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 "Ukulele" Plastic or Wood?

9/27/2016

9 Comments

 
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Ukuleles not only come in different sizes but also different materials. The type of material used is the preference of the user so how do you decide which is best for you?

Wood Ukes: Some common woods used for ukuleles are Mahogany, Basswood and Koa but you will also see a lot of variations like Mango, Black Acacia, Okume, Spruce, Bamboo, Lacewood and others. Some woods are selected for their sound qualities, some for their cosmetic appeal and some for both. Wood ukes are also offered in the variety of “all laminate”, “all solid” and “solid top with laminate back and sides”. One version isn’t necessarily better but the solid wood’s tone should improve with age the more it is played. With that said the laminate won’t get worse so if it sounds good when you buy it should sound good for the years to come and as a rule, laminates will be less expensive.  

Composite Ukes: Composite or “plastic” ukes are a lot simpler and less maintenance than wood but they are not all created equal. Some are better than others, some come with gig bags, and some don’t.  Most companies offer these only in soprano size and there are several brands to choose from. Concert sizes are very limited and other sizes even rarer. This is a trend we expect to change as the popularity of these instruments is climbing fast. An obvious advantage these instruments have over wood is that they are not affected by water, heat or cold. This makes them a great “all terrain” “all weather” companion you can stick in your canoe or kayak without much worry. As for sound, many models sound as good as or even better than their wood cousins.

Untimely the choice is yours so find a Ukulele in your price range that impresses you with how it looks and sounds and you should be happy with it.  

9 Comments
Allen Camden
9/27/2016 12:03:43 pm

I have two wood ukes but I want a plastic one as well!

Reply
Terry Law
9/27/2016 12:06:39 pm

I think I wouldn't mind a plastic one if it was one of the nicer models there are several companies that make them and different "grades" as always with any instrument I play it in the store first.

Reply
Fred G
9/27/2016 12:08:22 pm

I want a plastic Uke to take Camping.

Reply
Gilly Yoder
9/27/2016 12:10:28 pm

I have an Eddy Finn Beachmaster and take it with me everywhere. I paid about $70 bucks for it and wouldn't trade it for all the gold in Aucapulco :)

Reply
Terry Law
9/27/2016 12:23:35 pm

You're a tool.

Reply
RJ Uke
9/27/2016 12:27:03 pm

I own several ukuleles including 2 plastic ones.I love the sound that I get from my plastic ukes!

Reply
Moonunit
9/27/2016 12:45:03 pm

Never thought I would like Plastic uke. But it sounds great and is cool by the pool!

Reply
Ethan
5/25/2017 08:43:29 am

I have about 10 ukuleles, and have had many more that ive sold or traded or lost :-( this is a great little article and it sums it up well. i prefer solid wood ukuleles, but i take my plastic ones everywhere. its true that cold and water wont affect them but, do not leave it in a hot car or it will melt!

Reply
Leonard link
1/9/2021 10:50:57 pm

Grateful for sharing this post

Reply



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  • Ukuleles
    • Eddy Finn Ukuleles
    • Uke-Nique Series >
      • Moon & Stars Ukulele
      • Mahogany Peanut Ukulele
      • Zebra Wood Pineapple Ukulele
      • EF Travel Ukulele
      • EF-CGBX-1 Roadhouse Cigar Box Ukulele
      • Sugar Creek Whiskey Ukulele
      • EF-98-T 8 String Tenor Ukulele
      • EF-G6 Guitar-Lele
    • Tiki Series >
      • EF 1TK Tiki Concert Ukulele
      • EF PNTK Pineapple Tiki Ukulele
      • EF -MNTK Round Tiki
    • Textured Ash Concert Series Ukuleles
    • KOA Concert Ukuleles >
      • EF-26-KC KOA Concert Ukulele w/ Abalone
      • EF-28C KOA Concert Ukulele
    • Mahogany: King of Wood Series >
      • EF-75MC Solid Mahogany Concert Ukulele
      • EF-8-MC Mahogany Concert Ukulele
    • Tropical Mohagany EF-9 Concert Ukulele Series
    • EF- 1 Basswood Series
    • EF Minnow Soprano Series
    • Ukulele Accessories
    • Eddy Finn Product Guide
  • Find A Dealer
  • Join Our Email List
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Warranty Information
    • Contact
  • About