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Introduction:

You may have heard of them

But in normal day to day life you may not have given that musical instrument much thought. In fact, all you may remember about the instrument is that the famous Don Ho played on all the time in his act.

Or you may have heard Tiny Tim play his on the Johnny Carson show. If you say ‘who’ to all three names then you may not be old enough to know what a ukulele is and that there are different types of ukuleles you can play.

To about those different types of ukuleles just continue to read our article. It provides you with the information you need to know so you can decide if you want want to learn to play one yourself.

Different types of ukuleles

The origin of the ukulele began in Hawaii many years ago. The instrument comes with 4 strings and many people never took it seriously. But that attitude is changing. There are 4 types of ukuleles you can learn to play- the soprano, the tenor, the baritone and the concert models.

What follows is a brief description of all four kinds of ukuleles and some pros and cons that go with them:

#1. The Soprano

This version of the ukulele measures 21 inches long, has 12 to 15 frets and can be tuned to the GCEA or the ADF#B scales. It is a smaller ukulele and you will need small hands to play it effectively and without making mistakes.

When strumming you will hear the thin sound most people think a ukulele sounds like. It is a good model to learn on especially for children. Plus, it is small enough to travel without hassles.

One difference between this and the concert version is that the tension on the strings are not as tight as the latter instrument. Different manufacturers all make their own soprano ukulele. So you may need to shop around to get the best price, quality and tone.

#2. The Concert

This is the next size up from the soprano and it measures roughly 23 inches long. It is tuned to the GCEA scale, both the linear and the re-entrant. There are 15 to 20 frets and the professional player usually selects this model because of its rich sound.

If you have bigger hands than other players, this option is easier to play as the frets are further apart than on the soprano. You may think that with the label concert it would be an expensive ukulele to play but the price is usually quite reasonable and affordable.

Another name for the concert is the alto and it should have a deeper sound than the soprano model. You also get a wider range of notes to play.

#3. The Tenor

Its tuning is a bit more versatile as this ukulele can be tuned exactly like the concert version or it can be tuned to produce lower notes to compete with the baritone ukulele. Once you have it tuned to the scale you want, playing is as easy as the previous two models.

While this version is a little bit longer, about 26 inches, its frets can number as few as 15 and have as many or more than the concert ukulele. The size is not set in stone either as different brands may produce different lengths for this model and the others.

The sound that comes out of this little instrument is fuller than the other two and it is easier to play lower notes on its strings.

#4. The Baritone

This is the biggest of all the four types of ukuleles and it comes in at 30 inches long. Normally it is tuned to the DGBE scale and it has 19+ frets that allow you some versatility in note playing.

If you like playing and listening to the lower notes, this is the model you want to play. Plus, if you like to pick the strings with your fingers, the Baritone will accommodate you. The sound you get either from finger picking or strumming is a nice warm sound that is easy to listen to.

Like the other ukulele models this one is easy to learn how to play. It shouldn’t take you long to master.

Specialty of Ukuleles

While almost all ukuleles fit into the 4 categories just mentioned, there are exceptions to the rules. These are called speciality ukes and they either are combined with different stringed instruments or are technologically altered to make unique sounds.

What follows is a list of these speciality instruments to show you the different kinds of ukuleles you can play as well as a brief description. Who knows, the regular ukulele may not be for you but one of these speciality models may:

1. Banjolele- shaped like a banjo and has a similar sound but tuned like a small ukulele.
2. Guitarlele- this is the 6 string model of ukeleles which work with regular guitarists to get a ukulele sound without changing the instrument or learning to play a new one.
3. Bass ukulele- has a shorter scale to work with but it is tuned to the EADG scale and is the same as the four bottom guitar strings
4. acoustic-electric uke- it is one of the technologically altered ukes. It comes with an input jack and a volume control panel
5. electric ukulele- is made with a solid body and it needs an amp for you to be able to hear its tone and sound range
6. resonator ukulele- this is the mini resonator guitar,just like the electric uke is a mini version of the electric guitar. The only difference between this model and regular ukuleles is the tone and look
7. archtop ukulele- continuing in the mini guitar tradition wile the instrument is supposed to play mellow tones it rarely is the reality
8. homemade ukes- the cigar box is both homemade as well as commercially produced and they produce a nice sound as well as being able to be custom decorated

Which one is best for me?

