How did the ukulele develop?

Answer 1

Not a great deal, but some of the 'changes' that have occurred over time:

Strings are seldom gut, and are usually nylon, some of them are wound with aluminum wire.

Geared pegs are more common than the original friction pegs, a variety of which is still common.

Woods have changed over time, the original ukuleles were made of koa a fast growing wood found in Hawaii, now they are made in many different woods and materials.

The wood used today is often a laminate rather than solid wood. This is more stable and is less likely to split and be affected by humidity then solid woods. They are less likely to split, but there are many that feel solid woods provide a better sound. The laminates are much less expensive then the solid wood ones.

Plastics are incorporated in some ukuleles, the Flea and Fluke having plastic bodies and many having a plastic fretboard. There are many unusual shapes available as well.

The development of the electric Ukulele is another recent change.

Answer 2

It started off as an instrument from Portugal. It was adapted to the materials available on Hawaii and softer gut or nylon strings are used instead of the steel ones on the original instruments. Additional sizes have been created to help project sound to bigger audiences before the days of microphones and sound systems.

Answer 3

A large number of Portuguese immigrants brought their native instruments with them, including the Machette de Braga, a small instrument played on the Madeira Islands.

They adapted the instrument to the native woods of Hawaii.

Larger sizes were created to increase the volume of the instrument to make it more audience friendly in the days of vaudeville. The Baritone size was developed in the late 40's early 50's.

Answer 4

It has changed in a number of ways. The strings are most commonly made of nylon instead of gut. The materials used are much more diverse particularly as the types of wood. The nut and saddle are usually plastic instead of bone.

Answer 5

The ukulele originated about 1880 in Hawaii, based on earlier Portugese instruments.

Answer 6

It did not have metal in the first one.