Why To Consider An Electric Ukulele
Popular music used to be dominated by two stringed instruments: the guitar and the bass. Today, audiences are generally accepting toward the electrification of any type of instrument. An electric ukulele offers a player the same increase in flexibility and creative range relative to its acoustic cousin as is the case where guitars are concerned. They are available in all the standard ukulele sizes, but come in a much wider variety of shapes and materials. Just like an electric guitar, an electric uke relies on its electric components to create its unique sound more than it does its body.
One can purchase an electric ukulele in a wide variety of body styles, as one may have guessed. Abstract shapes, ovals, squares and just about everything else imaginable is available. This allows designers to be very creative regarding how they attach the neck of the instrument to the body and, therefore, one can work the upper frets on many electric ukuleles very easily. Maintaining accuracy and speed are both much easier when there is not a chunky body separating the player’s hand from the strings. The materials also have more variety among them than do their acoustic cousins.
An electric ukulele can be made of just about anything. Spruce is popular on the mid-range models. Exotic woods are used on the ukuleles that have full bodies. The wood imparts its unique character to the sound when it is amplified electronically just as effectively as it does when there is no amplification at all. A professional player should consider this option if they want a traditional body design but also require the addition of electric amplification to accommodate larger rooms and audiences. The ukulele is, by its nature, a quiet instrument, which works against those who perform in front of audiences.
An electric ukulele allows the player to strike with the same force and articulation that they employ when practicing. This means that, unlike one who gives a performance on an acoustic instrument, the amplified performer has much more control over their sound. Dynamics do not have to be exaggerated or minimized to accommodate changes in the size or sound quality of a room. For professionals, there really is no option any more other than to go electric. Unlike the amplification systems of the past, modern pickups and hardware are very faithful to the sound they amplify.
The sound fidelity that one gets with an electric ukulele today is a result of constant advances in technology. While old electric pickups could feed back, gave sometimes very unpredictable sound and were susceptible to ambient electronic noise, modern pickups are much more advanced. On acoustic/electric instruments, the pickups add a minimal amount of their own character to the sound of the ukulele. Of course, in the hands of a skilled performer, this combination of sound qualities is a tool unto itself. Pickups can oftentimes be swapped out, especially on the higher end models used by the professional players.
About the Author
EasyUkulele.com is your one stop resource to learning how to play the ukulele. At EasyUkulele.com you are able to both listen and watch lessons on playing the ukulele as well as find expert advice from Kainoa Louis on manufacturers, tips on playing, chords, music and more.