There are a lot of different factors that come into play before you can determine which one is best for you. Since all 4 categories of ukes do not come in a very large size, length is not a big determining factor.

If you are a beginner, you should stick to the soprano or the concert ukulele and the reason for that is that their small size helps your hands learn how to form the chords easier.

Then your hand size will influence your decision and smaller hands should stick to the smaller models while larger hands should move up to the larger sizes. On top of that, the personal preferences you have come into play.

The ukulele that is best for you is the one that produces the sound you want to play and the style of music you want to play. Your level of proficiency also determines which category you want should select your ukulele.

If you want to be unique, the different kinds of ukuleles in the specialty category may be more to your liking and a better fit for you. The best thing to do is try each one out and see which one fits your body and hand size and produce the sound you like.

The construction materials of a ukulele

There are different construction materials used in making a ukulele. For the neck and the body of the instrument, wood is usually used. Maple, mahogany, spruce are just some of the wood types that are used to create the nice ukulele sound.

Some companies decide to go cheap and use plywood and laminate board. A traditional wood used in this instrument is found in Hawaii and it is called Acacia wood or Koa.

Then for strings, the traditional construction material was cat gut but today many ukuleles use strings made from nylon polymers or other material options. The first ukulele made was called the standard in Hawaii and it was the soprano model.

The concert did not come along till the 1920s with the tenor right on its heels. The baritone model was not invented until the 1940s. When the first soprano or standard ukulele was made is not known as the instrument started about 3,000 years ago.

The instrument was made by hand until 1910 which saw upgrades to the manufacturing process upgraded. The biggest impact on the sound, tone & quality is the type of wood that is used to make the instrument.

Because the uke is made allover the world a longer list of wood includes koa, maple, walnut, rosewood, myrtle, brazilian canary, cocobolo, madrone, elm, lacewood, and black limba.

Other materials used in constructing one of these instruments are nylon, steel, plastic, coatings and glues. These all vary and are too numerous to mention here.

Types of Ukuleles: FAQs

#1. Which type of ukulele is best?

The answer to this question is up to you. The best one suits your personality, is made from top quality products and plays the sound you want to hear. Any of the 4 are all good and some of the specialty ukes are top notch as well. A lot will depend on the manufacturer an their construction standards

#2. What is the difference in ukulele types?

The main difference will be in their size. That difference ranges from a small 21 to a larger 30 inch length. All four categories have 4 string ukes,but those strings can be tuned to different scales. The sound each one makes will be another difference with the soprano producing the original Hawaiian sound and the baritone making a bass ike sound.

#3. What are the three types of ukulele?

There are actually 4 different types of ukuleles and people may be confused as they may not hear the baritone as often as the other 3. The soprano was the original with the tenor and the concert first made in the early 20th century. The baritone came into existence closer to the middle of the that century which is why some people may not include it in the types of ukuleles available

#4. Are the specialty ukuleles hard to play?

If you can play the instrument it is combined with or modeled after, you should be able to play one of the specialty ukuleles without having to take more lessons. The bass ukulele should be like playing the other 4 models.

#5. Are plastic ukuleles okay to play and own?

These models do resist the temperature and humidity changes better and it may be a good way to see if you want to master the instrument. But once you find the answer to that question you should move up to a better made ukulele

Some final words

You may not like the sound the original ukulele makes but that is okay. There are 3 other models, along with specialty instruments, that can produce a sound more to your liking.

The best thing to do is try them out and see which one produces a sound that does not offend your ears or the ears of your neighbors.

Introduction:

Bamboo is the flavor of the month

It seems that just about everything is being made out of bamboo. Yet, there is a good reason for that material to be used. It is strong, good looking, and for ukuleles it helps produce a very bright sound.

This is good if you do not want to have that bass note as a part of the music you make as you play your ukulele. To learn more about bamboo ukuleles, just continue to read our article. This instrument is rare when made from this strong and good looking wood.

Why bamboo over mahogany

One reason you are seeing bamboo ukuleles is that the preferred wood for this instrument are not as sustainable as they should be. That means that ukulele makers need alternative wood or laminates to make this musical instrument.

