Uke #3 - Ukulele Woods

An Ukulele can be made from different types of wood. And the woods used will the sound of the uke. Over here we are interested in solids where the type of wood has a larger influence in the sound and projection of the ukulele. In terms of sound, full solid body generally sounds the best, followed by solid top (only the top is solid wood, rest is laminate), and lastly laminate all over. Solid wood is thought to project and resonate sound the best compared to laminates. A solid top is somewhere in between because it is thought that the top of the ukulele has the largest influence on the sound compared to the sides and back. A laminate has a layer of cheaper wood beneath a layer of aesthetically nicer wood on top. Prices of laminates are therefore usually less than a full solid body. Most will agree that a solid will produce a sweeter sound and better projection.

There is no best wood and the sound produced is very subjective.

1. Hawaiian Koa (Part of Acacia genus)
This is the top of the range wood for ukulele. It is found only on the island of Hawaii and is one of the best sounding ukulele woods. They come with beautiful grains especially the figured or curly varieties. They are usually used for premium models.

Illustration taken from public domain and credits go to the owner of the illustration.

2. Acacia
They are normally introduced as cousins of Koa since they share the same genus. The main difference is these woods do not come from Hawaii but they do share many similarities. Acacia woods also come with beautiful striped grains. They are beautiful sounding and come with deep tones and loud projections. They are usually used for top of the range models.

Illustration taken from public domain and credits go to the owner of the illustration.

3. Mahogany
The Mahogany is a very popular wood for ukulele and commonly found in the more intermediate models. This wood is a good balance between sound and price. To me they sound bright and loud but they are missing that extra edge found in the koa or acacia.

Illustration taken from public domain and credits go to the owner of the illustration.

4. Cedar
Cedar is very common in the making of classical guitars. So their acoustics cannot be undermined. But they lack the crisp and projection a ukulele should have. They are also more plain in the looks department.

Illustration taken from public domain and credits go to the owner of the illustration.

5. Spruce
Spruce is another common wood found in classical guitars. They are brighter in color and they sound bright too. But there is not much projection and depth in the tone. There are other varieties like Sitka spruce which promises a richer tone while maintaining the bright sounding.

Illustration taken from public domain and credits go to the owner of the illustration.

6. Maple
They are more aesthetic woods than acoustic in my opinions. The flamed and spalted maple are stunningly beautiful. Wide range of grains selection. Average in the sound department. Usually used for sides and back, but you can also find all maple ukes.

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7. Mango
Introduced as a sustainable wood for ukulele. Average in the sound department.

Illustration taken from public domain and credits go to the owner of the illustration.

8. Bamboo
Another sustainable wood for ukulele. I have played one yet but bamboo does not sound Hawaiian to me.

Illustration taken from public domain and credits go to the owner of the illustration.

9. Walnut
Another visually stunning ukulele wood.

Illustration taken from public domain and credits go to the owner of the illustration.