UKULELE SPECIAL A
loha! This month we’re surfing the incredible wave of interest that has spawned for the ancient 19th century Hawaiian instrument known as the ukulele or “uke” as it’s commonly called. No longer overlooked, around the country dedicated ukulele stores are opening, lessons are booking out, festivals are selling fast, including the International Cairns Ukulele Festival (that is happening this very month) and everyone from the young to the old are getting their hands around this four stringed gem. This Mixdown Special Feature is a buyers guide and introduction to a range of available ukuleles on the market, all styles, makes and models including the Soprano, Concert, Tenor, Baritone and even a banjo uke were tested by our trusted team of writers. We looked at each model and recommended who it would best suit, it’s sound and tone, usability and playability including it’s construction, bang for your buck and an overall summary. We hope you get as much enjoyment and knowledge out of reading this as we did playing each and every one at Mixdown HQ. As always with an acoustic stringed instrument it’s best to visit your local retailer and try the models you like for yourself - where you can ask those extra questions see the differences in size, weight, options such as pre-amps, pickups and most importantly hear how they sound and play live. By and large the ukulele has made a formidable comeback into the ever changing musical landscape. They’re proving to be an incredibly fun, relaxing and easy to play instrument, surprisingly versatile with almost every genre of music now being tackled by all those inspired players looking for something different. So, without further ado, grab yourself a uke, head out into that tide of four-stringed inspiration and most importantly strum that wave all the way to your next song.
COLE CLARK - JACK TENOR (JT1C)
RRP: $1129 or $1399 with Pickup.
COLE CLARK - UKELADY 1 (UL1)
DISTRIBUTOR: COLE CLARK
DISTRIBUTOR: COLE CLARK
RECOMMENDED FOR: Guitarists who prefer a Tenor sized uke as less of a jump in size. Otherwise advanced, professionals or players of any level wanting a quality, detailed instrument should be on the list. SOUND AND TONE: A big, bold, round sound thanks to the increased body size and depth of the Jack Tenor. The solid timbers and internal design, carving and bracing give you plenty to work with in terms of volume and tone plus the ability to plug in for bigger gigs and more volume. USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Feels great. As mentioned guitarists might feel more at home on this sized uke as opposed to concert and soprano models thanks to the bigger scale, neck and fret spacing but overall she plays like a a dream anyway. With the rechargeable Faceblend pickup system you get some extra points too. CONSTRUCTION: You can see many of the same killer design and build features from the Fat Lady guitar range here and the Jack Tenor feels like a super solid ukulele. Understated and suave, it’s darker timbers, simple binding and select markings come across a treat. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Up the higher side of the uke market but a serious instrument with a pickup means you’re getting plenty of ukulele for your buck. OVERALL: Magic! Best to give it a spin for yourself.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Players after a higher end name brand uke that don’t need the extra glitz of the higher model 2 and 3s. SOUND AND TONE: Resonant and warm with an even, clear tone - Solid Tasmanian Blackwood is the wood of choice for the UL-1 USABILITY/PLAYABILITY: Nice body shape, comfy neck and the heel joint is smooth if you want to get into the higher registers. A straight ahead instrument the UL-1 is a piece of cake to get happening and I found the Grover tuners to be responsive and solid too. CONSTRUCTION: I like the fact that you get essentially the same build quality and design as the 2 and 3 models but a little less frills (which some may prefer anyway). A well built instrument, you get a good feeling from just looking at it and knowing the reputation of Cole Clark as an amazing sounding and aesthetically pleasing instrument maker on the whole has shined through here. BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Great - you get the Cole Clark brand name, a well built uke with nice woods and tone at a reasonable price for the intermediate and pro player. OVERALL: Check out some serious aussie uke work with the Cole Clark Ukelady 1 (or 2 or 3, if so inclined).
PG. 42 MIXDOWN NO. 217
SPECS: TYPE: Tenor Cutaway Body WOODS: Solid Tasmanian Blackwood Queensland Maple Neck PICK-UP: Optional Cole Clark Rechargeable Faceblend
MAY 2012
TUNERS: Grover Champion Friction Pegs CASE AVAILABLE: Case included
RRP: $699
SPECS: TYPE: Soprano Traditional Body WOODS: Solid Tasmanian Blackwood Queensland Maple Neck PICK-UP: N/A
TUNERS: Grover Champion Friction Pegs CASE AVAILABLE: Included