I've just ordered one off of eBay, and my mother said I had to buy a cheap on first because she doesn't want to buy a nice expensive one and then I never play it. She said if I learn how to play and I'm good at it, she will see about buying me a really nice one. Thanks for the advice by the way! Great video
sometimes you can get a very nice one but cheap(BELOW 100), my suggestion is go to the store to try different brand and to see which one is suit for you, which you feel comfortable to play. write down the model number and find the better price online. good luck!
Entirely possible you can get an acceptable ukulele on Amazon - the reason I dont recommend them is that the chances of getting a badly set up instrument are far far higher than buying from a reliable ukulele specialist
This is a great introduction about what to look for on Ukuleles when getting your first one. Personally I have found that Eagle Music shop of Huddersfield are a very good online store for buying instruments from. They will professionally set up each Ukulele before delivery, looking at string height, frets, nut width general playability of the instrument. They will deal with what needs to be done. The Southern Ukulele Store located in Bournemouth, and who also have a good online reputation, presumably do the same too. I have just brought a Tanglewood Soprano Ukulele that I am very pleased with.
Thanks Richard. Yes, I have bought from Eagle and they are a very good music store - what sets them apart is that they have real seasoned musicians working there and not just 'shop assistants'. And it shows. I just wish their uke range was bigger. Southern Ukulele Store, Omega Music and Highly Strung are my other 'go to' dealers who specialise in ukes. Great service from them all.
My first ukulele was a makala dolphi I got like 4 years ago. It was used and chipped, had old crusty tuners, and I’m still using it. I have a baritone but I hate the low dgbe tuning so I don’t play it as much. So I’m just playing my makala, it’s going well rn
Woah, i didn't know there were so many technicalities of buying a ukelele! It'll be my first instrument so Id feel a bit out of may depth in the music store, maybe I'll take notes from this video, act like I'm an expert hah
@@andi_w55 hi, you're an absolute sweetheart, first of all. To answer your question ;I'll be honest, my (amazon bought, questionable quality) uke is gathering dust on a shelf. I think if I'd the money at the time, to buy a better quality one I'd have the motivation to practice more, tbh! Your comment made me remember my desire to learn though.. Thank you! ♥
My dad just ordered me my third Ukulele because both of my other ones broke. When it’s Christmas I am so excited to get to tune it. It is the Kala Hawaiian Islands model
I have 2 ukes and i bought both on amazon! One was a $10 soprano that is a Firat act uke. I also have a concert uke is the brand kealoha. It was only $39.99. They work perfectly and are a great deal if u are looking for a great ukulele!! ALSO GREAT VID
grace saini My problem with ukuleles from Amazon is one of chances. The chances of getting one needing a setup are high because Amazon don't do that for you. You got lucky!
I have bought several cheap ukuleles and one quite expensive ukulele from Amazon without problems. Ukes don't really require much setting up in the way guitars do. Basically you tune them and off you go. If you're not satisfied with the instrument, Amazon have a no quibble returns policy so long as the instrument hasn't obviously been abused.
+Mike Williams I could not disagree more with some of that. Firstly - yes - it is possible to get an ok ukulele from Amazon - I have done so. But equally, they send direct from the factory and don't set up so there is no safety net to weed out those that need work. A good store will do that, Amazon will not. The bit I don't disagree with is the comment that ukuleles don't really require setting up - total nonsense.
+GotAUkulele I said they don't require as much setting up as guitars, which is true. My point is that if you're unhappy with your purchase for any reason you can simply return it. So what's the problem? Not everyone lives within a reasonable distance of a decent music shop and often the choices in shops are very limited - some only stock one brand. I would always prefer to try before I buy - obviously, but if that isn't a practical option, Amazon is fine. You can also read what other purchasers have said and how the ukes have been rated and as I said if you end up buying a load of crap you just return it.
+Mike Williams Firstly i don't agree that they don't require as much - I have seen some shockers. But really - people don't want to deal with the hassle of returns. I don't live anywhere near a music shop and all of mine come by post. Thankfully I know how to setup - but a beginner may not. More importantly - there ARE shops who will do setups before shipping. So beginners have a choice - buy from a shop with no setup and be prepared to return them or from a specialist and not worry about it. I know what I would recommend... One thing is for sure - Amazon will never do a setup. ( I also prefer supporting real bricks and mortar music shops)
The way my friends and I did it a little over 20 years ago: we went to a music store, saw some Hilo soprano ukuleles on the wall, played around with them a little, and bought them. Got four now and have been working on a tenor-length banjolele for a year now. Can't find the right junkyard parts that I want to use for the tailpiece and bridge, so no idea if and when I'll ever get around to finishing that one.
Quinn Bovell - sorry not a direct reply - your security settings mean I cannot respond directly. I think the brand you mean is Makala that make the shark. Yes, as entry level ukuleles go they are not too bad - just buy from a uke specialist who will give it a once over
+Elise Mendez You 'can' get good ones - I never say you can't. Only that you don't get a setup so the chances of getting one that needs work are much much higher with Amazon purchases than from specialist ukulele dealers.
Excellent! We all get this question once people see the fun we have playing this instrument. Not all of us have the experience and knowledge someone like you, my friend, bring to the table. It is great to know I have some friends that can help educate as well as review ukuleles in a knowledgeable way. As always thanks! ……DOC
I have been looking to buy a ukulele for a while now but I have never done it before so I have been hestitant to get one because I don't know a whole lot about them so this really helps, thankyou!
Hi I am a first time buyer. I am 6ft 4" tall, I have been told that a bigger ukulele would suit me better. Could you please tell me is this true. And what's the best one to buy for around £100 Thank you Paul
It was a joke haha (please dont actually buy from there) Also im getting my first ukulele and am stuck up between a tenor and a concert. Defo not a soprano as its way too small for me. Any advice?
I am an absolute beginner and wanted to try my hand at uke without investing too much money. I got a cheap (about 73 Euro) baritone Makala online and tested it like you show here (a very useful video by the way). As far as I can say (which is not much, of course) it looks good and sounds good, quite mellow, I'd say. My only qualm is that on the twelfth fret the strings are higher than 1/8 inch: they are 1,5/8 inch or slightly less than 5mm. I hope that won't be too bad.
hi again, thank you so much for all your advice! I ended up getting a mahalo kahiko 2500 from Amazon. it's really great for complete beginers. thanks again!
I don't play the ukelele, but I'm enjoying your videos. I admit I laughed when you said that if the action is high is makes it hard to play.... I play the mandolin and like my action a bit higher than some. Single nylon strings could never be hard to push down.
Well it's all relative - high action on a uke will be harder than a correct action on a uke - comparison to other instruments is a whole different thing.
Excellent video , may have missed 2 points though , playability and how it stays in tune , but these are adjustable to some degree with a good setup usually and as long as the instrument doesn't have bad tuning problems it would not be a serious problem .
Thing about tuning and staying in tune - every single ukulele on the planet - from the ultra cheap to those costing thousands has that issue. It's nothing to do with the ukulele, and just one of those things with new strings. If a ukulele keeps going out of tune its usually that, or where you have friction pegs, that they need to be tightened. Or user error (ie strings installed incorrectly)
Great video, thank you! My musician/music teacher husband has lent me one of his school’s ukes to play around with but I’m looking forward to getting my own. Your videos and reviews are helping me immensely!
I bought a uke from amazon and it is amazing i donnt see why not to buy one of amazon and you dont have to really set them up they come with the string on the uke and its just tuning the uke and off you go.
+Vicente Ramirez No, sadly that is not true for many people. Amazon don't check ukuleles before sending them. AS such, whilst some can get through that have a decent setup, many don't. You got lucky I think. Afraid you DO need to set them up and it is NOT just about tuning the uke. Nut and saddle height can be adjusted and are critical.
