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Tonya
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| Location: | Paradise, California USA |
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 03:09 pm |
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Well, I'll step in here since I have *both* a Risa electric soprano (the flameburst semi-hollow body one, not the "stick" design) as well as an Ovation acoustic/electric soprano. Obviously, I like the soprano size...
(Please keep in mind that my comments below come from the point of view of someone who is not really a dyed in the wool music person; consider me a layman with a passion for ukuleles, not a musician with a gift or background in describing sounds. In other words, your mileage may vary!)
The sound is totally different on each. The Risa, with its metal strings and lipstick pickups, definitely gives you more "guitar-like" features such as a great sounding electric sustain, the ability to really pull some diffent sounds on the strings and the variety of tones (depending on your amp--I use a Fender G-DEC for real fun). I enjoy popping harmonics on it and doing slides and pull-offs--the sound is very distinct.
The Applause provides an amplified "acoustic" sound. Of course, I can use the amp to generate some different sounds, but the nylon strings (I like Nylgut on the Applause the best) don't give you as many sound options.
That said, I bought the Risa thinking I would use its capabilities but discovered that I really don't have a heart for that kind of music. I'm a pretty simple Hawaiian fingerpicking/easy strumming player. The Risa doesn't get used at all so I'm selling it (see post in the Classifieds if you're interested). When I want to amplify, I like the simple acoustic sound of the Ovation Applause. I guess I'm just not meant to get some fuchsia hair highlights and a few facial piercings at this point in my life...
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nevc*ernamed
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 03:23 pm |
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That's very interesting thank you
I think I'm probably going to settle on an acoustic-electric and maybe employ some pedals to get some interesting sounds (if that's possible which I don't see why it sholdn't be). Now I just need help deciding what uke is going to be a good one to buy and where I can get some cool, relatively cheap pedals.
Any ideas?
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Will
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| Location: | Chicago, Illinois USA |
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| Instrument Interest: | Ukulele, Clawhammer Banjo, Guitar, Harmonica, Dulcimer, Mandolin, Autoharp, Keyboards, Other |
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 03:58 pm |
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nevc*ernamed wrote: Thanks for the prompt reply Will. I have a few new questions. It seems that the traditional "ukulele sound" is prodiced by nylon strings, and the impression that I have now is that it is very hard, if not impossible to find a steel-strung instrument that replicates this sound.
The risa uke-stick is pretty much an acoustic instrument just without and sound hole, so no resonace occurs inside the instrument and it needs external amplification.
Got all that.
Now new question:
You mentioned the Oscar Schmidt Ukulele in your previous post. I already have a nice ukulele, I don't think it has a brand because I can't find any logos anywhere, but it came in an oscar schmidt gig bag. I think it's one of the OU series. I want something that can be amplified because I play with other people (some marching band people from school) and I can't be heard over them. I was also looking for a slight breakout from the traditional acoustic sound, but not quite (see the video above)
What is the potential for the OU14E's amplification (passive electronics?)? How good does it sound? Is there anyway that you know of that I could hear one?
Is this a soprano or tenor?
Thanks a lot again.
The Oscar Schmidt OU-14E is a concert-sized uke; larger than a soprano, but smaller than a tenor. Actually, it's a bit longer than my acoustic concert uke, and I use a mandolin gig bag to store the OU-14E. I replaced the original strings with a set of Aquila low-G Nylguts. The OU-14E sounds decent when unamplified (good tone, but not very loud), but sounds very good when amplified. The amplified sound is partly determined by what kind of amp you are using. If you want the acoustic sound of nylon strings, you'll want to use an amp made for acoustic instruments (optimized for piezo pick-ups) rather than an amp designed for electric guitars (optimized for magnetic pick-ups). This is the acoustic amp that I use:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Ultracoustic-AT108-Acoustic-Combo-Amp?sku=480781
Compact acoustic amp packs a big punch for the price! ($59.99)
The Behringer Ultracoustic AT108 Acoustic Combo Amp is a compact 2-channel, 15W amplifier specially attuned to the sonic needs of acoustic instruments. You get Behringer's VTC Virtual Tube Circuitry for a truly tube-like sound. The AT108 combo amp features a powerful 20W dual-cone 8" speaker with a wide frequency response, a mic input with separate volume control, and a dedicated CD input so you can play along with your favorite CDs. The Behringer AT108 also features an ultramusical 3-band EQ for ultimate sound shaping and a headphone output for quiet practice.
