Ukuleles & Misc Instruments - Ukuleles & Misc Acoustic Instruments

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Unique stringed instruments also find their way into this section including an instrument that is commonly referred to as an ukulele, but is actually its predecessor: the Portuguese Machete. Also found here is the Guitarlele, which is a hybrid of the guitar and ukulele. The Banjolele is a ukulele/banjo hybrid that is made to sound a lot like a banjo. Finally, there are unique three and four string Cigar Box Guitars, which can be found in the Acoustic/Electric section.

The Ukulele is a stringed instrument usually associated with Hawaiian music. The Ukulele is a Hawaiian adaptation of the Portuguese Machete, a small guitar-like instrument that immigrants brought to the Hawaiian islands in the 19th century.

The simplicity and small size of the uke have made it increasingly popular among both hobbyists and professional musicians alike. Typically ukuleles have four strings but sometimes they have six or eight. It has a shorter scale than a guitar, resulting in a higher standard pitch.

Although Ukuleles traditionally have strings made from gut or nylon (more common today), metal strings are also sometimes used. New, rubber coated metal strings were also recently introduced for acoustic/electric Baritone Ukuleles, aka Bass Ukuleles. "U-Bass" is one brand's name for this instrument. In 2019, electric-only bass ukuleles were introduced at the NAMM industry trade show in Anaheim, California. These instruments look like mini bass guitars, and sound phenomenal! We will be listing them in the acoustic/electric section, since we don't currently have an electric-only section for ukuleles!

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Ukuleles & Misc Acoustic Instruments

There are four common sizes of ukuleles. It should be noted that there is no set standard and that some ukuleles fall in-between the size definitions given below, particularly on the lower end of the scale.

Soprano Ukulele: This is the most traditional ukulele size and most associated with Hawaiian music. They are typically about 21" long, but it is easier to judge the size based on the scale length and number of frets. A soprano ukulele has a scale length of about 13 inches and 12-15 frets.

Really cheap ukuleles are usually Sopranos, but that does not mean that all soprano ukuleles are inexpensive. They work great for children, and professionals prefer them sometimes for their higher timbre, but they are probably not the best type of ukulele for most people to learn on, especially those with larger fingers.

Concert Ukulele: Typically 23 inches in length, the Concert Ukulele typically sounds much better and maintains its tune better than the Soprano Uke. They look very similar. Concert ukuleles have a scale length of 15" and 15-20 frets. Most adults start on concert sized ukuleles and it has become the most popular size in recent years, replacing the soprano.

Tenor Ukulele: Tenor ukuleles are typically about 26 inches in length with a scale length of 17" and, like a concert, 15-20 frets. Tenor Ukuleles have a fuller and richer sound, at least if they are of good quality. They tend to project better and have a warmer tone, making them preferred by many live performers.

Baritone Ukulele: Baritone Ukuleles are about 30 inches in length, have a 19" scale length and at least 19 frets. They produce a sound more similar to that of a guitar, and are more likely to have 6 strings than any of the others. In addition they are tuned differently; typically the same as the bottom four strings of a guitar or bass. This makes the Baritone Ukulele a favorite among guitarists and bass players interested in playing the uke.

A version of the Baritone Ukulele known as the Bass Ukulele or U-Bass is taking the market by storm, thanks to special new strings by Aquila that have a rubbery feel with a metal core, helping them to sound better, stay in tune and last longer. Some brands use strings that are rubber, nylon, or silicone, so we recommend finding one with Aquila

Most bass ukuleles are acoustic electric, and the quality seems to improve every year. Fretless bass ukuleles with fret markings are the most common now.

In 2019 electric-only bass ukuleles were introduced, which look like mini bass guitars. Perfect for adults looking for a great sounding little travel guitar, these robust basses are also great for beginners and children as well.

Most of the Bass Ukuleles that Audio-Depot has sold went to bass players looking for a travel guitar or a unique instrument for the stage. However, the rubbery feel of the strings makes them a favorite for persons attempting to learn bass guitar, which can otherwise cause painful callouses due to the heavy wound metal strings. It also reduces hand cramping since the distances that the hand must stretch are smaller than that of a bass guitar. Easy and fun to play, the Bass Ukulele is quickly growing in popularity.

On the opposite end of the size spectrum, the less common Sopranissimo Ukuleles are smaller than Soprano Ukuleles and are often intended for children. Cheaper versions will be made of plastic while better Sopranissimo Ukuleles may have a carbon fiber back and solid wooden top. These better-made carbon-fiber ukuleles can also withstand more abuse from children. Sopranissimo ukuleles are sometimes purchased by musicians looking for a small travel or practice ukulele but can be difficult for those with larger fingers. Also keep in mind, smaller ukuleles lack warmth and depth of tone which is why most ukulele players typically have a concert or tenor-sized uke.

The quality of a ukulele, like that of an acoustic guitar, is usually associated with solid wood versus laminate/plywood, the kind of wood it is made from, and the resulting sound quality and beauty of the instrument. As a result of professionals and hobbyist collectors taking a greater interest in this instrument, many higher quality ukuleles today are color stained and highly glossed and some have cut outs or even a more decorative shape not commonly associated with ukuleles.

Less expensive ukuleles are, of course, made from less expensive wood like Mahogany and Zebra Wood. Better ukuleles will be made of more exotic woods like Spalted Maple (which is also prized for its beauty) or Koa.

For ukulele tunings, see the information written in the section Ukuleles, Acoustic & Electric