+Vicente Ramirez You disagree with me even though it might be true? I repeat - with cheaper ukuleles a setup IS essential. SOME might get through without needing one (i.e. from the factory they happened to be setup right) but that is the exception not the rule. As such, specialist ukulele stores can adjust most instruments to an acceptable set up where needed (and obviously don't need to adjust those that don't). What IS true is that there is nobody in any Amazon warehouse that will do that. So if you get a 'legit' one, good for you. If it isn't a 'legit' one - there is nobody at Amazon there to ensure it is set up. THAT is why I don't recommend Amazon. But thanks for the education on ukuleles - perhaps I should play a few more than the several hundred I have tested...
i am visiting music & arts store soon cuz i got some money so i'm gonna buy myself a uke. i am planning to get the brand kohala . either a soprano or tenor. i play guitar and it would be my first time with the uke other than that dumb ukulele class they teach in grade school.
I'm thinking of asking for a uke for my birthday. I used to play a small acoustic guitar when I was very young and then grew up playing the clarinet in band for five or so years. Then I gave up on instruments in high school. I miss it. After listening to people play the ukulele in music, I was drawn to their sound. I love it. My hands are very small, so I think the soprano uke would be a perfect fit for me instead of a guitar. I just need to find a somewhat good quality beginners' ukulele that will last but also not blow out anyone's wallet. I didn't think of trying one in a shop nearby. I'm sure there's one around here. I hope to find something in the $50-60 range for now. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the guide.
Trying a few out in a store is always my recommendation. Trust your ears. Also - for people with small hands -it's actually a bit of a myth that smaller ukes are better. They are all quite similar - just go with what you like the sound of most
Great review! FYI: I asked Anuenue to add a tenor scale to their Color Series. They say they plan the Release late this Summer. I hope you also get to review one. Neal
unfortunately, so far I couldn't find a good one. The one I was looking at before was cheap, and I thought it would be good anyway, but after watching this video, I started to see the flaws :( .... the quest for a good uke continues
I respectfully disagree. I don't believe a novice looking to learn how to play a ukulele as their first instrument, needs to spend upwards of $100 or more on a mid to high end uke. A $30 Mahalo purchased online is more than suffice for a complete novice and is, in my opinion a well built ukulele. Yes, once you've mastered the basics and have a better understand and feel for the instrument, then go to your music store and buy your Kiwaya or whatever high end uke you like.
Disagreeing is your right - but it does miss the very important point of how much money the novice has in disposable income. If someone is prepared to spend $100 on a first instrument as they can afford it - then that is THEIR right. My reason for suggesting $100 is based on having played and tested about 400 ukuleles over the years. You start to see a pattern forming that allows me to spot which level is the best trade off between price and quality of tone AND basic construction standards. And those basic construction standards are absolutely key. Yes a novice WILL get away with a lesser quality tone, but I would argue that there is nothing more likely to turn a new player OFF the ukulele than an instrument with no volume, inaccurate tuning, high action, mis placed bridges and frets. Those things are simply intolerable regardless of price and are increasingly common the cheaper you go.
Just so that we are clear, I'm not disagreeing with a novice wanting to spend more money on a first time Ukulele because they simply wish to and can. I am disagreeing with your ideology that they must. Part of the learning process is the realization of and understanding, the difference between a $30 and $1000 instrument. All the imperfections and inaccuracies you speak of that may or may not occur on any one particular instrument, are all part of a learning process that you equate to having no value. But it's that very same learning process that has enabled you to test about 400 Ukuleles over the years.
Absolutely you can get issues at ANY price point - but that is part of my view - its's about the chances of those issues occurring. In my experience at $30 it's extremely common - much less so at $1000. As such I find that at about $100, (which really ISN'T a lot of money for a musical instrument) that you get the best balance between chances of it not being a dud and being reasonable in cost. Go higher and you start paying more for tone, go lower and the chances of terrible build issues being more and more common.
Hi Barry, I was watching again your video. Just because I want to get out of my head the idea of getting a new ukulele online. I got a Tiger when I was studying in the UK and I gave it to a friend when I came back to my country. I got addicted to the uke even though it was a very inexpensive uke with kind of a silent voice. In my country you have to redefine budget uke because 50 to 100 dolars are a lot of pesos and for instance a cordoba tenor could be easily half a month of salary. 2 years ago I end up buying 3 ukes in the local shops 2 of them are locally made apparently solid wood but poorly finished. The soprano I choose was about 25 usd at today's exchange rate it has a good set-up, lots of volume is made of cedar (supposedly) but has huge guitar tuners, plastic-look fingerboard, in general, is poorly finished and has a narrow nut. is very playable and enjoyble though. The second was a mahalo that I got for my daugther (the tunning machines of this are better than the soprano form the local fabric, imagine that) and I got a concert form the same manufacturer I fix the set up problems on this one that I bought just because the "guayacan" and acacia (I think) where very nice looking. This last one is thick (about 2 mm on the soundhole) and the stock strings were crap. I upgraded them to ernie balls and sound loud and clear. I srill found it sometimes difficult to play due to finishing issues like squared instead of rounded frets. So I preferto play the one locally made soprano over the others. Now I am thinking about getting a new one but again butget is a problem because 50USD is not a few pesos and I found that the cheapest option is to go against your advice and buy online form the us a KA-15Slng or a fllight Tusl-25. But I kept wondering whether they are going to be an upgrade over my poorly finished cedar soprano. PD: local shops are not doing any set-up I am not even sure they know how to do it.
I mean technically buying anything online or being delivered to you has a chance of being faulty whether its from Amazon or from the store and is delivered. Things can happen along the journey. So I guess saying Amazon has a higher chance of having a damaged uke is a bit unfair? Since anything delivered can get damaged. And only very phew places do double check their ukes anyways unless said otherwise. Well apart from that note, awesome video.
Lovely Annie I think you missed the point. My concern is not about damage it’s about the fact Amazon are not a music store and don’t set instruments up. Contrary to your view - most real ukulele shops DO set them up.
I had no clue about ukuleles when I bought my first one last year I happened to pick a pretty good one though, a Fender Nohea. Love it! But this would've helped (;
Hi, what is the best ukulele I can buy on Amazon with a budget of $ 100-130. Concert size. Preferably not for beginners and not laminate. Thanks!! Great reviews!
which is better, a soprano or a concert. I want to be able to play a variety of songs but I I'm also fairly small so size isn't a problem, just sound.. .
Neither is better - they are just different. Firstly its a myth that different sizes suit different hand sizes - total myth. They just get a bit more resonant as they get bigger - nothing more than that. I mainly play sopranos and tenors. I know some people who mainly play sopranos and baritones and some that only play concerts - completely personal preference!
Great advice! Is a laminate ok for a first uke......... or should I invest in solid...... do all solid wood ukuleles require a humidifier? Is a basic Kala KA15 ok........ I know I need to go try them out.......
Very informative video! I am a beginner and was wondering if I should buy a soprano uke or something else. I want to play the basics and am not sure what the difference between soprano and baritone is.
This video explains all the differences. Essentially soprano, concert tenor are all normally tuned the same way (just with progressively bigger bodies giving more resonance to the sound) and baritone tuned differently. All have their place though - see ruclips.net/video/uIVeTrkoGi8/видео.html
Kind of - I'd approach price by considering the cost of a half decent pickup £100 and the fact I tend to tell people not to go below £100 for an acoustic. Sot together you are looking at £200. I don't recommend people choose the ready fitted pickup ukes - are usually poorer quality electronics, heavy, lots of wiring. I suggest finding an acoustic you really like, buying from a specialist uke dealer and getting them to fit a passive pickup to it. All my electros have pickups fitted that way.
Any good brands you'd recommend? I am planning on becoming more serious with the uke and upgrading from my Luna Tattoo ukulele as it has horrific buzzing on the first couple of frets. I was thinking between $2-300 for a tenor.
