The ukulele is an essential piece of Hawaiian culture and history, and it’s rich, warm tones have made it popular around the world. Today, it’s used by modern folk and pop musicians to create award-winning chart-toppers. If you’re interested in learning to play this instrument, you’ll have the option to choose between an acoustic or electric ukulele. Here’s what to know about the latter and its variations.

What It Is & How It Works

An electric ukulele is just like a traditional one, but it can have its sound amplified—this makes it ideal for performances. Although the setup is a bit different, playing this instrument is similar to strumming its acoustic counterpart.

Types of Electric Instruments

There are two types of electric ukuleles: solid-body and electro-acoustic. The first works the same as an electric guitar, featuring a solid body, magnetic pickups, and steel strings instead of nylon.

Electro-acoustic models are also known as plugins. This version has a hollow-body that’s designed with a built-in piezo, or under-saddle pickup. Additionally, electro-acoustic instruments have nylon strings.

Difference in Sound

Both types of electric ukuleles are tuned the same as acoustic instruments, featuring G-C-E-A strings. Some models are adjusted with a lower-than-usual G to increase their range.

Like electric guitars, solid-bodied ukuleles are extremely quiet if they aren’t plugged into an amplifier—this can be advantageous if you’re practicing indoors. This model is also unlikely to produce feedback when connected to an amplifier. On the other hand, plugins retain the traditional, warm sound of a ukulele, which can get lost between the steel strings on a solid-body instrument.

If you want to get an electric ukulele of your own, head to Kanile’a ‘Ukulele in Kaneohe, HI. This family-owned and -operated music shop offers a wide range of high-quality instruments and can even craft a custom design to suit your playing style. Visit the website to browse their selection, or call (808) 234-2868 to place an order.