The Take-Anywhere Plastic Ukulele, Makala Waterman Soprano Ukulele

So you own some very nice ukuleles and you may be a bit squeamish about taking one out in extreme conditions. Well I can't blame you. So what's a good alternative? I'd say some of the new plastic ukuleles out on the market. We have been carrying Woodi USA and Bugsgear for a while and were well pleased when Kala came out with their Makala Waterman. The Waterman features a body very close to the classic Maccaferri ukuleles that premiered in 1959 and sold more than 9 million. The plastic poly-carbonate used is very durable and is not too heavy and dense, so the sound projects well. The Waterman comes standard with a back pack style bag, geared tuners and Aquila Super Nylgut strings.

UKE Republic Demo - Makala Waterman Soprano Ukulele

Lots of colors and other choices like swirl patterns and translucent.Soon to appear in later 2015 a glow-in-the-dark top Waterman coming to Uke Republic.

Makala Waterman, many color choices!

So, will a plastic ukulele replace your current wood ukulele? I don't think so but it's a great addition to your ukulele family and truly adds to your possibilities of playing most anywhere.
So, is the Waterman a good choice to take out in the elements? From personal experience I'd say yes.

During a recent vacation, I took one to Daytona Beach Shores, Florida and left it in the sun by the pool, took it into the pool, put it into the ocean and more. The little soprano still played well and brought a lot of fun with it. Oh! do be sure to rinse off salt water.

Greetings from UKE Republic - Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

I also had the chance to go down Georgia's famous Chattahoochee River with friends in our local Uke Club - The SouthEast Ukers. Many of us used our ukuleles as paddles and rudders along with playing many tunes with no ill effect on our plastic ukes. We had Watermans, Bugsgear and Woodi being used.
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee with a Makala Waterman Ukulele!


In June 2015, we sponsored a friend with a Waterman, to take on tour of the Olympic Mountains in Washington. So it was exposed to cold temps and high altitude and a little bit of a fall, but held up well I'm here to report. See his full blog here: http://traversetheday.blogspot.com/



Makala Waterman Olympic Mt. testing tour

So if you have a plastic ukulele, you know how fun they are. If not, I'd suggest getting one for a take most anywhere ukulele. Perfect choice for camping, water-sports, boating, hiking, beach time, singing in the shower, lunch breaks at work, crossing barren wastelands,  arctic research bases, emergency paddling, playing bad mitten and more.

So where can I buy one of these nifty Makala Waterman Soprano Ukuleles? Why, at UKE Republic of course!

Please enjoy our videos.

Location: UKE REPUBLIC

Popular posts from this blog

Ukulele Anatomy & Sizes

Image
Ukuleles Anatomy & Sizes When you mention ukuleles, most people think of the small standard soprano size. That's understandable since the Tin Pan Alley scene popularized this size during the first ukulele wave in the 1920s and 1930s. However, ukuleles come in a variety of sizes, each with its own unique characteristics and sound. The four main ukulele sizes are soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Let's explore the anatomy of the ukulele and the different sizes available. Anatomy of a Ukulele  Body: The ukulele's central sound-producing part comprises the soundboard (top), back, and sides. Neck: The long, thin part of the ukulele that connects the headstock to the body. Headstock: The top part where the tuning pegs (tuners) are located. Tuners: Pegs used to adjust the tension of the strings, tuning them to the correct pitch. Nut: A small piece at the top of the fretboard that guides the strings and keeps them evenly spaced. Fretboard (Fingerboard): The surface on ...
Read more

The Art of Disconnecting/Connecting: Nurturing Your Acoustic Instrument's Harmony

The Art of Disconnecting/Connecting: Nurturing Your Acoustic Instrument's Harmony In the symphony of music and technology, the seemingly mundane act of plugging/unplugging becomes a pivotal moment in preserving the soulful connection between musician and sound. However, there's a subtle art to this ritual – one that often goes unnoticed but carries profound consequences. Let's explore the delicate dance of disconnecting/connecting and why, at UKE Republic, we often find ourselves mending user-incurred damage, even when the blame is cleverly shifted elsewhere. The Serenity in Disconnecting/Connecting Your acoustic instrument, be it a guitar, ukulele, or another melodic companion, is a blend of tradition and technology. The point where the cord meets the jack is a sacred juncture, where the essence of your instrument converges with the intricacies of amplification. Unveiling the Consequences The allure of a swift departure from the cables may seem harmless, but the aftermath ...
Read more

The Next Generation of Rock Stars: Building the Foundation with the Humble Ukulele

Image
  Hey there, parents and music teachers! 🎶 If you're on a mission to mold the next generation of musical legends, we've got a pro tip that will strike a chord with you – kickstart their journey with a ukulele from UKE Republic. Let's dive into why this tiny instrument is the key to unlocking your mini- maestro's full musical potential. 1. Size Does Matter (Especially for Little Fingers): Ever seen a tiny human trying to wrangle a massive guitar? It's like watching a superhero take on a skyscraper. Enter the ukulele – compact, lightweight, and tailor-made for those little hands. No more wrestling with an oversized instrument! 2. Strings? We Keep It Simple: Four strings on a ukulele vs. the six on a guitar – we believe in keeping things sweet and simple. Less string drama, more focus on perfecting those chords. It's a recipe for musical bliss. 3. Chords That Won't Make Fingers Cry: Our ukuleles come with a smaller fretboard and fewer strings, ensuring that yo...
Read more