Acoustic Electric Ukulele
What is an Acoustic Electric ukulele? The simplest definition of this instrument is one that has been electrified to produce wider sound range. This type of instrument does have an electric pickup that can be used. However, this type of ukulele still needs an amplifier due to the fact that the amplified sound versus acoustic is very different and the acoustic may be the sound side that suffers the most in this particular exchange. This doesn’t have to be this way though.
An acoustic electric ukulele has the best of both worlds. It can be played either with or without electricity and still be heard. The only problem comes in when it is manufactured. Most people tend to gear this particular ukulele to be electrified and not just the sound quality can suffer. What is meant here is that it is produced for quality sound that will cause the acoustic to suffer sometimes as this is a performance instrument. It still can be played acoustically and have a Great Sound. These may not be as uncommon as you might think.
Why use an acoustic electric ukulele at all? Why not just use one or the other? That is a good question and will depend on the person that is using the instrument. Some prefer to have the sound amplified so that it can be heard, while others prefer the acoustic side for playing. Either way, you have an instrument that can play two ways which makes it very versatile for performance and recording. Some purists would gripe and complain about having a two in one ukulele, but many performers and recording artists would tell you that it helps to have an instrument that has a dual function.
An acoustic electric ukulele is played the exact same way. There is not a difference in playing either one. The only difference is in the sound quality and depending on where You Are playing at, the choice is up to the performer. Another difference is that a regular ukulele doesn’t have an ability to be electrified or have a pickup either. The instruments will still play and play well. Other than being electrified, they can be wonderful to hear.
So an acoustic electric ukulele is just the same as one version has two different settings. One setting is for acoustic play and the other for electric play. The instrument remains the same just electricity and amplification is added so that the sound can be heard further than a few feet at a time. This is what some people and performers will use when in concert. It is up to the personal choice of the performer or player in question as to whether or not they will use an acoustic electric ukulele of this sort or a totally acoustic version. Either way, they win.