I don't give specifc recommendations - but refer back to my review list. I'd certainly avoid Luna at any price. Everything on this list (collated by price) is what I know about. Anything with 8 out of 10 is recommended. The higher the score the higher the recommendation (naturally) www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
@@GotAUkulele I really appreciate the reply, pal. I just watched your video teaching people what to check when buying a ukulele. Wish I watched it before! Was very detailed.
i saw on GuitarCenter.com a ukulele that says "open box" on the title with a quite expensive price. there was also an exact same uke with a higher price. i was wondering if you know what the difference is? thank you!
I presume that means that has been perhaps played (ie not boxed from the factory). Either way - I would not recomend Guitar Center for ukuleles as they will not set them up for you before shipping
Hi! I'am a beginner and want to choose a decent concert or tenor uke. But i observed that the ukes in the lower price range up to 300 dollar have that clong-sound of the f-note on the c-string in the 5th fret and on the e-string in the1th freth and also around these spots. I mean the tone has no sustain and die immediately. Is this a generell problem which is caused by the construction of a ukulele or doesn't this happen on higher price models with better craftsmanship?
+David Palma Pleased for you and they 'can' arrive without needing any work. Unfortunately they can also arrive needing lots of work and Amazon don't offer a setup service. As such I just think it is 'safer' to buy from a reputable dealer who will weed out the bad ones.
Hey there! what are your thoughts on Freeman and Nativa? (both sopranos) I'm also looking into de Makala Dolphin which it's a bit pricier but if it really makes a difference I'd rather buy that one (since I don't want to change it within a year or so). Cheers from Chile!
I'm afraid I don't know either of the first two brands. I do recommend the Dolphin though - but be careful trying to go cheaper than a Dolphin - not a good idea!
hey dude, really cool information about the ukes. Well, i am gonna buy a ukulele from banggood. Any advice about the best one to buy? The brands are: Kaka,Deviser,Andrew, Hawaii and Mahalo. Which one should i choose? I can afford one with about 35-40 euros
+teo seeds I'm afraid I don't know any of those brands apart from Kaka and Mahalo. Kaka are dreadful (plus were considered by many to be trading off the Kala name). Not a fan of Mahalo either. Judging by those names and budget I would suggest you stick to Kala, Lanikai and Makala.
I am sure that I am not the first to ask this question. If you had to buy just one ukulele for less than $1000what ukulele would it be? I could sit and watch your videos until I’m blue in the face but I still would not know exactly which ukulele would be a wise purchase. I am a big guy 6’2”so I’m guessing it would be probably a tenor.
I never give recommendations like that I’m afraid. Too much of the personal view and subjectivity in it. Best I can suggest is look at website reviews page - look at the highest scores. They will steer you in the right direction!
Do you have any experience with Islander ukuleles? I know they're like a more budget friendly uke from Kanile'a, but they're made in China rather than Hawaii like the Kanile'as. I just ordered an Islander MC-4 from a music store, but I haven't gotten it yet.
***** Thanks, Baz. By the way, I think you accidentally just linked to your site's homepage, but I found your review of the MST-4 on the site so no worries.
There are no uke specialist where I live. I live in the middle of nowhere. Just woodwind and brass. The only place within 100 mile radius of me (and I checked) that even sells ukelele is guitar center. So I have no choice but to order online suggestions? Are some websites better to order from than others?
Dear mr, I want to buy a second ukelele, because my first one was really cheap. But I still do not want it to be too expensive. So can you tell me if this is a nice ukelele??
Hi! I was just wondering if you can recommend any good online stores to buy from? I live in Hong Kong and I haven't been able to find a good ukulele in stores. Thank you!
Sorry - don't know any in Hong Kong - only list stores I have had experience of myself on my site - some of these do ship worldwide though www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html
Too many to choose from Michael - best I can suggest is to give you this link to all my reviews - they are in price categories and each have scores to give you an idea. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
Hi, Would you recommend a Kala KA-15S as first uke? I've been playing the acoustic guitar for some time now. If not, please suggest some other. Also, should I go in for a Soprano or a Tenor(I am thinking about a Tenor, as a Soprano seems too small for me). TIA.
+mayankatyahoo Yes I certainly would - Kala are reliable instruments. Scale is all about the sound not so much the feel. People perpetuate the myth that sopranos are harder to play with big hands - it's not true.
do you think the brand first act is a good brand? They are 50 dollars but since I think that's a good price for my first uke I'm not sure if I should get it. Can you please reply
I've not played the pineapple, but have reviewed the regular one on www.gotaukulele.com - to be honest, i think the Tuna bridge thing is a bit of a gimmick - the underlying ukulele is a LU21 - so pretty basic, pretty reliable - but I wouldn't pay extra for the fancy bridge myself.
+GotAUkulele thanks, yeah I was very undecided about whether to pay extra for the tuna bridge or not. just starting out on the uke, so this seemed like a good option
Unfortunately you will be hard pressed to find a high quality ukulele at that price point - only beginner instruments. Here is my list of instruments put into price categories - suggest you read through those that match your budget to get an idea www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
I really WOULDN'T buy from guitar center if you can help it. They are pile it high sell it cheap dealers, not ukulele specialists. At you budget ukuleles can often require tweaks and setups from stores and Guitar Center are famous for not doing that. you may pay a couple of dollars more elsewhere (but not always), but you will be thankful you did. The stores I recommend as true ukulele specialists are on this list www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html
Rather like buying from Amazon, it is perfectly possible you will get a good one that wont need setup, but equally you may not. With a ukulele specialist you almost totally remove that worry. When a setup (if you dont know what you are doing) can cost you $20, all of a sudden the free shipping isn't quite so appealling!
I've been attempting to find some solid research and I just can't find a reliable source. Im extremely left handed and if I'm not mistaken, if I buy a uke then all I would have to do is restring it to suit my needs? Or am I wrong?
Not quite - if you string it in reverse you would normally need to adjust the nut and saddle too. Your main options are detailed in the attached article. www.gotaukulele.com/2016/09/how-do-i-play-ukulele-if-i-am-left.html
Yes, absolutely. Sadly not as many as you may hope, but that just goes to show that these ones really ARE specialists - www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html
+Regina Manzanilla In the US, I would deal with stores like HMS, Mims Ukes, Elderly, Hale Ukulele and Uke Republic. Avoid the likes of Guitar Center and Sam Ash as it's extremely unlikely they will do you a setup before shipping them.
+Regina Manzanilla Whilst you might find the ukulele for a couple of dollars cheaper elsewhere, I think it's worth paying a little bit extra for the stores I listed - it's money well spent in knowing that they wont sell you a dud.
So ive played avoustic for a few years now, mostly fingerstyle and now i would like to try out the ukulele since ive always had an interest for it, i dont want to spend alot on the first one since it might not be something ill like that much but i also dont want a pieve of crap, what are some good ones? Thanks.
Obi Wan Not the biggest budget and can be a bit of a minefield at that price. I would say something from Kala, Luna or Islander. But make sure you buy from a specialist ukulele dealer not a generic music shop - ukes at this price can be in desperate need of some setting up by a specialist.
My warnings about Amazon are aimed at beginners. The point is they don't come setup - so you 'might' get one that doesn't need work, but you might get one that does. Now, that is fine if you know how to do your own setup of bridge and nut. If you don't you may end up disappointed and having to spend more money on after market setup. Bit of a lottery really
If the back is straight and not twisted on an angle, that is fine. A deliberate curve in a back is fine too. You should be worried if it looks twisted or the curve is not balanced top to bottom and left to right
Sorry which company? A brand called 'ukele'? I am afraid I have never heard of them. I would also warn very very strongly against buying from Amazon. Why is that the only way to get one? Most specialist ukulele stores and dealers offer mail order in the same way and are often the same sort of prices.
I’ve not got anything against them, but don’t recommend them as such. They work, but I’ve never found them all that necessary. For example - I don’t pick up my high end Hawaiian made ukes and think ‘oh I wish this had a side sound hole’...
