Any Ukuele Players here/

GeneralElectric · #1 10-19-2008, 10:12 AM

I've always loved the sound of the Uke and have always wanted to learn how to play. My sister bought me one once when she went to Hawaii, but it was just tourist junk. It doesn't stay in tune (you can literally watch the tuners slacken

) and the frets fell out.

So I want to buy a new one. Any recommendations?

kesslari · #2 10-19-2008, 10:19 AM

Funny, there's a higher end music store out here in Santa Cruz with a huge selection of Ukes. Sylvan Music - www.sylvanmusic.com

You could certainly give them a call and get some advice from them - they're pretty good folks.

GeneralElectric · #3 10-19-2008, 10:23 AM

I'm actually from San Francisco originally! Santa Cruz isn't too far away. Maybe I can get my parents to pick something up for me when they visit me in November.

bluesblaster · #4 10-19-2008, 10:40 AM

May I suggest when you are ready to purchase one that you get a tenor uke as they have a longer neck and are much easier to play then the soprano, also, I wouldnt get one of the bargain priced ones either, a better quality uke is just going to be a much more enjoyable experience all around. Another thing is to get one with a wound string ( 3 nylon - 1 wound) as it makes a big difference in the overall tone and projection. I picked one up off of ebay several years ago for about $200 w/ a hard case. they are a real blast to play and have a very pleasing tone. enjoy and geek out brother.

WARNING - ukelele,s can be habitually addictive.

GeneralElectric · #5 10-19-2008, 10:42 AM

My budget is about $250 for this. I'm just looking for something to have fun with while I go on long commutes on the train.

uethanian · #6 10-19-2008, 04:55 PM

i used to play ukulele a bunch, actually before i picked up bass. i'd definitely get a tenor, although i have big hands and i do well enough on a soprano.

here's my prized possession:

i don't know if RISA is in business anymore, but its a cool instrument. just be sure to get something of quality, pretty much you get what you pay for with ukes.

soong · #7 10-20-2008, 12:23 AM

STEER AWAY FROM MAHALO!

they suck.

standupright · #8 10-20-2008, 12:36 AM

i play a mean skin flute

jumbosilverette · #9 10-20-2008, 01:51 AM

For less than $250 you can't go wrong with a Fluke. Here's a link. What makes them appealing is their dead-on intonation and pretty indestructible nature.

The Golden Boy · #10 10-20-2008, 08:13 AM

I've got my Dad's old Harmony at my Folks' house. Probably from about the same era that he had all those Don Ho records when I was a kid.

I don't think I ever learned how to play uke. I should change the strings on it and give it a shot again...