Ukulele

BassSurfer · #1 03-23-2010, 05:32 PM

Hey everyone I was wondering how much a decent ukulele is. I'm planning on playing it soon. What's a good brand and price for someone just beginning?

Note: I want a nice one but not one that ranges in the 300$+ range.

Thanks

dancedad5678 · #2 03-23-2010, 05:40 PM

IMHO

I have a Kamaka and love it. Well made but can be expensive, look around I got mine used for $300

rfclef · #3 03-24-2010, 11:59 AM

What kinda Uke you want (soprano, tenor, baritone, etc?)? I do baritone ukes with my music classes, and I love em. I bought myself a Hilo for about $50-60 and it is a good solid nice sounding instrument. You can get a Rogue for $30. They are not as nice as my Hilo, but work well for my classes (but you gotta watch QC on them).

For a beginner just learning, one of those might work. Personally, the Hilo is a good quality inexpensive instrument that I would have no problem performing on...

jmercer91 · #4 03-24-2010, 12:04 PM

why not start cheap so you can get a feel for what you like and dislike.

spitfire70 · #5 03-24-2010, 12:09 PM

I would definately figure out what size you are interested in. For me, soprano and concert were just too small, especially since I am use to bass. So, I went with a tenor. It is not as big as a baritone, but it still keeps the traditional tuning of GCEA.

As far as brands and qaulity, I like the lanakai and surprisingly oscar schmidt. For the price they are tuff to beat. I have an Oscar Schmidt tenor, all solid quarter-sawn mahogany top back and sides, and I love it. I think it was about $320, and it came with a hardshell case too.

electracoyote · #6 03-24-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spitfire70

For me, soprano and concert were just too small, especially since I am use to bass. So, I went with a tenor. As far as brands and qaulity, I like the lanakai and surprisingly oscar schmidt. For the price they are tuff to beat. I have an Oscar Schmidt tenor, all solid quarter-sawn mahogany top back and sides, and I love it. I think it was about $320, and it came with a hardshell case too.

+1

GC offers up a wide price point with brands like Lanikai, Cordoba, Mitchell, Ibanez. $50-$300 range is good for the beginner. Judge the fit, finish, and build quality roughly the same way you would a bass or guitar and spend just enough to make yourself happy.

I also avoid the tiny soprano in favor of the concert and tenor. The baritone has guitar tuning, so if you want to play traditional uke, you might want to avoid the baritone for now.

Good luck and Mahalo!