Good video, thank you. I've posted a question on one of your other videos about any recommendations and price to pay so hope you'll be able to look at that? Just one comment about buying from a shop v online; I live in Cornwall and am struggling to find a shop who have a reasonable selection of baritone ukuleles? Closest is Bristol and even then, not many baritones - hence I'm looking at Gear4Music? Anyone have any comments or experience?
Didn’t see another comment? Re shops. I’d avoid Gear4Music unless you know how to set a uke up. They simply ship unopened from the factory. If you want comparable price and a store that will ship with a once over... go to my website and go to the shops section. They are the ONLY shops I recommend buying from. Not all music shops are uke specialists. In fact the vast majority are not.
Thank you for your replies to my questions and quickly as well, much appreciated. I appreciate you being so frank and for pointing me in the right direction. I apologise now, if I bombard you with questions as I watch different videos of yours!
+TheZortlak Don't think it's called a Kahala Shark - think you mean a Makala Shark - good beginner ukuleles - just make sure you buy from a ukulele specialist who will give it a once over before it leaves the store - these ukuleles can need a setup quite often!
I wouldn't myself. For the simple reason they dont set them up or understand ukuleles. There are better options - real ukulele specialists. You may pay a few dollars more, but you will thank me for it
For a beginner or novice it actually matters even MORE. Yes, they are the brands you will see in the big stores - and those are the brands, particularly when cheaper, where you benefit from a specialist setup. I'd never recommend getting a ukulele of any price from a big brand guitar store unless you know how to do a setup yourself.
Could not disagree more. If you are beginner having something that plays in tune is really kind of important. No amount of RUclips reviews or reading reviews will make a badly setup ukulele play in tune. That's the point - these things are adjustable. Poor big box stores sell instruments as they arrived from the factory, ukulele specialists check them over. The reality is the ukulele specialists are not actually more expensive in real terms.
There's too many to list - depends on your budget, taste in looks, what scale you want, what shape you want etc etc.. My full list of reviewed instruments is on this page - anything with a score of 8 out of 10 or above gets a recommendation from me. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
No I'm afraid I wouldn't. Played many, reviewed one, and reviewing another next week. Their quality control leaves a bit to be desired and whilst they look like good value, i consider them expensive for what you are actually getting. Take a look at brands like Baton Rouge and Snail for the same sort of prices - much much better.
I've just ordered one off of eBay, and my mother said I had to buy a cheap on first because she doesn't want to buy a nice expensive one and then I never play it. She said if I learn how to play and I'm good at it, she will see about buying me a really nice one. Thanks for the advice by the way! Great video
+ArtsyArtist i bought mine there and it's the worst ukulele ever made
Exactly what has happened to me I'm going to get a better one soon!
sometimes you can get a very nice one but cheap(BELOW 100), my suggestion is go to the store to try different brand and to see which one is suit for you, which you feel comfortable to play. write down the model number and find the better price online. good luck!
My mum bought a uke from amazon it was like 40€ and its good for my first ukulele
Dont by a cheap on you get what you paid for.spend extra cash on a better one the more you spend the better the uke will be.
I bought my first Uke on Amazon that came with a tuner, bag, Aquila strings and a towel. Had it for a year now and it looks and sounds great.
Entirely possible you can get an acceptable ukulele on Amazon - the reason I dont recommend them is that the chances of getting a badly set up instrument are far far higher than buying from a reliable ukulele specialist
Amanda Ketron do you remember what it's called? And possibly the link?
😃😃😃
This is a great introduction about what to look for on Ukuleles when getting your first one. Personally I have found that Eagle Music shop of Huddersfield are a very good online store for buying instruments from. They will professionally set up each Ukulele before delivery, looking at string height, frets, nut width general playability of the instrument. They will deal with what needs to be done. The Southern Ukulele Store located in Bournemouth, and who also have a good online reputation, presumably do the same too. I have just brought a Tanglewood Soprano Ukulele that I am very pleased with.
Thanks Richard. Yes, I have bought from Eagle and they are a very good music store - what sets them apart is that they have real seasoned musicians working there and not just 'shop assistants'. And it shows. I just wish their uke range was bigger. Southern Ukulele Store, Omega Music and Highly Strung are my other 'go to' dealers who specialise in ukes. Great service from them all.
Great checklist for quality control. These are things I know to look at, but often forget about them when in the store.
My first ukulele was a makala dolphi I got like 4 years ago. It was used and chipped, had old crusty tuners, and I’m still using it. I have a baritone but I hate the low dgbe tuning so I don’t play it as much. So I’m just playing my makala, it’s going well rn
Woah, i didn't know there were so many technicalities of buying a ukelele! It'll be my first instrument so Id feel a bit out of may depth in the music store, maybe I'll take notes from this video, act like I'm an expert hah
+Claire D Well that is why I made the video Claire - hope it helps. A lot of it is common sense, but these are the things I check when buying.
Luna ok... Ik it’s been 4 years since u commented, but I need to know... R u still playing the ukulele??? Lmfao I NEED ANSWERS
@@andi_w55 hi, you're an absolute sweetheart, first of all. To answer your question ;I'll be honest, my (amazon bought, questionable quality) uke is gathering dust on a shelf. I think if I'd the money at the time, to buy a better quality one I'd have the motivation to practice more, tbh! Your comment made me remember my desire to learn though.. Thank you! ♥
Luna Np! Always remember to do what u love and what makes u happy, and if that’s playing the uke, then go for it^^ 🖤
@@andi_w55 thanks for the kind words. do you play?
My dad just ordered me my third Ukulele because both of my other ones broke. When it’s Christmas I am so excited to get to tune it. It is the Kala Hawaiian Islands model
I have 2 ukes and i bought both on amazon! One was a $10 soprano that is a Firat act uke. I also have a concert uke is the brand kealoha. It was only $39.99. They work perfectly and are a great deal if u are looking for a great ukulele!!
ALSO GREAT VID
grace saini My problem with ukuleles from Amazon is one of chances. The chances of getting one needing a setup are high because Amazon don't do that for you. You got lucky!
I have bought several cheap ukuleles and one quite expensive ukulele from Amazon without problems. Ukes don't really require much setting up in the way guitars do. Basically you tune them and off you go. If you're not satisfied with the instrument, Amazon have a no quibble returns policy so long as the instrument hasn't obviously been abused.
+Mike Williams I could not disagree more with some of that. Firstly - yes - it is possible to get an ok ukulele from Amazon - I have done so. But equally, they send direct from the factory and don't set up so there is no safety net to weed out those that need work. A good store will do that, Amazon will not. The bit I don't disagree with is the comment that ukuleles don't really require setting up - total nonsense.
+GotAUkulele But then you have bought several so what do I know...
+GotAUkulele I said they don't require as much setting up as guitars, which is true. My point is that if you're unhappy with your purchase for any reason you can simply return it. So what's the problem? Not everyone lives within a reasonable distance of a decent music shop and often the choices in shops are very limited - some only stock one brand. I would always prefer to try before I buy - obviously, but if that isn't a practical option, Amazon is fine. You can also read what other purchasers have said and how the ukes have been rated and as I said if you end up buying a load of crap you just return it.
+Mike Williams Firstly i don't agree that they don't require as much - I have seen some shockers. But really - people don't want to deal with the hassle of returns. I don't live anywhere near a music shop and all of mine come by post. Thankfully I know how to setup - but a beginner may not.
More importantly - there ARE shops who will do setups before shipping.
So beginners have a choice - buy from a shop with no setup and be prepared to return them or from a specialist and not worry about it. I know what I would recommend...
One thing is for sure - Amazon will never do a setup.
( I also prefer supporting real bricks and mortar music shops)
+Mike Williams ps - I have had about 200 ukuleles come to my house via mail for one reason or another - very few from Amazon.
