MEN hoping to impress women by playing an instrument have been reminded it does not apply to the ukulele.

Experts stressed that the ukulele should only be learned by people who genuinely love the instrument and not by those hoping to look sexy.

Professor Henry Brubaker, of the Institute for Studies, said: “While there have been a few cases of male ukulele players succeeding with women, it is purely coincidental. The women were not aware that those men played the ukulele.

“Indeed, many ukulele players go to great lengths to conceal their ukulele playing. For example if they are in a social situation and a friend says ‘Jim plays the ukulele’, ‘Jim’ will say ‘no I do not, that’s a lie’.”

Professor Brubaker added: “Recommended instruments include the guitar, the bass and the piano. Even the violin and the harp could do the business, especially in the hands of an Irishman.

“The only thing that comes close to being as bad as the ukulele is, of course, the trumpet.”