There are lots of plastic materials that can be used or laminates but bamboo is a natural, sustainable and in the length of time it takes to grow one good hardwood tree, you can have a myriad of bamboo crops that lets ukulele construction continue unimpeded.

Then bamboo is easy to harvest, lightweight and this grass is already being used to replace different woods in different aspects of life including bedding, flooring and so on.

The bamboo ukulele sound

If you are wondering if a bamboo ukulele has a good sound or not, do not worry any longer. This material, when made into the instrument, holds its own and makes sure you get top quality sound when it is made correctly.

The only difference you may find is that it will be hard to tune the G note as bamboo produces a higher, tenor sound that is chirpy in essence. In other words, it has a unique sound that may help you or your band find that unique sound that sets you on the path to fame and fortune.

There is a concert version of the bamboo instrument and it is said to produce some nice fat lows to off set those great high notes you can get form this instrument.

Bamboo ukulele sizes

Some ukuleles come in only one size and one example of that is the chocolate burl. That version of the ukulele come sin the tenor size only. But the bamboo version comes in 3 sizes. You have the already mentioned tenor version, then there is a soprano model, and do not expect great low notes with that option.

Finally, there is the concert model which should give a full range of sound that is superior to other ukuleles made from different wood materials. Every component of the bamboo version is made from bamboo. There is no blending of materials.

Keep in mind that while bamboo does replace wood in many construction and musical, etc., uses, bamboo is a fast growing grass that is very sustainable. It is not a wood even though it feels and acts like wood.

Then while the ukulele is almost white or a very light color when made from bamboo that color can be darkened by using the right stains.

Bamboo ukulele pros and cons

Every item located on this earth whether natural or man made have a set of positive and negatives. Bamboo is no exception to this rule and while it seems like a super natural material, it does have its weak points. Here are those strengths and weaknesses:

Bamboo Ukulele FAQs

#1. Are concert bamboo ukuleles made from all bamboo?

Generally, no they are not. There are a combination of woods used with bamboo reserved for the body of the instrument.

#2. Are the ukuleles made from bamboo expensive?

They are about the same price as ukuleles made from other woods. Although we have seen a concert bamboo version for as high as $4,000. Generally, you will see these ukuleles in an $80 to $200 price range.

#3. Do I have to use a strap when playing a bamboo model?

This is something that is left to your playing preference. The tradition is that you do not use a strap when playing a ukulele but you are free to use one if it helps your playing.

#4. What accessories come with this ukulele?

The most important accessory is the carrying case. These are usually well padded and how much padding you get depends on the different manufacturers. Some versions have nice backpacking like straps to make carrying the instrument easier.

#5. Are all ukuleles made from bamboo top quality?

That will depend on the manufacturer and you should do some research first and shop around to make sure you find one that is made from top quality bamboo.

Some final words

When you want to create a unique sound for your music, then you should consider the bamboo ukulele sound. In all versions of this instrument you get the quality of sound that only bamboo can produce. Some will like it and others will not.

Introduction:

Asking How Long Does It Take To Learn Violin Is The Wrong Question!

Believe it or not, but asking how long does it take to learn the violin is the wrong question. It is the wrong question because it cannot be answered without knowing what your exact goals are. How long does it take to be able to join a community band, to stop squeaking, to solo, and other such questions are much better. The truth is that your progress will be determined by many factors.

How Long Does It Take To Learn Violin? Considerable Factors

The main factors will be your understanding of what you are doing, the quality of your practice sessions, and your natural ability. One awesome thing about learning the violin is that you will see plenty of progress week after week during your first year, and this will keep you motivated.

There Is An Ideal Age For Future Professional Violinist To Begin (It Has NOTHING To Do With You)

One thing that so many people worry about is their age. People want to know if it is too late to start once they are in their teens, when they are young adults, middle age, or even when they are seniors. Do you want to know the truth? It is never too late to start enjoying the journey of learning how to play violin.

Now, if you want to become the next soloist of a popular orchestra, then the best time to start was when you were very young. The average professional violinist started before the age of 5. I’m doubtful that is your goal. Most people just want to make music, then play with others, and it is never too late to have that as a goal.

There are so many benefits to learning a musical instrument beyond reaching for the heights of rocket finger solos and a silky smooth tone. Am I too old to learn violin? The answer is likely, no! If you can hold a violin and bow, if you can press the strings down, then you can begin learning.