Teri - I can recommend several good stores. Don't rank them on whether they sell cheaper ukes though.
The way my friends and I did it a little over 20 years ago: we went to a music store, saw some Hilo soprano ukuleles on the wall, played around with them a little, and bought them. Got four now and have been working on a tenor-length banjolele for a year now. Can't find the right junkyard parts that I want to use for the tailpiece and bridge, so no idea if and when I'll ever get around to finishing that one.
Quinn Bovell - sorry not a direct reply - your security settings mean I cannot respond directly. I think the brand you mean is Makala that make the shark. Yes, as entry level ukuleles go they are not too bad - just buy from a uke specialist who will give it a once over
just as i bu a uke from amazon -_-
me too 😂
+Elise Mendez You 'can' get good ones - I never say you can't. Only that you don't get a setup so the chances of getting one that needs work are much much higher with Amazon purchases than from specialist ukulele dealers.
***** i got it and its pretty good i got new aquila strings along with it and it arrived early
GotAUkulele I have a question:Ifyou do not have any local stores that sell ukuleles which website do you recommend?
Thanks for the great first time buyer's advice, lot of sense being made here.
My pleasure
Excellent! We all get this question once people see the fun we have playing this instrument. Not all of us have the experience and knowledge someone like you, my friend, bring to the table. It is great to know I have some friends that can help educate as well as review ukuleles in a knowledgeable way. As always thanks! ……DOC
Thank you!
I have been looking to buy a ukulele for a while now but I have never done it before so I have been hestitant to get one because I don't know a whole lot about them so this really helps, thankyou!
+Warriors Spirit my pleasure!
Hi I am a first time buyer. I am 6ft 4" tall, I have been told that a bigger ukulele would suit me better. Could you please tell me is this true. And what's the best one to buy for around £100
Thank you
Paul
do you have any recommendations for reputable websites to buy a cheaper ukulele?
Toys r us!
Absolutely not!
Depends where in the world you are. In the US - check out Mims Ukes. In the UK, Southern Ukulele Store or Omega Music
It was a joke haha (please dont actually buy from there)
Also im getting my first ukulele and am stuck up between a tenor and a concert. Defo not a soprano as its way too small for me. Any advice?
Good and thorough introduction to the ukulele
Thanks Duncan
I am an absolute beginner and wanted to try my hand at uke without investing too much money. I got a cheap (about 73 Euro) baritone Makala online and tested it like you show here (a very useful video by the way).
As far as I can say (which is not much, of course) it looks good and sounds good, quite mellow, I'd say.
My only qualm is that on the twelfth fret the strings are higher than 1/8 inch: they are 1,5/8 inch or slightly less than 5mm. I hope that won't be too bad.
idraote Makala are made by Kala - pretty reliable first instruments
hi again, thank you so much for all your advice! I ended up getting a mahalo kahiko 2500 from Amazon. it's really great for complete beginers. thanks again!
+Michali Fabian I quite like the kahiko !
I don't play the ukelele, but I'm enjoying your videos. I admit I laughed when you said that if the action is high is makes it hard to play.... I play the mandolin and like my action a bit higher than some. Single nylon strings could never be hard to push down.
Well it's all relative - high action on a uke will be harder than a correct action on a uke - comparison to other instruments is a whole different thing.
Excellent video , may have missed 2 points though , playability and how it stays in tune , but these are adjustable to some degree with a good setup usually and as long as the instrument doesn't have bad tuning problems it would not be a serious problem .
Thing about tuning and staying in tune - every single ukulele on the planet - from the ultra cheap to those costing thousands has that issue. It's nothing to do with the ukulele, and just one of those things with new strings. If a ukulele keeps going out of tune its usually that, or where you have friction pegs, that they need to be tightened. Or user error (ie strings installed incorrectly)
Thank you so much! This is an excellent checklist for shopping, and I'm sure your video is going to save me some buyer's regret.
Great video, thank you! My musician/music teacher husband has lent me one of his school’s ukes to play around with but I’m looking forward to getting my own. Your videos and reviews are helping me immensely!
Thanks and enjoy!
I bought a uke from amazon and it is amazing i donnt see why not to buy one of amazon and you dont have to really set them up they come with the string on the uke and its just tuning the uke and off you go.
+Vicente Ramirez No, sadly that is not true for many people. Amazon don't check ukuleles before sending them. AS such, whilst some can get through that have a decent setup, many don't. You got lucky I think. Afraid you DO need to set them up and it is NOT just about tuning the uke. Nut and saddle height can be adjusted and are critical.
Mine is legit so i disagree with u even tho that might be true
+Vicente Ramirez You disagree with me even though it might be true? I repeat - with cheaper ukuleles a setup IS essential. SOME might get through without needing one (i.e. from the factory they happened to be setup right) but that is the exception not the rule. As such, specialist ukulele stores can adjust most instruments to an acceptable set up where needed (and obviously don't need to adjust those that don't). What IS true is that there is nobody in any Amazon warehouse that will do that. So if you get a 'legit' one, good for you. If it isn't a 'legit' one - there is nobody at Amazon there to ensure it is set up. THAT is why I don't recommend Amazon. But thanks for the education on ukuleles - perhaps I should play a few more than the several hundred I have tested...
+GotAUkulele But for the benefit of other viewers - nuts and saddles are DESIGNED TO BE ADJUSTED!
Thats what the factory that makes the uke has to do
i am visiting music & arts store soon cuz i got some money so i'm gonna buy myself a uke. i am planning to get the brand kohala . either a soprano or tenor. i play guitar and it would be my first time with the uke other than that dumb ukulele class they teach in grade school.
I'm thinking of asking for a uke for my birthday. I used to play a small acoustic guitar when I was very young and then grew up playing the clarinet in band for five or so years. Then I gave up on instruments in high school. I miss it. After listening to people play the ukulele in music, I was drawn to their sound. I love it. My hands are very small, so I think the soprano uke would be a perfect fit for me instead of a guitar. I just need to find a somewhat good quality beginners' ukulele that will last but also not blow out anyone's wallet. I didn't think of trying one in a shop nearby. I'm sure there's one around here. I hope to find something in the $50-60 range for now. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the guide.
Trying a few out in a store is always my recommendation. Trust your ears. Also - for people with small hands -it's actually a bit of a myth that smaller ukes are better. They are all quite similar - just go with what you like the sound of most
Alrighty. Thanks for the advice!
Great review!
FYI: I asked Anuenue to add a tenor scale to their Color Series.
They say they plan the Release late this Summer.
I hope you also get to review one.
Neal
And advice!
I’ve already reviewed it!
I'm getting my first uke today, thanks for these tips! I'd be sure to take notes!
+raine xo Hope it works out! Have fun!
Thank you!
How'd it go?
unfortunately, so far I couldn't find a good one. The one I was looking at before was cheap, and I thought it would be good anyway, but after watching this video, I started to see the flaws :( .... the quest for a good uke continues
+raine xo Better to be patient to find the ukulele that will work well than rush into it and end up frustrated with what you settled for!
I bought a kohala concert 65euros well it's sound its smooth in my opinion it looks great and yeah
+Christos Gregoriou That's what matters most. Reviews are only personal opinions. The best uke is the uke you as a player like best!
What advice do you give for those looking into baritones?
Same advice really - it's just a slightly bigger uke
I respectfully disagree. I don't believe a novice looking to learn how to play a ukulele as their first instrument, needs to spend upwards of $100 or more on a mid to high end uke. A $30 Mahalo purchased online is more than suffice for a complete novice and is, in my opinion a well built ukulele. Yes, once you've mastered the basics and have a better understand and feel for the instrument, then go to your music store and buy your Kiwaya or whatever high end uke you like.