Behringer ULTRACOUSTIC AT108 Acoustic Combo Amp Features:
- Powerful 20W, 8" dual-cone speaker for wide frequency response
- Microphone input with separate volume control
- VTC Virtual Tube Circuitry for tube-like sound
- Ultramusical 3-band EQ for ultimate sound shaping
- CD input allows you to play along to your favorite music
- Separate headphone output for quiet practice
- Rugged construction ensures long life
- 14-1/4"W x 13-1/4"H x 6-1/2"D
- 12 lbs.
Last edited on Sun Jan 21st, 2007 01:17 am by Will
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melodeonmark
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 11th, 2006 |
| Location: | Guildford, United Kingdom |
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 07:56 pm |
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I have a Risa soprano 'uke stick' and the tone I get out of it is done by the amp! Play one of these through the cheap Roland microcube amps and you can get any sound out of it you like{
Mark
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nevc*ernamed
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Posted: Fri Jan 19th, 2007 11:57 pm |
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I'm slightly interested in the "uke stick" design". Can you tell me a little bit about it.
To both Tonya and Will:
Is there any reason why you would/ would not recommend the ovation uke? Will said that the Oscar Schmidt would be a good buy and I think that it it certainly a good bargain for less than 100 dollars. However, I've heard many, many good things about the ovations and want to know more before I make a decision.
btw, tonya... how much are you asking for your risa electric soprano?
Thanks so much everyone!
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melodeonmark
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Posted: Sat Jan 20th, 2007 07:07 am |
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nevc*ernamed wrote: That's very interesting thank you
I think I'm probably going to settle on an acoustic-electric and maybe employ some pedals to get some interesting sounds (if that's possible which I don't see why it sholdn't be). Now I just need help deciding what uke is going to be a good one to buy and where I can get some cool, relatively cheap pedals.
Any ideas?
On the Roland Microcube you have built in effects - tremelo, delay, reverb, chorus, flanger,phaser as well as different amp sounds, that is a cheap way to get effects!
Lookon their website and listen to the different sounds.
Mark
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nevc*ernamed
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Posted: Sat Jan 20th, 2007 12:42 pm |
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From your experience, how good is the sound quality from these amps?
btw... from what I can see on the website it looks really great. But where can I buy one and for how much?
Last edited on Sat Jan 20th, 2007 12:43 pm by nevc*ernamed
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melodeonmark
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Posted: Sat Jan 20th, 2007 03:03 pm |
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These amps are amazing! As for where to buy them - maybe a music store or on the web?!!!!!!
Mark
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nevc*ernamed
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Posted: Sat Jan 20th, 2007 03:32 pm |
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thanks for the prompt reply. Is there any good place to buy them? I'm sure if I went to a music store or bought one directly from them they'd be a bit pricey.
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melodeonmark
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Posted: Sat Jan 20th, 2007 03:40 pm |
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I live in the UK so can't really recommend anywhere local to you! Why not search on the web or look on ebay, that will give you an idea of the price.
Mark
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nevc*ernamed
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Posted: Sat Jan 20th, 2007 03:42 pm |
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thanks for the prompt reply. Is there any good place to buy them? I'm sure if I went to a music store or bought one directly from them they'd be a bit pricey.
At the moment I am considering an Ovation Applause Uke (the KOA kind) or an Oscar Schmidt. I haven't really heard that many great things about the OU2E which I was looking at, Will recommended the OU14E and I need to do a bit of research.
Just thought I'd keep you up to speed with that since it was the original topic.
