FAQs
Soprano, Concert, Tenor, what does it mean?
These refer to the scale length of an ukulele. Our Soprano scale length (nut to bridge) is 14”. Concert scale length is 15.5” and Tenor is 17”. See complete specs for other dimensional differences. All scales can be tuned GCEA, the tenor can also be tuned down to DGBE with a high D. Generally, the longer scales have a deeper tone and more sustain for a given body style.
How is the ukulele held and played?
The uke is held up high on the chest, cradled in your strumming arm--not resting on your knee. This positions your strumming over the fingerboard, especially on smaller scale instruments. Finger pics are generally not used, however, there are felt pics available specifically for the uke.
How do I learn to play the ukulele?
There are many methods & songbooks, instructional DVDs and videos available as well as online tutorials for just about any style and type of music.
Hardwood vs. Molded Polycarbonate fingerboard
The standard molded polycarbonate fingerboard should last indefinitely with all nylon strings. The optional hardwood fingerboard with wire frets is recommended if wound strings are used. The molded fingerboard can be replaced or upgraded to the hardwood at any time in our shop. Sound quality and playability differences are minimal between the two options however the wire frets on the hardwood are slightly higher and more visible
What type of hardwood do you use for the fretboards?
Currently, we are using maple and walnut wood for our hardwood fretboards. We occasionally have stock of unusual or exotic woods for special requests. The wire frets on the hardwood fretboard are slightly higher and more visible than those on the standard polycarbonate fretboards. Both versions have zero frets and should have the same intonation.
What is the advantage of using Peghed tuners over standard friction tuners?
The advantage of using Peghed tuners is that the tuning is more accurate. Pegheds are precision crafted in the USA with a 4:1 planetary gear reduction built in, thus making the tuning much easier. They are lighter in weight; very sleek looking in all black and complement the instrument. Please use our link : http://www.magicfluke.com/product-p/peghedtuners.htm
What is a sound port and why is it needed?
A sound port is a hole in the side of the body facing the player and directs more sound to the player’s ear, with no reduction in the overall sound projection from the instrument.
What difference do strings make?
Thicker strings usually have higher tension, which translates to a stiffer feel with more sustain and volume. Thinner strings usually have more flex and a softer feel and less volume. Lower tunings such as "low G" require a high mass string material such as metal wound or fluorocarbon. Please visit our string category page: http://www.magicfluke.com/category-s/1870.htm
2 Comments
Arthur Milholland
What's the best string height/action for a Fluke Concert ukulele? Barring is more difficult on my Fluke Concert than on a Makala Tenor I have tried.
Magic Fluke Co.
Hi Arthur, We try to set the action on all of our ukuleles to between 0.080 and 0.100, or around 2mm. Our newer models (and some of our older ones) come with an adjustable saddle to be able to adjust the action. If you were to remove the saddle and sand down the material from the underside, you could lower the action of the instrument!
Laurel Kloskin
I have an older entry level flea ukulele. I’m interested in getting a wood fretboard installed and side markers added. Also the side sound hole. Possibly upgraded tuners Are these changes possible? EST cost? Laurel
Magic Fluke Co.
Hi Laurel, thanks for reaching out! All of these upgrades are entirely possible, except maybe for the side sound hole (player sound port). While we are able to add a player sound port to soprano fleas after the fact, anything larger than that does not fit in our engraving machine and therefore we cannot cut a new hole into. The upgrade to wooden fretboard ($99), side fret markers ($20), and upgraded Pegheds tuners ($89) are all common upgrades and we can absolutely upgrade your instrument here at our shop. Please email us if you are interested.