Disagreeing is your right - but it does miss the very important point of how much money the novice has in disposable income. If someone is prepared to spend $100 on a first instrument as they can afford it - then that is THEIR right. My reason for suggesting $100 is based on having played and tested about 400 ukuleles over the years. You start to see a pattern forming that allows me to spot which level is the best trade off between price and quality of tone AND basic construction standards. And those basic construction standards are absolutely key. Yes a novice WILL get away with a lesser quality tone, but I would argue that there is nothing more likely to turn a new player OFF the ukulele than an instrument with no volume, inaccurate tuning, high action, mis placed bridges and frets. Those things are simply intolerable regardless of price and are increasingly common the cheaper you go.
Just so that we are clear, I'm not disagreeing with a novice wanting to spend more money on a first time Ukulele because they simply wish to and can. I am disagreeing with your ideology that they must. Part of the learning process is the realization of and understanding, the difference between a $30 and $1000 instrument. All the imperfections and inaccuracies you speak of that may or may not occur on any one particular instrument, are all part of a learning process that you equate to having no value. But it's that very same learning process that has enabled you to test about 400 Ukuleles over the years.
Absolutely you can get issues at ANY price point - but that is part of my view - its's about the chances of those issues occurring. In my experience at $30 it's extremely common - much less so at $1000. As such I find that at about $100, (which really ISN'T a lot of money for a musical instrument) that you get the best balance between chances of it not being a dud and being reasonable in cost. Go higher and you start paying more for tone, go lower and the chances of terrible build issues being more and more common.
Thanks for this video. I have been having such a hard time getting good information on ukuleles. But this was very helpful!
+Wilyn R. My pleasure!
I didn't know you could separately buy an electric pickup and install it. That's very interesting.
Hi Barry, I was watching again your video. Just because I want to get out of my head the idea of getting a new ukulele online. I got a Tiger when I was studying in the UK and I gave it to a friend when I came back to my country. I got addicted to the uke even though it was a very inexpensive uke with kind of a silent voice. In my country you have to redefine budget uke because 50 to 100 dolars are a lot of pesos and for instance a cordoba tenor could be easily half a month of salary. 2 years ago I end up buying 3 ukes in the local shops 2 of them are locally made apparently solid wood but poorly finished. The soprano I choose was about 25 usd at today's exchange rate it has a good set-up, lots of volume is made of cedar (supposedly) but has huge guitar tuners, plastic-look fingerboard, in general, is poorly finished and has a narrow nut. is very playable and enjoyble though. The second was a mahalo that I got for my daugther (the tunning machines of this are better than the soprano form the local fabric, imagine that) and I got a concert form the same manufacturer I fix the set up problems on this one that I bought just because the "guayacan" and acacia (I think) where very nice looking. This last one is thick (about 2 mm on the soundhole) and the stock strings were crap. I upgraded them to ernie balls and sound loud and clear. I srill found it sometimes difficult to play due to finishing issues like squared instead of rounded frets. So I preferto play the one locally made soprano over the others. Now I am thinking about getting a new one but again butget is a problem because 50USD is not a few pesos and I found that the cheapest option is to go against your advice and buy online form the us a KA-15Slng or a fllight Tusl-25. But I kept wondering whether they are going to be an upgrade over my poorly finished cedar soprano. PD: local shops are not doing any set-up I am not even sure they know how to do it.
The Flights sound like ukuleles that cost 3 times the price!
@@GotAUkulele Many thanks Barry. Should we assume that given a similar price flights > kala in general?
@@jckasf Not necessarily - think they are more equal. But Kala offer nothing like the Flight travel
Thank you for a very informative and thorough video. What Uke would you recommend one purchase for a 3 year old kiddo?
I bought my daughter a Makala Dolphin at that age
Thanks for a very informative, clear video. You gave us tips on the details we never would have thought about.
My pleasure!
I mean technically buying anything online or being delivered to you has a chance of being faulty whether its from Amazon or from the store and is delivered. Things can happen along the journey. So I guess saying Amazon has a higher chance of having a damaged uke is a bit unfair? Since anything delivered can get damaged. And only very phew places do double check their ukes anyways unless said otherwise. Well apart from that note, awesome video.
Lovely Annie I think you missed the point. My concern is not about damage it’s about the fact Amazon are not a music store and don’t set instruments up. Contrary to your view - most real ukulele shops DO set them up.
I had no clue about ukuleles when I bought my first one last year I happened to pick a pretty good one though, a Fender Nohea. Love it! But this would've helped (;
Nicole Erin Enjoy it!
Hi, what is the best ukulele I can buy on Amazon with a budget of $ 100-130. Concert size. Preferably not for beginners and not laminate. Thanks!! Great reviews!
Daniella- please see my email on this topic. I'd avoid Amazon too
which is better, a soprano or a concert. I want to be able to play a variety of songs but I I'm also fairly small so size isn't a problem, just sound.. .
Neither is better - they are just different. Firstly its a myth that different sizes suit different hand sizes - total myth. They just get a bit more resonant as they get bigger - nothing more than that. I mainly play sopranos and tenors. I know some people who mainly play sopranos and baritones and some that only play concerts - completely personal preference!
Great advice! Is a laminate ok for a first uke......... or should I invest in solid...... do all solid wood ukuleles require a humidifier? Is a basic Kala KA15 ok........ I know I need to go try them out.......
Absolutely - in fact I recommend a well made laminate over a poorly made cheap solid wood instrument every time.
Very informative video! I am a beginner and was wondering if I should buy a soprano uke or something else. I want to play the basics and am not sure what the difference between soprano and baritone is.
This video explains all the differences. Essentially soprano, concert tenor are all normally tuned the same way (just with progressively bigger bodies giving more resonance to the sound) and baritone tuned differently. All have their place though - see ruclips.net/video/uIVeTrkoGi8/видео.html
Thanks for sharing this helpful information.
My pleasure - hope it helped!
So what would you consider a cheap electro acoustic ukulele?, is £200 about right?
Kind of - I'd approach price by considering the cost of a half decent pickup £100 and the fact I tend to tell people not to go below £100 for an acoustic. Sot together you are looking at £200. I don't recommend people choose the ready fitted pickup ukes - are usually poorer quality electronics, heavy, lots of wiring. I suggest finding an acoustic you really like, buying from a specialist uke dealer and getting them to fit a passive pickup to it. All my electros have pickups fitted that way.
Any good brands you'd recommend? I am planning on becoming more serious with the uke and upgrading from my Luna Tattoo ukulele as it has horrific buzzing on the first couple of frets. I was thinking between $2-300 for a tenor.
I don't give specifc recommendations - but refer back to my review list. I'd certainly avoid Luna at any price. Everything on this list (collated by price) is what I know about. Anything with 8 out of 10 is recommended. The higher the score the higher the recommendation (naturally) www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
@@GotAUkulele I really appreciate the reply, pal. I just watched your video teaching people what to check when buying a ukulele. Wish I watched it before! Was very detailed.
My pleasure
i saw on GuitarCenter.com a ukulele that says "open box" on the title with a quite expensive price. there was also an exact same uke with a higher price. i was wondering if you know what the difference is? thank you!
I presume that means that has been perhaps played (ie not boxed from the factory). Either way - I would not recomend Guitar Center for ukuleles as they will not set them up for you before shipping
Hi!
I'am a beginner and want to choose a decent concert or tenor uke. But i observed that the ukes in the lower price range up to 300 dollar have that clong-sound of the f-note on the c-string in the 5th fret and on the e-string in the1th freth and also around these spots. I mean the tone has no sustain and die immediately.
Is this a generell problem which is caused by the construction of a ukulele or doesn't this happen on higher price models with better craftsmanship?
+sunguraja I'm not entirely sure that it happens on ANY of my ukuleles regardless of price!
I got one from Amazon it was awesome
+David Palma Pleased for you and they 'can' arrive without needing any work. Unfortunately they can also arrive needing lots of work and Amazon don't offer a setup service. As such I just think it is 'safer' to buy from a reputable dealer who will weed out the bad ones.