Last edited on Sat Jan 20th, 2007 10:06 pm by nevc*ernamed
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Tonya
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Posted: Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 08:47 pm |
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The Risa electric soprano is listed on the "classifieds" page here:
http://www.ezfolk.com/forums/forum20/2854.html
('sorry I was slow in responding--I was away this past weekend)
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honu
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Posted: Thu Jan 25th, 2007 09:00 pm |
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As UkeForever says...go with nylon strings. He's right. Here are two electric ukes with nylon strings: (1) RISA Ellie soprano - tenor is supposed to come out soon (2) Applause UAE20. I have a RISA Ellie for about a year and it's very sweet, but it requires a strap which is provided with the gig bag because it's very small and compact. I tested the Applause UAE20 this weekend and was pleasantly surprised at the sound, intonation and projection and the price, made it a great buy. The Applause that Tonya is mentioning is the same one that I tested. So, either one would be acceptable. Both seems to use passive pickups.
Sorry, Will. I'm not impressed with Oscar Schmidts, Washburns, Pete Bennetts. I've got one with Aquila strings and it still sucks. As they say, you get what you pay for.
Last edited on Thu Jan 25th, 2007 09:03 pm by honu
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catty
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Posted: Sat Feb 3rd, 2007 02:18 am |
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I brought home my 5-string e-mando this evening -- this one:
And after a few tunes, I took one of the strings off and tuned it as a uke, as I had planned. It was only necessary to change out one string to accomplish this. It works great -- I'm able to get a variety of tones. It's a great companion to my resonator uke.
So, if anyone is considering an electric uke, my experience is that a 4-string electric mandolin, tuned appropriately, is an option.
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nevc*ernamed
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Posted: Sun Feb 4th, 2007 03:01 pm |
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I was considering the UAE20 by ovation... which I think is similar to the one that honu recommended. However, before I drop money I want to compare it to the risa elite that you mentioned. Any idea when this is going to come out?
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catty
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Posted: Sun Feb 4th, 2007 05:13 pm |
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I'd get this. $169 at MF:
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nevc*ernamed
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 03:30 pm |
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slightly confused. That's a mandolin with 4 strings?
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honu
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 04:07 pm |
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nevc*ernamed, I'll do a quick overview and I'm sure others will provide additional feedback. (hint...hint...Tonya?)
RISA Ellie (1) Very compact and easy to transport - seems smaller than a real soprano size (2) Passive pick-up (3) Nylon strings (4) No soundbox, a hole in the middle that goes through, the body is solid, although you can play it without an amp, but it can't be heard without an amp. (5) Might be difficult for someone with large fingers to play the Ellie - although it's easy to play with. (6) I would use the RISA Ellie as a secondary uke. (7) Not acoustic. (8) Intonation - it's electric (9) Sound - with an amp it sounds more closely to an electric uke...than an acoustic. It's best for solo pieces and definitely 'rock-n-roll' or jazz music. See RIGK Sauer's website on the solos! Wow! (10) Crate portable amps or Honeytone works well.
Applause UAE20 (1) Real Soprano size (2) Passive pick-up (3) Nylon strings (4) Has a soundbox, and can be played with or without an amp. (5) Intonation and sound are great. (6) Less expensive than a RISA Ellie (7) Can be used for solo or accompanying music.
For the price, the Applause is a better deal because it can be played both ways - with or without an amp or acoustically - it's more versatile. Ovation makes really great uke pieces. My friends have Applause Tenors and they sound great - with Koolau strings. Although, the RISA Ellie is really fun to play rock music and is a very well engineered uke. I play mostly Hawaiian and rock. The RISA comes out when I want to play a solo piece. Hope this helps.
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nevc*ernamed
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 08:49 pm |
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Yeah, that helps a lot. The risa elite I think is what is more commonly referred to as the uke stick?
I was looking at ovation ukes for a long time and I think I've definately decided to get one of them. For 150 bucks that's a really killer value.
The only reason I want an electric uke is because I need something that can be easily amplified and maybe every once in a while run through some pedals for kicks .
Thanks for the help and I'll keep you posted.
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honu
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 09:05 pm |
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| nevc*ernamed, RISA makes several electric ukes, and the uke stick is one of the them, not to be confused with the RISA Ellie. The UAE would provide what you are looking for and the price can't be beat. Enjoy and let us know how you like the Applause.
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