What does a resonator do on a ukulele?

So what exactly is a resonator? Originally designed in the 1920s by luthier John Dopyera who formed The National Stringed Instrument Corporation, a resonator is a means of amplifying the sound of an acoustic guitar or ukulele.

Do ukuleles have steel strings?

Steel strings: Steel strings are not conventional for ukuleles. In general, they’re better suited to musical instruments like the guitar and bass guitar. They have a somewhat richer sound than standard strings and are most common on baritone or tenor ukuleles.

What is tenor ukulele?

TENOR. Tenor is the next step up from the concert in size. The scale for the tenor ukulele is about two inches longer, the neck is just a little wider, and overall it’s a little heavier than the concert. The extra length allows for wider spacing between the frets. This makes tenor ukuleles suited for fingerpicking.

What are the ukulele sizes?

The right ukulele will be the perfect size and sound. There are four main sizes of ukuleles: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone (smallest to largest). Each of these sizes has a significant impact on not just playability, but the sound as well.

What kind of ukulele has a resonator top?

A resonator ukulele or “resophonic ukulele” is a ukulele whose sound is produced by one or more spun aluminum cones ( resonators) instead of the wooden soundboard (ukulele top/face). These instruments are sometimes referred to as ” Dobro ukuleles,” however the term “Dobro” is currently trademarked by…

Is the Beltona Super baritone resonator ukulele a blues instrument?

Yesterday, we took delivery of a second hand (barely) Beltona Super Baritone Resonator Ukulele and as the resident Blues guy; we asked Phil to take it for a quick spin. Never before have we seen an instrument here at SUS that ‘resonated’ so perfectly with us that you can almost hear it bellow the Delta Blues.

What’s the difference between tenor and baritone ukuleles?

Tenor resonator ukuleles are produced, but are less common, while baritone resonator ukuleles are a rare custom item. Resonator ukuleles generally utilize a “National style” single-resonator biscuit cone, although a small number (including those made by the Dobro company in the 1930s) use a bowl resonator and spider cone.

What kind of guitar is a resonator?

Though resonator guitars are often played flat in the lap steel guitar style, resonator ukuleles are almost exclusively played in the conventional manner. The resonator guitar was developed by John Dopyera, seeking to produce a guitar that would have sufficient volume to be heard alongside brass and reed instruments.