Ukulele - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2022
Ukulele are small four-stringed instruments that are very portable and easy to learn. If you are considering buying a ukulele, you should consider what size is right for you and what style suits you best, as not all ukuleles look or play the same.
The four main types of ukulele are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The soprano is the most popular size and is what most people think of when they think of a ukulele. The concerto and tenor are slightly larger, both tuned in C like the soprano. The largest size ukulele is the baritone, which is tuned in D. Ukuleles are made of solid wood or plywood covered with a wood laminate. The type of wood will determine the look and sound of the instrument and is a big determinant of price.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced ukulele player, you should carefully consider which size is right for you and which style suits you. Read on to learn more about the factors to consider when looking for a ukulele.
Types of Ukuleles
You will find four main varieties of ukulele: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Each has its own properties and is designed with its own sound and uses.
- Soprano :
Measuring approximately 21 inches from end to end, the soprano is the smallest ukulele. This is the traditional size for this instrument, so it gives you that bright, classic sound you expect from a ukulele. Due to its small size, it is not extremely loud, and can be difficult to play if you have large hands. Soprano ukes are usually tuned in C normal (G-C-E-A), but also in D (A-D-F#-B).
- Concert :
These ukuleles are slightly larger than sopranos, at about 9 inches long. This slightly larger size makes them louder (and therefore more suitable for concerts) and easier to play, while still retaining the traditional ukulele sound. These ukes are often tuned like soprano models (regular Do and Re).
- Tenor :
At approximately 26 inches long, tenor ukes are the second largest variety. Although they are normally tuned in normal C, like soprano and concert soloist, they have a slightly deeper pitch. That means they don't retain the typical ukulele sound. That said, they still sound recognizable as ukuleles and are popular with professional players as their larger frets make them less difficult to play.
- Baritone :
Baritone ukuleles are the largest type, around 30 inches long, and have the deepest tone, most like a classical guitar. They are generally tuned to the same notes as the top four strings of a standard guitar (D-G-B-E).
Ukulele Features to Consider
Solid Wood vs. Laminate
Ukules are made of solid wood or laminated wood (plywood) with wood veneers to give it a solid wood look. Solid wood ukuleles give you an undeniable better sound, but they are also significantly more expensive. That said, unless you have money to burn, a laminated ukulele will suffice for a mid-beginner to intermediate player, or anyone who just wants to play the ukulele for fun at home or with friends.
Common Woods
“Tonewood” is a term used to describe a wood used to make ukuleles (or other musical instruments). The type of wood used to make the ukulele affects its tone.
Spruce : An inexpensive wood, spruce is usually found on less expensive solid wood ukuleles. It has a fairly dynamic midrange sound and an accented top end.
Cedar : Not as dense as other tonewoods, cedar is sensitive to light strumming and picking and has excellent harmony.
Mahogany : Another popular choice, mahogany gives you a rounded top end, a rich midrange, and a full bottom end. It's also a more affordable option than koa, usually found on mid-level ukes.
Koa : A traditional Hawaiian ukulele tonewood, koa gives a balanced tone with a nice mid and warm sound overall. It also has a beautiful grain. Koa ukes are generally high-end models.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of a ukulele is important. A poorly made ukulele is unlikely to hold up to regular use. On the other hand, a well-constructed instrument should last for years with very little trouble, even if played daily. We recommend looking at the quality of the hardware (such as the bridge and tuning pegs) because these are often the first things to break on a lesser quality ukulele. Metal pins tend to last longer than plastic ones. Bridges are usually made of plastic, but they must be strong and not flimsy.
Accessories
It's worth thinking about any accessories you might need to go with your ukulele. Although you don't need anything more than the ukulele itself to start playing, you can find some useful accessories.
Tuner : Unless you can already tune by ear, an electric tuner is extremely helpful in making sure each string is tuned to the correct note.
Bag or Case : You may also want a bag or hard case to make it easier to transport your instrument from one place to another and to offer some protection against bumps and scratches.
Plectrum (Plectrum) : While many ukulele players don't use a plectrum, others find it easier to play with a felt or standard guitar pick. If you're not sure, consider buying a few different picks too.
Tips
Decide if you want a ukulele starter kit. Some ukuleles come with a range of accessories included, so you have everything you need to get started. Although these sets can offer good value for money, the instruments are often basic and may not be of the highest quality.
Choose a size of ukulele. If you have large hands, you may find the smaller sopranos and concert players too difficult to play.
Choose the strings you would like to use. You can buy ukulele strings in different thicknesses and materials, which slightly change the sound of your instrument. If you're not sure what you like, you'll have to experiment.
Consider if looks matter. Do you want a ukulele whose appearance you love? Or do you just want one that is affordable or works well? Only you can decide!
FAQ
Que. What kind of music can you play on a ukulele?
Ans. Ukules are Hawaiian instruments, so they go great with Hawaiian music, but the fun doesn't stop there. Bands and musical artists of all genres have used the ukulele in their music, from the inimitable independent songwriter Amanda Palmer to Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. No matter what kind of music you like, you can play it on a ukulele!
Que. Can you connect a ukulele to an amp?
Ans. Traditionally, ukuleles are acoustic instruments, which means that their sound cannot be amplified unless a separate pickup is purchased and installed. However, you can find some electro-acoustic ukuleles that have all the necessary wiring and hardware to be connected to an amplifier of your choice.
Que. What resources are available to help me learn to play the ukulele?
Ans. Although there is no substitute for in-person ukulele lessons with a professional teacher, you will find many resources available to help you learn if you want to do it on your own. Not only are there many instructional videos and web pages spread across the Internet, but you can also buy books and DVDs on the subject.
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