The Top Question That You Must Ask Yourself

What do you want to achieve? This is the question that you must ask yourself. Knowing why you are learning violin will set you up for success because it will give you a goal to work towards. Many adult learners have found that simply starting out because they wanted to play a specific song they loved was enough to push them through.

Others just want a hobby, something to do, and that is enough for them. Other people want to join a community string group, and that is perfectly fine. The most important thing to know is what you are in it for. One good thing is that there really aren’t any bad answers to that question.

Should You Take A DIY Approach To Learning Violin?

With the Internet, there is no shortage of websites and material that will help you learn on your own. Many late learners choose this route because it is the least intimidating. Many people are also self-starters and just want to give it a-go.

The DIY approach is perfectly fine, and it is possible to gain a lot of skill this way, but there are some roadblocks that you need to know. With violin, technique is everything. The technique will determine your tonal quality, it will determine if you use the right ergonomics to avoid injury. Injury is something that you must be aware of because poor technique can lead to strain, pain and it will slow your progress.

Even if you are going about things and learning on your own, it is still wise to consult with an instructor on your posture, how you hold the violin, and maybe one every few months have them take a look at your technique. This hybrid approach is the best way to learn the violin on your own.

The Value of Using A Violin Instructor

Practice is NOT enough, proper practice is what you seek in music. As my instructor used to say, “practice does not make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.” The quality of how you practice will determine your progress or lack thereof. This is why starting out with an instructor has advantages that the DIY approach does not. With an instructor, from day one you will have a proven curriculum to follow that is time tested. Your instructor will be able to watch and listen to you play, and make the corrections that are specific to you. Your instructor will be mindful of your bow and finger technique to ensure a healthy approach that produces a good tone. A good instructor will teach you how to practice to get the results that you seek.

Best Practices For Learning Violin

I am of the mindset that there are best practices for everything, and learning violin is no different. Here’s a list of best practices that will help you.

Step 1 :

Listen to as much violin music as possible because it will train your ear, and inspire you.

Step 2 :

Listen to music samples that are at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level as well as professionals because this will give you examples of what you can achieve.

Step 3 :

When you buy a violin make sure that it is set up by a professional. An expensive violin with an improper setup will not sound as good as a properly set up less expensive violin. Proper bridge location, proper bridge height, intonating each string are very important to having a violin that will not only sound great, but that will be easy to play.

Step 4 :

Masters are created in the beginning. Not to get too philosophical, but cherish the beginning stages of learning because building a strong foundation will serve you as you progress to the later stages of intermediate and advanced violin. Enjoy the process.

Step 5 :

Spend time learning how to read music and download a music reading app that will help you master this skill.

Step 6 :

Study ear training and improve your relative pitch via learning intervals and modes.

Step 7 :

Make practicing violin a part of your lifestyle, similar to how people make exercise a part of their lifestyle. This makes it something that naturally happens several times a week, if not everyday.

How Long Does It Take To Learn Violin: FAQs

Q: What Type of Violin Should I Buy?

It is well known that it is better to start on a decent violin than the cheapest one that you can find. This does not mean that you must spend a ton of money, but that you must learn the better choices for a new player and have it set up properly.

Q: How Often Should I Practice?

Everyday for at least 20 minutes is enough for most casual players to see progress. It is better to play a little bit everyday vs playing a few long sessions a week with a lot of time between practices. You might find that if you enjoy playing that you will want to do it more and more.

Q: How Important Is Technique?

We have touched on this, but we will do so again. Technique is one of the most important things when learning the violin. Improper technique can destroy your sound, your dexterity and it can harm you physically. Learning proper technique is one of the most important things. As a new player, make proper technique a priority.

Q: Can I Learn From The Internet?

Yes. You can learn from the Internet and there are many sources to do so. It is best to find a single program that is well structured. If you can, every so often see an instructor in person, or even over video chat, and have them take a look at your technique to ensure that you are on the right track.

When Can I Join A Playing Group? This will depend on your local area. Some local playing groups accept players at all levels, and others are looking for intermediate and higher. As an adult learner, it might be a bit more difficult to find groups that accept new players, but once you get to the intermediate level your opportunities will increase. Use this as motivation to keep practicing and making progress.