i don’t think that’s a consequence of the fretboard. I have a KTS-6 and a KTC-2, both with extended fretboards. That soprano also sounds louder than the concert, although the concert is no slouch. I think it is how they are made, and I also think it’s a matter of what frequency range is emphasized on each instrument, so subjectively, a soprano may seem louder because your ear experiences certain frequencies as loud. I have never used anything to test their objective loudness, but as they both have extended fretboards, I don’t think that the fretboard is the issue.
Extended fretboard vs. classic fretboard: difference in sound?
- Thread starter Jannik Lindquist
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i don’t think that’s a consequence of the fretboard. I have a KTS-6 and a KTC-2, both with extended fretboards. That soprano also sounds louder than the concert, although the concert is no slouch. I think it is how they are made, and I also think it’s a matter of what frequency range is emphasized on each instrument, so subjectively, a soprano may seem louder because your ear experiences certain frequencies as loud. I have never used anything to test their objective loudness, but as they both have extended fretboards, I don’t think that the fretboard is the issue.
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Jannik Lindquist
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Good points. Thanks! Martin & Co clearly didn't think ukes with extended fretboards were inferior since all their high end models (style 3 and 5) had extended fretboards. The same goes for Kiwaya with the KTS-7 and their Master series.
Graham Greenbag
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On a Soprano my experience is that only the high end Ukes give much sound near the sound hole end of the fret board. I prefer just the 12 frets and a short fretboard. The extra frets and longer board just get in the way of my fingers and maybe stop me strumming as hard.
Sounds logical to me and I’ve been surprised that nobody said it earlier. There are braces either side of the sound-hole which dampen vibrations and there’s not much on the way of soundboard above the sound-hole either.
Ahead of everything else manufacturer’s make what they can sell. If customers wants fancy extended fretboards and if manufacturers can get them to work well enough to have virtually only happy customers then they’ll be made and sold - and if possible at a premium price.
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Rick Turner's Compass Rose ukuleles did come with a cantilevered fretboard design though. No sure the difference would be significant....
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