$49.99 -- $65.99
Hricane Mahogany Ukulele 23inch with White string knob only 49.99USD!
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Have you noticed the variety of ukulele models and sizes available in the market today? Whether you are looking to play the ukulele for personal enjoyment or looking to pick out a set for your classroom, it can be quite overwhelming in determining what model and size you should use.
West Music is here to help make sense of features and advantages for each of the different ukulele sizes. We take the mystery out of how to choose the right ukulele for you.
There are many sizes and shapes of ukuleles available. The most common sizes are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Some manufacturers make other sizes and shapes, such as the smaller piccolo or pianissimo models, bass ukuleles, banjo ukes, or the novelty pineapple shape (usually in soprano size). This article relates to the most popular, standard sizes.
The sizes are not designed to match the physical size of the player, such as in fractional sizes you would see for violin and guitars. Rather, the size is related to each size’s tone and application. Although the names of the different sizes imply different tuning, you may be surprised to learn that soprano, concert, and tenor are tuned exactly the same to each other to g’-
The Baritone ukulele is the largest size in the ukulele family. It is the only size that uses a different tuning! Because the baritone ukulele has the same tuning as the top 4 strings of a standard 6-string guitar, it can be helpful to start with a baritone ukulele.
Guitar is tuned (from low to high) to E-A-
Now that we know the relation of the Baritone ukulele tuning to guitar, we can see how the other ukuleles compare.
The smaller soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles are tuned a 4th higher, or 5 half steps higher than the baritone ukulele. So, if we place a capo at the 5th fret of a baritone ukulele (
However, the more common tuning system for the soprano is to tune the G-string up one octave, resulting in the open strings matching the melody of “My Dog Has Fleas.” The 3rd string, the C, is now the lowest open-tuned string. This is referred to as “re-entrant” tuning because the strings are not tuned linearly from low to high. It is this tuning that gives the ukulele its unique, characteristic sound!
Some ukulele methods may recommend using the “linear” tuning as it extends the lower range. Additionally, it may be easier for the player to comprehend learning to read music and playing scales. As most stock ukuleles are pre-strung with the high G “re-entrant” tuning, you may need to purchase and install the low G-strings separately if you plan on using these methods. These strings will have a different thickness, or gauge.
Note: you may also need to have a Luther reshape the groove for the nut to accommodate a thicker string to ensure it sits properly in that groove if you decide to install the low G-string.
Because of the similar tuning structure for guitar and ukulele, you can use the same fingerings to play both instruments. You will find many of the techniques carry over. If you play guitar, you can play the ukulele! Because the instruments are in a different key, you will need to transpose between guitar and ukulele. For example, a G chord on the guitar will be a C chord when played in the same fret position on the ukulele. Classroom teachers will note this is similar to the difference between soprano and alto recorders.
The soprano ukulele is also known as the “standard” size, based on the traditional ukulele sizing. The design was established from similar instruments brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants in the late
In the 1920s, Big Band was in full swing. To compete with the volume and sound of the Big Band instruments, the larger-bodied concert and tenor ukulele models were developed. Additionally, at this time Banjo ukuleles were introduced. These instruments are even louder than concert and tenor ukuleles. They have the same ukulele tuning, however, feature a banjo-style body with the bridge resonating on a taut head to produce a banjo-type tone.
The larger bodies of the concert and tenor size ukuleles produce more volume and a fuller sound in the middle and lower tonal ranges. The larger sizes usually have more frets, averaging 15-20, and more space on the fret board. This allows more room for fingers when making advanced chords. As a result, the more common soprano may appear to sound higher pitched or “plinky” than the larger sizes. You may find the tenor sounds more like a guitar, even with the same tuning. The concert size produces a tone somewhere in-between!
The tenor size is preferred among many stage performers and instrumentalists as it typically has the most space between frets, the highest number of playable notes, and the fullest dynamic range.
The concert size is a good compromise between the two. It blends the physical and tonal characteristics of the soprano and tenor models together. It has more frets, like the tenor, but still retains the signature sound of the soprano – albeit with a touch more volume and tone. Some players will like this size for its good mix of the other two sizes’ traits and if their fingers may feel most comfortable on this in-between sized fret board.
