MG Music has launched MG Ukuleles, a Kontakt sample library featuring sampled soprano and baritone ukuleles. The instrument is designed to provide both direct melodic performance and pattern-based chord and rhythm creation within Kontakt.
MG Ukuleles includes two instruments with different pitch ranges and tonal characteristics. The soprano model is intended for the familiar higher-register ukulele sound, while the baritone model provides a lower register with a more guitar-like character. Users can switch between the two models from the instrument interface.
The baritone ukulele also includes an alternative DI signal, which can be used with the library’s built-in amplifier modules. Both instruments include close and far microphone positions, with controls for balancing the signals and adjusting stereo width.
The Perform section is designed for real-time keyboard playing, including melodic parts, chords, strums, arpeggios and single-string hits. Keyswitches provide access to articulations including slurs, slides, legato, vibrato, palm mutes and bends.
MG Music states that the library uses up to seven round robins and four dynamic layers per note. Its string-selection system is intended to select strings according to typical ukulele playing behaviour. Overlapping notes within the specified legato range can trigger hammer-ons and pull-offs, while velocity influences their response.
Additional performance noises, including string squeaks, shifts and slides, are available via keyswitches. Fret noise can also be configured to trigger when the sustain pedal is released, with manual control available for users who wish to place these sounds directly.
The chord and strum system supports triad-based chord input. Auto mode identifies major, minor, seventh and suspended chord voicings, while Manual mode allows users to create their own voicings. Strum speed and humanisation controls are included for strummed and arpeggiated performances.
The library also includes a sequencer for building rhythmic chord and arpeggio patterns. It provides four banks with up to 32 steps each, and users can determine individual string activity, articulations, strum direction and relative step volume.
- Preset ukulele patterns and user-created sequences can be saved and reloaded.
- Sequence controls include bar length, time signature, step rate, strum speed, swing and humanisation settings.
- Recorded chord changes and performances can be dragged from the sequencer into a DAW as MIDI data.
A Calibrate page provides controls for overall volume, stereo width, microphone balance, fret-noise level, compression and note attack. It also includes a Double Tracking feature with width and performance-tightness controls.
The FX page includes convolution reverb, algorithmic reverb and delay. Three amplifier options are also provided, with the alternative baritone DI signal intended for use with these processing modules.
MG Ukuleles is available from the MG Music website for £75.00, with a limited-time introductory price of £58.44.
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