Tenor Ukulele for Guitar-Playing Buddy`s Xmas Gift

HosMan · #1 12-11-2009, 04:11 AM

My good friend(who bought me my bass for my b-day)plays guitar and writes songs and has founded and played in several bands.When we were in my local music store to get my bass re-strung(EB Slinkys...love em!)I noticed him messing around with the little ukuleles on display.Also heard him mutter "...always wanted one of these." under his breath.

So--I`m going to buy him a decent Makala tenor ukulele which has geared tuners(better to stay in tune I`m told) and will come with upgraded Aguilla strings and a free set up prior to shipping.

My research showed me that the tenor size is easiest for a guitar player or someone with large hands(like him) to comfortably play.

Looks like I`ll be spending $80-$100 but I want him to have a well-made instrument.This will be a belated(Jan.)xmas gift.What do you think?Anyone play or familiar with the ukulele?

Thanks!

Absentia · #2 12-11-2009, 05:03 AM

http://papasboxes.com/

IMHO

HosMan · #3 12-11-2009, 05:09 AM

Thanks,Absentia. I`ll give the link a looksee!

Steve S · #4 12-11-2009, 12:32 PM

My research showed me that the tenor size is easiest for a guitar player or someone with large hands(like him) to comfortably play.

Looks like I`ll be spending $80-$100 but I want him to have a well-made instrument.This will be a belated(Jan.)xmas gift.What do you think?Anyone play or familiar with the ukulele?

Thanks![/quote]

Yup, I've been playing one for 20 years. Tenor is a good size for one with large hands. The baritone uke is even bigger.

MakiSupaStar · #5 12-11-2009, 03:29 PM

Can I be your friend?

blendermassacre · #6 12-11-2009, 03:45 PM

I have zero friends who would get me an instrument for christmas. +100 for you, buddy.

jaywa · #7 12-11-2009, 04:03 PM

My dad has had a baritone ukelele since before I was born. It was the first 4-string instrument I played!

It's a little tighter "squeeze" than a standard 6-string guitar, but not by much. Much easier to play than a standard uke and doesn't sound as "hoinky", either.

uethanian · #8 12-11-2009, 04:59 PM

i got into uke a few years back. both my instruments (acoustic and electric) are sopranos...they are definitely playable, and i have large hands. but if i could go back i would choose the tenor, just for comfort. baritone ukes, i'm not crazy about them...rather have a guitar.

my first uke was $50, and one of the best christmas gifts i've ever gotten. if you're shooting for $80-100, there's some decent instruments in that range. the malaka tenor sounds good to me