Awesome! I just ordered one but if it's bad I'll return it
Hey there! what are your thoughts on Freeman and Nativa? (both sopranos)
I'm also looking into de Makala Dolphin which it's a bit pricier but if it really makes a difference I'd rather buy that one (since I don't want to change it within a year or so).
Cheers from Chile!
I'm afraid I don't know either of the first two brands. I do recommend the Dolphin though - but be careful trying to go cheaper than a Dolphin - not a good idea!
Ok I'll go for it! Thank you so much!!
hey dude, really cool information about the ukes. Well, i am gonna buy a ukulele from banggood. Any advice about the best one to buy? The brands are: Kaka,Deviser,Andrew, Hawaii and Mahalo. Which one should i choose? I can afford one with about 35-40 euros
+teo seeds I'm afraid I don't know any of those brands apart from Kaka and Mahalo. Kaka are dreadful (plus were considered by many to be trading off the Kala name). Not a fan of Mahalo either. Judging by those names and budget I would suggest you stick to Kala, Lanikai and Makala.
+GotAUkulele Is there any difference between the normal ones and the pineapple shaped?
+teo seeds not a huge amount - the pineapple shapes can sound a little more rounded in tone - but at the cheaper end it's not as noticeable.
Wow! this is incredibly informative! thank you so much!
Glad it helped!
I am sure that I am not the first to ask this question. If you had to buy just one ukulele for less than $1000what ukulele would it be? I could sit and watch your videos until I’m blue in the face but I still would not know exactly which ukulele would be a wise purchase. I am a big guy 6’2”so I’m guessing it would be probably a tenor.
I never give recommendations like that I’m afraid. Too much of the personal view and subjectivity in it. Best I can suggest is look at website reviews page - look at the highest scores. They will steer you in the right direction!
Btw - I’m 6 foot 4. I mainly play soprano. Size of uke should not be dictated by body size.
Do you have any experience with Islander ukuleles? I know they're like a more budget friendly uke from Kanile'a, but they're made in China rather than Hawaii like the Kanile'as. I just ordered an Islander MC-4 from a music store, but I haven't gotten it yet.
+Cameron Asbury I have and like them a lot. There's a review of one on www.gotaukulele.com
***** Thanks, Baz. By the way, I think you accidentally just linked to your site's homepage, but I found your review of the MST-4 on the site so no worries.
You have no idea how much you 've helped me ~Thnx ;)
Happy to help!
There are no uke specialist where I live. I live in the middle of nowhere. Just woodwind and brass. The only place within 100 mile radius of me (and I checked) that even sells ukelele is guitar center. So I have no choice but to order online suggestions? Are some websites better to order from than others?
none where I live either - ALL instruments I ever buy are bought online - these are my recommendations!
www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html
Thank you!
Wish I saw this video...
Before I got my Uke...
But I think its Ok...
Got a Ohana SK 15 GN...🎯
Very helpful thank you!
My pleasure!
Dear mr,
I want to buy a second ukelele, because my first one was really cheap. But I still do not want it to be too expensive. So can you tell me if this is a nice ukelele??
Sorry I forgot the link :)
www.flightmusic.com/catalogue/ukulele/flight-nuc310-concert-ukulele.html
Hi! I was just wondering if you can recommend any good online stores to buy from? I live in Hong Kong and I haven't been able to find a good ukulele in stores. Thank you!
Sorry - don't know any in Hong Kong - only list stores I have had experience of myself on my site - some of these do ship worldwide though www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html
GotAUkulele thank you!!!
This is really helpful, thanks
My pleasure
What are some good concert ukeleles that aren't too expensive?
Depends entirely what you mean by 'aren't too expensive'!
Concerts can range from about £50 (not good) to well over £3,000 - excessive of course!
So what would be a good concert ukulele? I'm a beginner looking to get a ukulele for around $100-200
Too many to choose from Michael - best I can suggest is to give you this link to all my reviews - they are in price categories and each have scores to give you an idea. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
What do you think about Mahimahi soprano MS-1ST as first ukulele?
SzyderczyGracz Not played one sorry.
Is Thomann a good music’s store?
Good for prices, but not a store I recommend as they are not uke specialists
Hi,
Would you recommend a Kala KA-15S as first uke? I've been playing the acoustic guitar for some time now. If not, please suggest some other.
Also, should I go in for a Soprano or a Tenor(I am thinking about a Tenor, as a Soprano seems too small for me).
TIA.
+mayankatyahoo Yes I certainly would - Kala are reliable instruments. Scale is all about the sound not so much the feel. People perpetuate the myth that sopranos are harder to play with big hands - it's not true.
+GotAUkulele Thank you so much for your reply. Gonna go for the Kala KA-15S now.
Would you recommend Octopus UK-200 Soprano for a beginner Ukulele player
I would
I got my second uke it's cordoba it's awesome I got it for a 100 bucks it sounds great I got it at guitar center
+Joshua Anderson not a fan of the cordobas I've played, but glad you like yours
I'm interested in a caramel ukulele any experience with them? Thanks.
+colin coyle Not personally - fairly cheap and generic Chinese instruments that are similar to many others.
+GotAUkulele. thanks I will probably look elsewhere then.
do you think the brand first act is a good brand? They are 50 dollars but since I think that's a good price for my first uke I'm not sure if I should get it. Can you please reply
+Maria Santana pretty bad beginner ukuleles I am afraid - I'd stick with brands like Makala myself
Hello! Really helpful review thanks a ton. I was wondering if you knew anything about the Lanikai Tunauke Pineapple uke? how's is as a beginner uke?
I've not played the pineapple, but have reviewed the regular one on www.gotaukulele.com - to be honest, i think the Tuna bridge thing is a bit of a gimmick - the underlying ukulele is a LU21 - so pretty basic, pretty reliable - but I wouldn't pay extra for the fancy bridge myself.
+GotAUkulele thanks, yeah I was very undecided about whether to pay extra for the tuna bridge or not. just starting out on the uke, so this seemed like a good option
It just doesn't really add anything that is helpful - if you buy from a reputable dealer who checks the setup - you dont need a moveable bridge
May I ask, what's that type of ukulele you have in the video?
It's an Ohana TKS-15
My budget is around $80-$100... What is a high quality ukulele I could get in that price range? Very helpful video btw :)
Unfortunately you will be hard pressed to find a high quality ukulele at that price point - only beginner instruments. Here is my list of instruments put into price categories - suggest you read through those that match your budget to get an idea www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
I really WOULDN'T buy from guitar center if you can help it. They are pile it high sell it cheap dealers, not ukulele specialists. At you budget ukuleles can often require tweaks and setups from stores and Guitar Center are famous for not doing that. you may pay a couple of dollars more elsewhere (but not always), but you will be thankful you did.
The stores I recommend as true ukulele specialists are on this list
www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html
still - far better to buy from a ukulele specialist - Guitar Center are not specialists
Rather like buying from Amazon, it is perfectly possible you will get a good one that wont need setup, but equally you may not. With a ukulele specialist you almost totally remove that worry. When a setup (if you dont know what you are doing) can cost you $20, all of a sudden the free shipping isn't quite so appealling!
I've been attempting to find some solid research and I just can't find a reliable source. Im extremely left handed and if I'm not mistaken, if I buy a uke then all I would have to do is restring it to suit my needs? Or am I wrong?
Not quite - if you string it in reverse you would normally need to adjust the nut and saddle too. Your main options are detailed in the attached article. www.gotaukulele.com/2016/09/how-do-i-play-ukulele-if-i-am-left.html
Hey ! What do you think about Aloha ukes !
Never heard of them sorry. Do you mean Koaloha?
I don't believe I have any nearby music stores, are there any good online websites you would recommend?
Yes, absolutely. Sadly not as many as you may hope, but that just goes to show that these ones really ARE specialists - www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html
Really great video!! 😉 I left a like💞
Thank you!
