SteveZ - Posted - 08/27/2014:  18:04:00

Have been looking for a small travel-sized mandolin-alternative, something that will fit comfortably and safely in a carry-on bag, briefcase or desk drawer, yet quiet enough (but still pleasantly audible) for hotel rooms and offices. The goal is not to have a gig-quality instrument, but something for practice and personal enjoyment when space and opportunity are limited. Had a RISA Solid Soprano ukulele tuned GDAE for this purpose, but it just became part of a trade. The RISA's size (in its case, 21 inches long) were acceptable for a travel-along, but still thought other alternatives may be out there. 

Well, found another potential "travel-mando-candidate." Purchased a used Kala Thinline Pocket Travel Ukulele and am experimenting with it now. The entire package (sopranino-sized ukulele and its well-padded gig-bag) measures a whopping 18 inches long, seven inches at its widest point and only 2.5 inches thick. The instrument's scale is a scant eleven inches. 

Tuning became the immediate challenge. The ukulele comes tuned CFAD. Tried tuning it both GDAE and CGDA and after a few days finally settled on a modified GDAE (G3-D4-A4-E4).  The strings now on the ukulele are from a standard soprano ukulele low-G GCEA set. The wound low-G string was installed normally, the C string was up-tuned to D, and the E and A strings were transposed so that each is in the other's normal slot.  

The very short scale of this ukulele makes for close fingering, and activity within the sixth-to-twelfth frets is quite tight if not almost impossible.  For that reason the E4 is (to me, anyway) better than an E5 as "normal" fifths GDAE employs.  The E5 comes out very sharp and high, too painful for my ears.  Using the E4 string and the resulting lower octave makes the ukulele sound more pleasant.

The photo shows just how small this instrument is, and it is indeed an instrument, not a toy. However, for the frequent business traveler, office/cubicle worker, or anyone who just would like a musical travel companion without paying extra baggage fees, a ukulele like this one tuned in a unique manner may fit the bill.

Travel Mando-Uke