Realistically, you could begin playing on any size ukulele, but soprano is by far the most popular choice. It has a lower cost and smaller size which makes it easier to store. It is ideal for many beginners to learn the basics of chord positions and for those who will not play beyond the soprano’s limited range of 12 frets.
Selecting the right size ukulele for yourself is mostly personal preference. There is not a “wrong” choice! Rather than selection based on size, try choosing the right ukulele for you based on the following criteria.
You will want to pick one that appeals to your senses. Most players go for a model that reflects their personality. You are going to be the one seeing this ukulele; will it inspire you to play? Will you be dabbling in ukulele as a novelty or as a serious instrument? Are you looking for a ukulele that will be on display? Ukuleles make great conversation pieces so make it fun!
Instruments can vary quite a bit in sound and volume. You may want to play, listen to sound samples, and read reviews on models. Aquila Nylon strings are the standard in the industry for most entry-level and intermediate ukulele models. These strings produce a full, voluminous tone.
Larger sized concert and tenor ukuleles will cost incrementally more than sopranos. Simply put, they require more raw materials to construct.
Some ukuleles can be considerably more expensive if crafted of solid woods versus laminate woods. However, each model may sound different and not necessarily better with solid wood. You can have a great tone with a laminate body that will feature the aesthetics of a solid body without the price. With a laminate body, manufacturers can get a thinner top than solid wood. Resulting in more vibration and increased sound. The veneer finish still features the beauty of wood grain and may have better durability as they are less sensitive to humidity and temperature.
Solid wood model ukuleles are often more expensive than laminate. That is to say because of the raw materials including exotic woods, the craftsmanship involved, and attention to detail. The sound quality of solid wood instruments improves as the wood ages. They also require more care and humidification in drier climates and seasons to avoid cracking or warping.
For beginners, the most common choice will be the soprano size because of its price. You may consider a larger or more expensive model for a fuller tone, larger fret board, more versatility, and the ability to “grow into it.” Realistically there is no right or wrong ukulele to start on but consider these factors just like Goldilocks did in the classic fairy tale “Goldilocks & the Three Bears” to find the one that is just right for you and your budget!
Hricane’s ukes are some top-selling, best-rated ukuleles on the Amazon and other platform. Do they live up to the hype? Read my full Hricane ukulele review to find out what I think.
I think the Hricane Sapele Concert Size ukulele is a well-built ukulele and a good value for the money.
The Hricane Sapele Concert Size ukulele is a priced a little lower than other ukes in its class. However, its tone, playability, and build quality were on par with most of the other good starter ukes I’ve reviewed.
The included gig bag was one of the best I’ve seen in a budget ukulele package. However, the ukulele doesn’t include a clip-on tuner, which is really useful for beginning players. Luckily, you can get a great uke tuner for less than $10.
I think the ukulele is a good candidate for people seeking a good entry-level ukulele
The Hricane Hricane Sapele Concert Size ukulele I received is very nicely built. Lines are sharp and clean, and all joints are tight and solid. Nice fit and finish, especially at this price. Overall I’m impressed with the build quality and can’t find anything worth complaining about.
This uke is also nice and light, and that’s a good thing. A light instrument provides less resistance to vibration when the strings are plucked, and more vibration results in a bigger, richer tone.
The Hricane ukulele has a laminated Sapele top, back, and sides. Sapele is similar to mahogany, but since this is a laminated ukulele, the “tonewood” used doesn’t affect the tone (in my opinion).
The fingerboard and bridge are walnut, which is a nice-looking hardwood that I’m starting to see on more high-end instruments.
I was surprised to discover that the Hricane Sapele Concert Size ukulele has a bone nut and saddle. Bone is a material you usually only find on more expensive instruments. Some people feel that bone is the best material for these parts due to its hardness and density.
Many good-quality ukes in this price range use Tusq, which is a synthetic bone-like material. I can’t tell the difference between real bone and Tusq. They both sound fine to me, and either material is much better than the soft plastic nuts and saddles found on very cheap ukes.