Great video, thanks for posting man
My pleasure
I'm thinking about buying a mahogany Kala KA-S, what's a good website I could buy it from? And do you think that's a good ukelele for beginners?
+Regina Manzanilla Yes, I think they are good for beginners. Hard to advise on shop without knowing what country you are in.
+GotAUkulele I live in the US, what's a reliable website I could buy it off of?
+Regina Manzanilla In the US, I would deal with stores like HMS, Mims Ukes, Elderly, Hale Ukulele and Uke Republic. Avoid the likes of Guitar Center and Sam Ash as it's extremely unlikely they will do you a setup before shipping them.
+GotAUkulele Thank you so much!
+Regina Manzanilla Whilst you might find the ukulele for a couple of dollars cheaper elsewhere, I think it's worth paying a little bit extra for the stores I listed - it's money well spent in knowing that they wont sell you a dud.
So ive played avoustic for a few years now, mostly fingerstyle and now i would like to try out the ukulele since ive always had an interest for it, i dont want to spend alot on the first one since it might not be something ill like that much but i also dont want a pieve of crap, what are some good ones? Thanks.
Huge question really - all depends on your budget. Some people who don't want to spend a lot mean $20, some mean $100 some mean $500.
Around the 100$ mark
Obi Wan Not the biggest budget and can be a bit of a minefield at that price. I would say something from Kala, Luna or Islander. But make sure you buy from a specialist ukulele dealer not a generic music shop - ukes at this price can be in desperate need of some setting up by a specialist.
Is Kala KAA-15C Limited Edition Satin Mahogany Concert Ukulele okay? What's your opinion on it?
+Truck Hoang Pretty reliable beginners instruments!
would you reccommend the Tiger Soprano Ukulele might get one on groupon
Chris Bonnell I wouldn't really Chris - pretty cheap and nasty.
Crap I was about to use amazon. Is it really a bad option or just not the best to use amazon.
My warnings about Amazon are aimed at beginners. The point is they don't come setup - so you 'might' get one that doesn't need work, but you might get one that does. Now, that is fine if you know how to do your own setup of bridge and nut. If you don't you may end up disappointed and having to spend more money on after market setup. Bit of a lottery really
GotAUkulele ok thanks I'll won't risk it I'll get one at the music store near by
I got a stagg and the back is equal.... (no I didn't get it from any web sites or apps like Amazon)
If the back is straight and not twisted on an angle, that is fine. A deliberate curve in a back is fine too. You should be worried if it looks twisted or the curve is not balanced top to bottom and left to right
GotAUkulele got it 👍
I Bought A Kohala not a makala concert size 65$ ITS model is KO-C am begginer whats your opinion?
+Christos Gregorio Sorry - havent played one myself.
I got a ukulele from amazon and it acually really good I'm impresed
ieva liepuonyte Great! It’s fine when you get lucky, but many don’t
@@GotAUkulele thanks
I got a Fender soprano uke that i was proud of... everyone says Concert one is better...n now i feel bad for having a soprano
THe people telling you this are wrong - concert is not 'better' than a soprano - just different. My favourite size is the soprano..
@@GotAUkulele thank you so much 🤗 that actually means a lot coming from a pro like you
I would love one of them ukes
Now's a good time - especially if self isolating and you have time on hands
Can I buy a concert ukulele even if I'm only a beginner?
Yes of course you can - you can start on any size at all. It's not the case that you need to get bigger ukuleles only after you have progressed.
i have always wanted a light brown zebra wood style ukulele but they are usually like £250
+Dr X Solid wood ones will be - I've seen a few zebra wood laminates for a lot less though
***** ok, Thanks 👍😉
do you think the company ukele is good, I am getting that brand from Amazon, it's the only way I am able to get one right now.
Sorry which company? A brand called 'ukele'? I am afraid I have never heard of them. I would also warn very very strongly against buying from Amazon. Why is that the only way to get one? Most specialist ukulele stores and dealers offer mail order in the same way and are often the same sort of prices.
GotAUkulele it is the only place I am allowed to order from. I have seen a good review, but I don't know. I am trying to stay under $45, it is $40.
That's crazy - sorry, doesn't get my recommendation. You are asking for trouble.
Do you recommend a side hole for sound?
I’ve not got anything against them, but don’t recommend them as such. They work, but I’ve never found them all that necessary. For example - I don’t pick up my high end Hawaiian made ukes and think ‘oh I wish this had a side sound hole’...
I bought deviser uk- 2430 for $54, is it worth it?
Not a brand I've heard of I'm afraid - sorry - though you dont get a lot of ukulele for $54
Good video, thank you. I've posted a question on one of your other videos about any recommendations and price to pay so hope you'll be able to look at that? Just one comment about buying from a shop v online; I live in Cornwall and am struggling to find a shop who have a reasonable selection of baritone ukuleles? Closest is Bristol and even then, not many baritones - hence I'm looking at Gear4Music? Anyone have any comments or experience?
Didn’t see another comment? Re shops. I’d avoid Gear4Music unless you know how to set a uke up. They simply ship unopened from the factory. If you want comparable price and a store that will ship with a once over... go to my website and go to the shops section. They are the ONLY shops I recommend buying from. Not all music shops are uke specialists. In fact the vast majority are not.
These are the only stores I recommend. No others. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-stores.html
Thank you for your replies to my questions and quickly as well, much appreciated. I appreciate you being so frank and for pointing me in the right direction. I apologise now, if I bombard you with questions as I watch different videos of yours!
No worries!
@@richardfromcornwall5492
Ordered a tenor ukulele from World of ukes today. Looking forward to learning how to play it now but not sure how the neighbours will feel. 😆🤣
Enjoy it!
I saw that it was an Ohana uke, what specific model?
It's this one - www.gotaukulele.com/2014/03/ohana-tks-15e-thinline-electro-tenor.html
Im a complete beginner, should i get a kahala shark ukulele?
did you? im planning the same
+TheZortlak Don't think it's called a Kahala Shark - think you mean a Makala Shark - good beginner ukuleles - just make sure you buy from a ukulele specialist who will give it a once over before it leaves the store - these ukuleles can need a setup quite often!
Would guitar center be a good place for purchasing a ukulele?
I wouldn't myself. For the simple reason they dont set them up or understand ukuleles. There are better options - real ukulele specialists. You may pay a few dollars more, but you will thank me for it
Disagree - I have heard too many examples of bad service. They are NOT ukulele specialists.
For a beginner or novice it actually matters even MORE. Yes, they are the brands you will see in the big stores - and those are the brands, particularly when cheaper, where you benefit from a specialist setup. I'd never recommend getting a ukulele of any price from a big brand guitar store unless you know how to do a setup yourself.
No - setup as in making sure the bridge and nut are the correct height. You do need a ukulele specialist to do that. Guitar Center won't
Could not disagree more. If you are beginner having something that plays in tune is really kind of important. No amount of RUclips reviews or reading reviews will make a badly setup ukulele play in tune. That's the point - these things are adjustable. Poor big box stores sell instruments as they arrived from the factory, ukulele specialists check them over. The reality is the ukulele specialists are not actually more expensive in real terms.
What Ukulele Brand Works Best For Beginners? I’m Really Looking For A Good Sounding Ukulele That Doesn’t Look Or Sound Too Bad
There's too many to list - depends on your budget, taste in looks, what scale you want, what shape you want etc etc.. My full list of reviewed instruments is on this page - anything with a score of 8 out of 10 or above gets a recommendation from me. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
GotAUkulele Would You Recommend Luna Ukuleles For Beginners?
No I'm afraid I wouldn't. Played many, reviewed one, and reviewing another next week. Their quality control leaves a bit to be desired and whilst they look like good value, i consider them expensive for what you are actually getting. Take a look at brands like Baton Rouge and Snail for the same sort of prices - much much better.