Can I use a Ukulele as a backpack mandolin?

[dadsaster]

I do a fair amount of camping and canoeing. I would love to bring an instrument with me but I don't want to constantly worry about my mandolin getting destroyed. Since ukuleles are so cheap can I just buy a $30 ukulele and tune it in 5ths?

[jesserules]

I do a fair amount of camping and canoeing. I would love to bring an instrument with me but I don't want to constantly worry about my mandolin getting destroyed. Since ukuleles are so cheap can I just buy a $30 ukulele and tune it in 5ths?

Short answer: Yes, but.

This is one of the most discussed topics on ukulele forums. Go to

http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/...php?4-Uke-Talk

to review all the options & possibilities discussed in threads there.

[colorado_al]

Why not just buy a Rogue mandolin and be all set. They are only $50 and will sound better than a rigged ukulele. Perfect for camping and other travel
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-...style-mandolin

[mandroid]

I brought a 'Pocket Mandolin', still has 8 steel strings, just 20" over all length , on my Irish west coast bike-pub tour.

[Kalasinar]

You could use a ukulele and the Aquila soprano fifths set. If you're canoeing, maybe even a Waterman. I have a Makala soprano strung in fifths, but I barely use it...I find the wide, flat fretboards of ukuleles too different.

For travel purposes I had a pocket mandolin made for me last year, but that was considerably more expensive than a beginner/budget range ukulele!! At the same time, the stark difference in sound and quality shows. Plus it has the right amount of strings and a proper neck/fretboard :D

[mandroid]

These may even cut thru sound levels at Pub Sessions.. http://www.magicfluke.com/Firefly-Ba...flysoprano.htm

[rfd]

a uke in place of a mando???? ack!!!!

get $50/shipped-to-yer-door rogue - a hard to beat, beater mando.