![]() ![]() Are Bass Ukulele strings different to other string instruments? Hollow models typically feature dreadnought or cutaway acoustic guitar shapes, but can also come in figure-of-eights, paddle, and pineapple, like a traditional ukulele. Solid body models vary like a regular bass guitar. Within each body, type category comes a number of different design shapes. It is important to recognize that the models have been designed with electric amplification in mind and that they won't always sound their best without, although the Kala models are pretty impressive when played either way. If you want to have the flexibility to play without an amp around you might want the versatility of a hollow body. They can be solid bodied (like an electric bass) or hollow-bodied (like a ukulele or acoustic guitar).ĭeciding which body type you want boils down mainly to your requirements and preference.Ī solid bodied bass ukulele cannot be heard without amplification anymore than an unplugged electric bass guitar can. How Do You Select the Right Bass Ukulele Body Type? There are two types of bass ukulele sizes standard, which is tuned E-A-D-G like a regular bass except for one octave higher and the slightly bigger contrabass ukulele is tuned exactly the same as standard bass tuning. ![]() What Are the Different Size Bass Ukuleles Available?īass ukuleles are typically the same size as a baritone ukuleles (around 30-32” in overall length). Which we will explore further throughout this guide. This is because to capture resonate and project the vibrations of the strings of bass you actually need a bigger body, something which a ukulele inherently doesn't have. Together they created the U-Bass which is probably still one of the most recognizable bass ukuleles ever made Why is an Amp Required With a Bass Ukulele?Ī bass ukulele has been designed with amplification in mind and whilst some hollow-bodied models can play acoustically, they truly sound their best with an amp. Road Toad decided to team up with esteemed ukulele manufacturers Kala in 2007 to produce a more practical affordable solution. It was incredibly popular but the costs were far out of what the average salaries reach. The idea was first conceived by a small company known as Road Toad when the founder Owen Holt designed his Bufo Bass. What is a Bass Ukulele?Ī bass ukulele is a relatively modern instrument inspired by traditional ukuleles and bass guitars. ![]() We have broken our buyers guide down into a few easy to digest questions, as bass ukuleles are a somewhat uncharted territory there is a bit more to cover than in other articles. It is once again kitted out with a set of Aquilas best-selling bass ukulele strings, has a pre-amp with 3-band EQ controls and volume levels as well as a built-in tuner like all of its competition. ![]() It weighs just 2lbs, and its lack of a solid top doesn't compromise its rich amplified tone capabilities. The body, back, and sides are also crafted with from the same exotic composite wood, with its veritably striking visage. The fretless fingerboard is Indian rosewood, as is the bridge and saddle, but the neck itself is satin butterfly wood. It serves up 16 notes on each of its 4 strings, each unmarked for the smoothest bass slides ideal for more intuitive, experienced players. It bears no well-known brand and boasts no high-end features but The folks at Alston have managed to provide a perfect fit for function, accessible solution for those searching for a fret-less bass ukulele that won't break the bank. It is a good value for money budget model which plays acoustically or electrically. To change strings, just lift off back access plate (held in place with magnets), remove the old string and put the new one in, then put the back plate on again.Next up we have on offer what may be the lightest of the bunch so if portability is a factor for you then this one might just win you over. Pitched and tuned like a standard bass guitar, and the strings use a ball-end fasterner simlar to the way a steel-string guitar bridge works. The amplified sound is definitely usable in a recording or performance situation, and is reminiscent of an upright bass. The strings are a proprietary polyurethane allowing the 20″ scale to produce enough bottom end without being floppy or lacking clarity. The U-bass is a very interesting, fun to play, yet great sounding extension of the Ukulele concept. This is really fun to play! Suitable for use in the car (unless you’re the driver). Semi-sealed, geared tuners in black finish. Peizo bridge pickup, magnetically-attached string access plate on the back. Narrow frets, 12-fret neck also available as fretless. ![]()
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