Beatrice Lang
Electric ukuleles are a fun and simple instrument to play, and with the right equipment, you can amplify your sound and add effects. To get started, you'll need to decide on the type of ukulele you want, such as a solid-bodied electric uke or an electro-acoustic model, and ensure it has a pickup installed. You can then plug your ukulele into an amplifier or even your smartphone, to add reverb, echo, and chorus effects to your sound. If you're feeling creative, you can also experiment with different pedals and effects stacks to create unique sounds. With the right setup, you can record your ukulele playing directly into digital audio workstations for music production and songwriting, or even just use your smartphone to record and share your music with the world.
Characteristics of Playing an Electric Ukulele
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuning | gCEA, DGBE (Chicago tuning), fA#DG |
| Amplification | Amplifiers, microphones, pickups |
| Effects | Delay, chorus, reverb |
| Cost | Varies, can be expensive |
| Portability | Easy to transport |
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What You'll Learn
Amplifying your ukulele
Using a Pickup
A pickup can be a great way to amplify your ukulele without having to drill holes or make any permanent modifications. Pickups work by converting sound vibrations into an electronic signal, which can then be sent to an amplifier or sound system. There are a few different types of pickups available, including the LR Baggs Element and Five O pickups, which are designed specifically for the ukulele. When choosing a pickup, it's important to consider the quality of the cable, as this can affect the sound quality and durability of the setup.
Drilling a Hole for a Pickup
If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try drilling a hole in the side of your ukulele to install a pickup. This method requires some basic tools and a small investment, but it can be a cost-effective way to amplify your ukulele. It's important to note that this method is more permanent and may void any warranty on your instrument, so it's not recommended for those who are new to music or electrical modifications.
Using a Microphone
If you don't want to use a pickup, you can also amplify your ukulele using a microphone. While this method can work, it's important to note that a pickup will usually give you more control and a cleaner signal for amplification. Additionally, feedback can be an issue when using a microphone, especially in loud or crowded spaces.
Amplifiers and PAs
Once you have a pickup installed, you'll need an amplifier or PA system to increase the volume of your ukulele. An amplifier is a compact box that includes the circuitry and speakers needed to increase the volume of your instrument. A PA system, on the other hand, is a larger setup that includes a mixer, amplifier circuit, and speakers, allowing you to amplify multiple instruments or microphones. When choosing an amplifier or PA system, it's important to consider the intended instrument, as some amps are tailored for specific types of instruments, such as electric guitars or acoustic instruments.
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Tuning your ukulele
There are several methods you can use to tune your ukulele. The simplest and fastest method is to use a chromatic tuner, which can be a physical device or a "chromatic tuner" app that you can download on your smartphone. A chromatic tuner will detect the pitch of each string and allow you to see if you are sharp or flat relative to the desired note. You can then adjust the tension of the strings accordingly. When using a chromatic tuner, it is recommended to set it to 440Hz with no flat symbols.
If you don't have access to a chromatic tuner, you can also tune your ukulele by ear. This method can be more challenging, but it is a useful skill to learn. Start by tuning the G, C, E, and A strings to match the corresponding notes played on a tuned piano or guitar. You can also use a microphone-based tuner, which will provide real-time feedback as you play each string. Ensure that you are in a quiet environment to achieve the best results.
The standard tuning for a ukulele is gCEA, with the G string being the highest pitch and the A string being the lowest. This tuning is assumed in most song tabs, chord charts, and other ukulele resources. However, you can experiment with alternative tunings, such as aDF#B (known as D tuning) or DGBE, which is more common for larger ukuleles.
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Using effects
Electric ukuleles can be plugged into amplifiers, just like electric guitars, to enhance their sound. This can be done through a pickup installed in the ukulele, which converts sound vibrations into an electronic signal. The pickup can be connected to an amplifier or a smartphone using a 1/4" phono jack mono instrument cable.
