The Perfect Music for a Wedding Ceremony

Choose A Ukulele In One Of These Shapes

15 November 2021 by Samantha Meyer

When you look at the display of ukuleles that are for sale at your local musical instrument retailer, one thing that will quickly be apparent to you is that this instrument is available in several different shapes. While there are lots of things to think about before you buy your first ukulele, shape is something that is important. There are a couple of main considerations regarding the shape that you choose—you want the instrument to feel comfortable when you are holding it, and you want to visually enjoy the shape when you see your new ukulele. Here are three shapes that are popular.

Pineapple

A pineapple ukulele gets its name from the shape of its body. This type of ukulele, which is commonly available with either a wooden or a plastic body, has the oval shape of the tropical fruit after which it's named. Many players enjoy the traditional appearance of pineapple ukuleles, especially if they want a ukulele that doesn't have the shape of a guitar. Some retailers even carry ukuleles that are finished with pineapple imagery. For example, the headstock will be green like the stem of a real pineapple, while the body will be yellow.

Acoustic Guitar

You'll also see a selection of ukuleles that are shaped like an acoustic guitar. These ukuleles are often made of wood, but you will also find budget-priced options that are made of plastic—including plastic that is somewhat see-through. There will be prominent indentations on the edges of the instrument that give it a symmetrical appearance like a guitar. You may find that this shape of instrument is very comfortable to play. Like a guitar, you can rest the indentation on the bottom edge of the instrument on your thigh while you play in the seated position.

Cutaway

Another popular ukulele shape is a cutaway shape, which means that the body is cut out—typically on the bottom side of the instrument. This cutout, which you'll also frequently find in electric guitars, is designed to allow the player to have easier access to the higher frets on the instrument's fretboard. If you are keen on maximizing the ukulele's entire fretboard, which means that you'll be playing higher-pitched notes, you'll definitely find that a cutaway shape will improve the ease with which you can play. Look for these and other ukulele shapes at your local musical instrument store or on the store's website.  

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