Will
Approved
| Joined: | Wed Feb 16th, 2005 |
| Location: | Chicago, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 1968 |
| Instrument Interest: | Ukulele, Clawhammer Banjo, Guitar, Harmonica, Dulcimer, Mandolin, Autoharp, Keyboards, Other |
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gardner321 wrote: I was just sitting down to post a similar request for help, when I spotted this post by widowmaker.
I too have a SA Mach UK70B barritone and love it. I am a nubie and just happened to buy this instrument which was the only uke in the shop.
Knowing little of instrument quality etc, I wanted to ask, since I am learning to play somewhat better, if I need to upgrade to an instrument that would have more noticeable tonal quality, or is this about as good as it gets. I purchased mine about six months ago for $150 new.
I know little of its construction as would be compared to a better grade uke.
Am I apt to get more satisfaction from a better grade selling at less than $400?
I enjoy thumb strumming, but seem to get some buzz when chording in the 2nd and third string area. Of course, this could be me causing that as I am elderly and not so limber fingered.
I have gone through three sets of Aquilla strings. either because of wear on the wire wounds at the fret, Or mostly because the 3rd strings pop, twice while the uke was at rest. Since I am hearing impaired, I have to use an electronic tuner set at 440hz, so the string tension should be consistent. Do I need a better brand of strings? The strings break at the anchor on the sound box.
If you're breaking uke strings often, it may be because you're pressing too hard on the strings. Aquila strings are prone to abrasion, and the metal fret wires are much harder than the strings. The key is to press down on the strings with your fingertips just behind the fret with just enough pressure to prevent the string from buzzing.
A solid top instrument would be a step up from your current instrument. The construction of the instrument top usually has the greatest effect on its sound; the better it vibrates, the better it will sound. A solid instrument top vibrates better than one made from laminated pieces of wood (found on less expensive ukes, guitars, and other string instruments). A solid top instrument generally costs more, but sometimes, you can come across an imported instrument that is a real steal - 5 years ago, I bought a great-sounding $60.00 (sixty, not six hundred) baritone called the Amigo AMB-7, which has a solid Carpathian spruce top, and is made in (of all places) Romania.
Or, better yet (and more expensive) would be an all-solid wood wood instrument. Here is an $259 all-solid mahogany baritone with Aquila strings, made by Ohana, sold by Elderly Instruments:
http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/BK35.htm
Last edited on Wed Mar 26th, 2008 03:04 pm by Will
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Will
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