Effects pedals can be used to add a variety of sound effects to the ukulele. These pedals are small units with a footswitch, usually creating only one type of sound. Multi-effects boxes are also available, which are more cost-effective and space-saving but may not offer the same sound quality as individual pedals. Some of the most common effects pedals used with the ukulele include:
- Delay
- Distortion
- Chorus
- Reverb
- Compressor
- Sustainer
These effects can be combined and ordered in different ways to create a range of sounds. Additionally, feedback can be used as an effect, created when the speaker vibrates the pickup source and feeds the signal back through the system, resulting in a loud, screeching sound.
Smartphones and tablets can also be used to add effects to the ukulele, with various apps available for this purpose. This technology allows players to experiment with different sounds and create complete ukulele tunes, including additional instruments and vocals.
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Buying an electric ukulele
If you're looking to buy an electric ukulele, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, decide whether you want a pre-made electric ukulele or if you want to make your own by installing a pickup on an existing ukulele. Pre-made electric ukuleles are a convenient option, but they can be more expensive. On the other hand, installing a pickup yourself can be a more affordable way to go electric, but it requires some basic tools and knowledge.
When choosing an electric ukulele, consider the type of pickup you prefer. Some ukuleles come as electric-acoustic with a built-in pickup and jack, ready to plug into an amp. These offer easy amplification and versatility without sacrificing tone. If you go for a ukulele without a built-in pickup, you can choose from various pickups that attach to the inside of the uke without drilling.
The quality of the pickup is important for sound quality. As with most things, you tend to get what you pay for when it comes to pickups. A good-quality pickup will provide better sound amplification and clarity. Additionally, consider the type of ukulele body you prefer, such as solid-body or electro-acoustic.
Another factor to consider is the amplifier. An amp will allow you to increase the volume of your ukulele and play with different effects. There are amplifiers specifically designed for acoustic instruments like the ukulele, offering a clean sound. If you're looking for more configuration options and the ability to amplify additional instruments, you might want to consider a Public Address System (PA).
Lastly, decide on your budget. Electric ukuleles can range from affordable to high-end, depending on the quality and features you're looking for. You can find options starting from around $40, with more expensive models offering better sound quality and durability.
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Installing a pickup
If you have a K&K Big Island Spot pickup, you will need to locate the central point for the jack and drill a hole for it. You can then insert the endpin jack, set the inside nut and washer, and secure the jack. The transducer body can then be attached to the centre of the bridge. You can then retune the strings and test the pickup.
If you have a piezo pickup, you will need to connect the red wire to the outside ring on the jack. You can then push the pickup lead through and put the pickup in place, ensuring it is flat and there is space for the saddle. You will then need to cut a hole for the preamp and the 1/4" jack. You should apply masking tape to the wood and use a small drill to ensure you do not damage the finish on your ukulele. You can then push the jack through the insides and screw the preamp box into place.
If you have a Fishman pickup, you will need to fit it under the saddle. You can then plug a cable into the jack to keep the connections clean and avoid corrosion.
If you have an iRig, you can simply clip it onto your soundhole.
There are many different types of pickups available, and you can purchase one from a music shop or online. Some pickups are designed for easy installation, so you may be able to find one that suits your needs. The process usually takes around 45 minutes, and you can have a lot of fun with your electric ukulele!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an amplifier, also known as an amp, and a pickup. The amplifier will project the sound of your ukulele, and the pickup will convert the sound waves into electrical signals. You can also use a microphone, which can be plugged into a tablet or smartphone.
To amplify your ukulele, you need to plug it into an amplifier. You can use a pickup to convert the sound waves into electrical signals, which can then be sent to the amplifier. You can also use a microphone to amplify the sound of your ukulele, although using a pickup will give you better sound quality.
Some recommended amplifiers for electric ukuleles include the Fender Acoustasonic 15, the Boss Katana Mini, and the Roland Micro Cube. If you value portability, you might want to consider the Danelectro N-10 Honeytone Mini Amp or the Fender Mini Twin '57.
Some effects that can enhance the sound of your electric ukulele include delays, chorus effects, and reverb. You can create these effects using pedals, and they can add a new dimension to your sound.