The body has black-and-white plastic binding on the top and back. Many ukes in this price range don’t have any binding at all, so it was a nice feature to have.
The quality of binding work on budget ukes can be rough, but the Hricane’s binding was crisp, even, and smooth.
In addition to protecting the edges of the body from nicks and dings, binding helps the uke “pop” a little more by visually defining the edges.
The UKS series of Hricane ukuleles have a light satin finish. I think it looks great and feels nice during play. I prefer this style of finish to the thick, plasticky finishes on some other entry-level ukes, which I feel look cheap and deaden the tone.
A laser-engraved rosette and headstock logo are the only real decorations on this uke. The laser work is nice and sharp, and it adds a little flair to the ukulele without bumping up the cost. However, I kind of wish Hricane used a simpler rosette pattern–but that’s just a personal opinion!
I really like the tone of my ukulele. It’s warm, sweet, and had good sustain. Overall I’m really happy with the way it sounds.
The uke has a nice low end, but it gets a little thin on really high notes. Of course, this is pretty standard for a laminated ukulele. Nearly all the laminated ukes I’ve played are a bit weak in the higher registers, so I can’t hold it against the UKS-3.
For the money, I think this is a great-sounding ukulele. Of course, it’s not going to sound as rich and full as a high-end solid wood ukulele from builders like Kamaka or Martin. But, at this price point, I think it’s very good.
My Hricane uke plays well and had reasonably low action (string height) right out of the box. The neck was straight and I didn’t detect any buzzes or rattles as I played up and down the neck.
I might have preferred slightly lower action from the factory. Still, I don’t think most players would have any major issues with the string height.
As I’ve mentioned in other reviews of beginner ukuleles, instruments in the entry-level price range usually have some variation in string height. If you order a Hricane Sapele Concert Size ukulele, it’s possible your uke’s action will be slightly higher or lower than the one I got.
A bit of variance is normal for instruments in this price range. However, if you receive a uke that seems unusually high or low, you should definitely contact the seller with your concerns.
In the world of acoustic instruments, “action” simply refers to how high the strings are in relation to the fingerboard.
Ukuleles with very high action are harder to play but less likely to have string buzz. Ukuleles with very low action are easier to play but more prone to buzzing.
Building an affordable instrument with comfortable action that doesn’t buzz is actually quite difficult. It requires tight manufacturing tolerances and is complicated by the fact that wood doesn’t behave like metal or plastic.
The UKS-3 has closed gear tuners with a subtle gold finish. The plastic buttons had a nice satiny look with what felt like a rubberized coating.
I’m a fan of the tuners on this ukulele. They were very responsive with a smooth, tight feel that made tuning a breeze. The buttons were easy to grip and comfortable to use.
Tuners are often a weak point on budget-priced ukuleles. Many manufacturers cheap out on the tuners, resulting in tuning machines that feel loose and sloppy, with a bit of “play” before the gears start to engage. These tuners are often poorly machined and have a rough, gritty feel that makes them unpleasant to use.
Fortunately, the Hricane UKS-3 doesn’t have any of these issues. I think these are some better tuners I’ve seen on a budget-priced ukulele.
I was impressed with the gig bag that came with the UKS-3’s is impressive. It’s well-made and seems very tough. I think it’s the best bag of all the beginner uke packages I’ve reviewed so far.
The bag’s outer fabric is a heavy woven Cordura-type fabric. It’s similar to what you might find on a nice backpack.
The padding is thick and dense. It’s very heavy duty and will easily protect the uke from most minor impacts.
Other things I liked:
The Hricane ukulele I purchased included an extra set of strings and a cleaning cloth. Some users mentioned that they received a capo as well, but mine didn’t have one. Not a big deal for me, since I rarely use a capo.
Unlike many other beginner ukulele packages, it doesn’t include a tuner, picks, or strap. A tuner is nice to have, so I’d recommend purchasing a good clip-on tuner to go along with this uke (or use a free/cheap app on your phone).
I didn’t care about the picks or strap since I don’t use either.
Some might be put off by the ukulele lack of extras, but to be fair this uke is cheaper than many other similar uke packages I’ve reviewed.
