need tips on making a uke sound "bright"

I'm making a uke for someone who really likes a bright sounding uke. Think of the sound that Taimane Gardner gets. It's a bright, quick attack with a lot of tone to back it up.

The uke is going to be all myrtle for the body with a mahogany neck.
Does anyone have any tips on how to make the sound really pop?

I'm going to try making the depth of the body a little thinner than I usually do, and I'm pretty sure I'll be adding a side port.
Is there anything else that I should be thinking about?
Also, any suggestions on string choice?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you!

~Fred

Worth strings.

Just make the top a little thicker. Strings ain't gonna do it.

Standard, with Aquila strings. As Duane stated, make the top thicker.

Oh, and play with a pick, or nails.

BTW, these are exactly the opposite things I would do.

finkdaddy said:

Think of the sound that Taimane Gardner gets.

Click to expand...

Hello Fred, (Dang it's cold out there today, eh?)
- incredible talent aside, isn't her distinct sound more a result of having an amplified ukulele?

Me, I'd make the top thinner if you aren't in the the zone where you feel you get that sound in your building style. But with more bracing. Not thicker and taller bracing, but more bracing to support the business end of the soundboard.

Strings may make a difference after the fact. But not likely to the extent you are looking for if your current build style isn't close.