I need a musical instrument!

So yesterday I was at school walking to the band room when I see my friend Jeremy with this small guitar (it was a First Act her bought at Good Will for $6). He was telling me how he and Sean were performing people (Sean has a kazoo on him all the time, it seems) and they made like $5.

So basically, I'm trying to think of a cheap, small instrument to bring to school on Fridays when I have to march at football games so I can play around with it while we have free time. Does anyone have any suggestions? Maybe something close to a bass?

I was thinking of a ukulele, but I dunno how well it would sound tuned to EADG. Any other suggestions are welcomed.

 

Well, maybe a mandolin. Banjos are more than I want to pay though, from what I see. And I thought about the harmonica, also a recorder, but both would require learning, and this is kinda something I wanna just be able to pull out and play half decently.

Do you have any advice for the ukulele? Like, something to remember so I can easily transpose guitar stuff into it?

 

Alright. You have a point. I can't wait to explain to my band teacher that the reason why I'm so insanely good on harmonica is because I havn't practiced my baritone like I should be.

Although can actually play single notes on a harmonica? Because it is seems like it's just a bunch of messy chords, which turns me off alittle (I'm probably wrong though).

 

Yeah I figured it would take alot of tongue control.

Extremely off-topic: I think because of salt and vinegar chips, the tip of my tongue cannot produce saliva

Back on topic: I thought "I know, I'll get a bass recorder so I can bring up the low end for this little traveling band dealy". Yeah, I cringed at the prices...

Isn't there a way to put heavy strings on a ukulele? Or is it just because the length of the instrument that EADG won't work out too well?

 

Alright. I'm convinced to get a ukulele. I mean, I know I could play things on it that I could play on guitar. I just figured that if I kept everything on the same tuning then there's no relearning of songs.

Now to find a baritone ukulele for cheap...

 

I'm also thinking maybe a slide whistle. Hmm...

But I think right now I'm set on a ukulele. Hopefully I can find one somewhere close for not alot of money. Thanks for the advice everyone.