Side sound ports are an interesting addition to a ukulele. I have thought about trying them for some time. Now I think I am about to do it. I have a client who has committed to the Frazilian Rosewood and Spruce tenor I am now building and he wants a sound port.
Lots of questions about them. I have been reading forums and blogs for some time. Here are my conclusions.
* Do they increase overall instrument volume? Yes, maybe a little.
*Do they damage instrument tone? Not at all
*Do they weaken the Uke structurally? Probably not if properly braced inside.
*Do they add to the players pleasure? This seems to be the best reason to add one.
*Do they look bad? that is up to the viewer. I have not made up my mind on that.
Lots of questions about them. I have been reading forums and blogs for some time. Here are my conclusions.
* Do they increase overall instrument volume? Yes, maybe a little.
*Do they damage instrument tone? Not at all
*Do they weaken the Uke structurally? Probably not if properly braced inside.
*Do they add to the players pleasure? This seems to be the best reason to add one.
*Do they look bad? that is up to the viewer. I have not made up my mind on that.
The next questions are how large should it be?, where should it go?, should it be round or oval? Should it just be a hole in the side sanded smooth or should it have a surrounding ring of contrasting wood.
Here is what I am presently thinking. I like an oval, about 2 inches by 1 5/8ths hole lined by a complimentary but contrasting wood. What do you think. too large, to small, I will share my continuing thoughts and probable execution of the side port sound hole. If you have a photo of yours please send it to me. I want to do this right.
Here is what I am presently thinking. I like an oval, about 2 inches by 1 5/8ths hole lined by a complimentary but contrasting wood. What do you think. too large, to small, I will share my continuing thoughts and probable execution of the side port sound hole. If you have a photo of yours please send it to me. I want to do this right.