Relax. Every accomplished musician has experienced that kind of nervousness before a show. Just keep this in mind: You’re not alone. And we’re here to lift your spirits up by giving you some practical tips for preparing for your big day (or night). Even if your first major ukulele performance is still months away, there are things you can do today to get ready for that event. Let’s get started!
Warm up at open mics
Attend local open mics where you know or may be friends with other musicians. Being in a familiar and supportive environment can help you get the courage you need to take the stage. You’ll also have a better idea of the kinds of music the crowd likes so you can practice and prepare.
Think of performing at open mics as a warm-up to a bigger performance. It’s a great experience that can help build confidence and motivate you to pursue a career in music.
Practice makes better
The saying usually goes “Practice makes perfect,” but if you aim for perfect you’ll only be more nervous and terrified of making mistakes. Instead, think of practice as a way to make you a better performer than you were yesterday.
And being a performer doesn’t mean not making any mistakes - it’s knowing how to handle those boo-boos if and when they happen. To give you an idea, read this article about how to recover from making mistakes on stage.
When you practice your piece or set, imagine it as a mini performance. Play as if you’re in front of an audience. If you make a mistake, don’t stop but take note. After the piece, recall your mistake and make a mental note on how you can address it. This method teaches you to be mindful of what you do while also honing your performance skills.
Prepare yourself physically
Your big day is nearing, what else should you do? Well, since performance is also a physical activity, you need to make sure you are physically prepared. If your performance is a two-hour gig, you have to work on your endurance to play ukulele for that stretch. Work toward a healthy body along with a healthy mind so you can be in the right physical and mental state to perform.
Do the following:
Those are just some things you can do to get yourself ready for a major performance. If you’re feeling anxious, just take a deep breath and think positive. Your first big performance is a milestone and something you can learn from. It’s both a humbling and rewarding experience that can shape you into the best musician you can be, so take time to prepare. Good luck!
Written by Rebecca Marlow – Knowyourinstrument.com
Original link: http://www.ukulelemag.com/stories/screwing-up-onstage-everyone-does-it-heres-how-to-recover
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Hricane was established in 2004, it has been developing for 15 years. Especially in the field of musical instrument manufacturing, it has continuously broken through the tradition and committed to innovation and creating an independent musical instrument brand. The company has an independent musical instrument manufacturing factory, Yongda Musical Instrument Factory of Huizhou City, Guangdong Province. The factory machinery manufacturing facilities are fully equipped, and each step of the manufacturing process has undergone strict manual inspection and control, so that the traditional craftsmanship of the older generation can be promoted and passed down.
]]>If you spend much of your time traveling, carrying around your ukulele isn’t always easy. Ukuleles can be quite thick and fragile. It’s not uncommon for them to get damaged in your car or while traveling through the airport. That’s why you should get a travel ukulele, which are designed to be durable for your on-the-go lifestyle.
The main feature of a travel ukulele is typically the thinner body. On a standard ukulele, the body is typically 3.5 to 4 inches thick. With a travel ukulele, you’d be looking at closer 1.5 to 2.5 inches thick. This can make it a lot easier to travel with your ukulele in a carry-on bag or backpack.
Travel ukulele’s also typically come with geared tuners, which are very reliable and hold a tune well even when traveling.
One drawback of travel ukuleles is they are typically more expensive than the beginner ukuleles, so for most people, it only makes sense to buy one if you’re limited on space or traveling often. A travel ukulele also has less overall volume and less deep of a sound than a standard ukulele, which some people actually prefer but for many, it can be a downside.
Like most musical instrument purchases, the first thing you’ll want to consider when going to buy a travel ukulele is what’s your budget? Travel ukuleles tend to be more expensive than a regular ukulele since they’re made to be compact and built with more precision.
Luckily, you can get a travel ukulele for under $100 as we will show in the list below.
Another aspect you’ll need to decide on is what size ukulele you’ll want. A smaller soprano ukulele will give you the best flexibility for traveling due to its small size, but you may want a bigger ukulele for the deeper sound it produces.
If you’re on a real tight budget and your primary concern for you ukulele is the durability of it.