaller overall. This makes them easier for children to hold.
Number of strings: A standard guitar has six strings, while a ukulele typically has four strings. This means that the neck is slightly narrower so it’s easier for small hands and little fingers to play.
Tuning: The standard tuning for a guitar is E-A-D-G-B-E, while the standard tuning for a ukulele is G-C-E-A. This means that the ukulele has a higher pitch than the guitar and is often played in a higher range. This suits the vocal range of younger people.
Sound: The ukulele has a brighter, more delicate sound compared to the guitar, which has a fuller, richer sound. The difference in sound is partly due to the size of the instrument and the number of strings. This makes ukuleles particularly well suited to children’s songs.
Playing technique: The ukulele is often played using a technique called "strumming," where the strings are strummed rapidly with the fingers, while the guitar is often played using a combination of strumming and finger picking. This makes the ukulele quicker to learn and easier to play.
Why are ukuleles popular in schools?
Ukuleles are popular in schools because they;
- are smaller than guitars so easier for children to hold
- only have 4 strings so they are easier to play
- are easier to tune
- have a bright and cheerful sound
- are easy to learn
Ukulele storage - a general guide
Storing your ukuleles properly can help protect them from damage and ensure they remain in good condition. Here are some tips for storing ukuleles:
Use a case if practical: If you only have one or two ukuleles, a case is the best way to store your ukulele when you're not using it. A hard-shell case will provide the most protection from accidental bumps, drops, and temperature changes. A soft case or gig bag is also a good option for everyday storage or transport. However, if you have 30+ ukuleles in a school environment this may not be practical.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Ukuleles are made of wood, and extreme temperatures can cause the wood to warp, crack or split. Store your ukuleles in a place where the temperature is consistent and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold.
Keep them dry: Moisture can also damage ukuleles, so it's important to store them in a dry place. Avoid storing your ukulele in a damp room and make sure to wipe it down with a dry cloth if it gets wet.
Avoid direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade the colour of your ukulele and can cause the wood to dry out, so it's best to store it in a shaded area away from windows.
How to store ukuleles in a school
If you are storing one or two ukuleles at home you could store them;
- in a soft bag
- in a hard case
- in a floor stand
- on a wall mount
However, there are really only two practical ways to store lots of ukuleles in a school where you need one for each child in the class;
- in a cupboard
- or on the wall
Can you store ukuleles in a cupboard?
There are some advantages to storing ukuleles in a cupboard. They are secure, away from little fingers and protected from strong sunlight and dust. But how to you actually keep them in a cupboard;
- do you have a cupboard big enough?
- do you have the floor space for a large cupboard?
- how will you organise them in a cupboard?
- should you put them flat on top of each other on shelves
- should you stack them vertically next to each other
- how do you stop them falling over when you open the cupboard?
The solution to this is to store them on hooks inside the cupboard, similar to how you would store them on a wall, with several ukuleles one behind the other. This means you can get ukuleles out and put them away again quickly and easily and they won’t come tumbling out of the cupboard when you open it.
Can you hang ukuleles by the headstock (or ‘neck’)?
Yes, hanging a ukulele by the headstock is a common way to store or display the instrument. The headstock is the part of the ukulele where the tuning pegs are located, and it is designed to support the weight of the instrument. Ukuleles are very light so there is very little load on the neck when hanging.
However, it's important to use a proper wall hanger or stand that is specifically designed for ukuleles or other stringed instruments. These hangers or stands will have padded hooks or cradles that support the headstock and protect the instrument from scratches or other damage.
The GearHooks Ukulele Rack has steel hooks coated with 2mm thick PVC sleeves to protect the instruments from damage. The ukulele hooks are 300mm long so you can fit up to 5 ukuleles on one hook, one behind the other. A strap is supplied for the end of the hook to prevent anything falling, or being knocked off. Five of these hooks are attached to a steel rail so that each rack can hold up to 25 ukuleles.
It's also important to make sure the wall or other surface you're hanging the ukulele on is sturdy and can support the weight of the hanger and the instrument.
Where in a school can you store ukuleles on the wall?
GearHooks wall mounted guitar racks in a school in Germany
If you're looking to store ukuleles (or guitars as above) on the wall in a school, there are a few options depending on your specific situation:
Music classroom: If your school has a dedicated music classroom, you may be able to install wall hangers for the ukuleles in the classroom itself. You can hang them on a wall that is easily accessible to students and preferably away from high-traffic areas where they could be accidentally knocked over.
Instrument storage room: If your school has an instrument storage room or closet, you can install wall hangers to store the ukuleles. Make sure the room is secure and climate-controlled to protect the instruments from damage.
Common area: You can also install wall hangers in a common area such as a hallway or lobby to display the ukuleles and encourage students to pick them up and play. Just make sure the area is supervised and the ukuleles are secure when not in use.
Anywhere you can: space in schools is usually tight so you may not have a lot of space to store instruments. However, the walls are often not used and offer a space saving way to store ukuleles. Wall mounting storage racks can be fitted above other things (like cupboards or coat hooks) and you can always fit the racks one above the other. On a GearHooks rack you can store 25 ukuleles and you could fit up to 4 racks, one above the other, to accommodate up to 100 ukuleles in a wall space just 1 metre wide!
When installing wall hangers, make sure to follow all safety guidelines and use hardware that is appropriate for the weight of the ukuleles. A GearHooks Ukulele Rack will support up to 100Kg so it easily supports 25 ukuleles. It fits to the wall with just 3 holes and heavy duty bolts so it’s quick and easy to fit (fitting 25 individual wall hooks could need as many as 100 holes!).
You should make sure the wall is strong enough to hold the racks, hooks and instruments but ukuleles are quite light so even 25 will only weigh a few kilos. We supply fixings for most solid walls (like brick, breeze block and concrete) and well as wooden walls and into wooden battens. Special fixings will be needed for plasterboard walls.
You may also want to consider adding labels or signs to the hangers to help students identify the correct instrument and ensure they are returned to their proper place after use.
To Summarise - the best way to store ukuleles in a school
Ukuleles are best stored in schools on a wall, hanging on specially designed ukulele hooks and racks that stack several ukuleles one behind the other and next to each other to save space. You could use similar hooks to store them inside a cupboard or in a closet. It’s important that they are kept somewhere dry, at a reasonably stable temperature and away from strong direct sunlight.
We hope that helps to explain the best way to store ukuleles in a school. If you need any more information please contact us at GearHooks. Thank you.
