Why To Consider An Electric Ukulele

An acoustic 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 acoustic electric guitar, an acoustic electric uke relies on its electric components to create its unique sound more than it does its body.

One can purchase an acoustic 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 acoustic 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.

It 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 acoustic 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 acoustic 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 often times be swapped out, especially on the higher end models used by the professional players. Fishman pickups are considered to be of top notch quality.

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