How To Buy Your First Ukulele - Got A Ukulele Beginners Guides
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
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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?
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.
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?
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?
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
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.
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?
😃😃😃
Great checklist for quality control. These are things I know to look at, but often forget about them when in the store.
I didn't know you could separately buy an electric pickup and install it. That's very interesting.
Teri - I can recommend several good stores. Don't rank them on whether they sell cheaper ukes though.
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
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.
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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 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
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.
Thanks for the great first time buyer's advice, lot of sense being made here.
My pleasure
What advice do you give for those looking into baritones?
Same advice really - it's just a slightly bigger uke
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 Got I From Amazon And My Tablet Is A Kindle Fire HDX
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
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
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
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!!
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 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!
Good and thorough introduction to the ukulele
Thanks Duncan
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!
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!
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.
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.
Great video and good job with your website! I see that you have reviewed several ukuleles! If you check my channel, unfortunately I currently have only an Ashton and a Mahalo uke, as when I ordered them online, music stores didn't sell ukuleles in Greece, so I didn't have a point of reference...
These days, some music stores sell ukuleles, but, except of Mahalo, most of the brands are actually guitar brands. So, I can normally find Epiphone, Fender, Lag, Martin and J&D.
Martins are over €300 and J&D are probably rubbish (I think). Do you have any experience with any of these?
Thanks!
My problem with guitar brand ukes (generally) is that they tend to be re-badged cheap ass ukes and are usually over built. Fender and Epiphone certainly fall in that category for me. Martins on the other hand are usually SUPERB. Search my RUclips review of the Martin T1K tenor.
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
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)
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.
Oh yes what to buy! Soprano, concert, tenor? It's a minefield!!
They are all good!
My own advice is to NEVER order the first ukulele online. ALWAYS try to play it on a regular music shop. Then you know what to get. I have purchased some ukuleles via internet, but the two first came from a shop nearby 😀
Would you believe - i've never bought a ukulele in a shop in my life
@@GotAUkulele Whuut? Really??
@@marieandersson6655 Honestly.
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.
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
Wish I saw this video...
Before I got my Uke...
But I think its Ok...
Got a Ohana SK 15 GN...🎯
You have no idea how much you 've helped me ~Thnx ;)
Happy to help!
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
You say the foremost parameters are: 1. how the instrument sounds and 2. how it plays, but you don't cover these issues. The other factors are: 3. the build standard (which affects the above and which you cover) and 4. how it looks ( a matter of personal preference). I would have preferred that the video concentrated on 1 and 2, maybe by some comparisons between different price instruments or different height bodies (you show a shallow body instrument). But what you do cover is good. At the end of the day, the proof of the pudding is in the playing and the sound it produces!
Bern From Wales Yes, just the foremost, but not the only ones. The video was made purely to show beginners what to look for when they pick one up.
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
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!
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
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!
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
This is really helpful, thanks
My pleasure
What do you think about Mahimahi soprano MS-1ST as first ukulele?
SzyderczyGracz Not played one sorry.
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!
Is Kala KAA-15C Limited Edition Satin Mahogany Concert Ukulele okay? What's your opinion on it?
+Truck Hoang Pretty reliable beginners instruments!
Really great video!! 😉 I left a like💞
Thank you!
As a beginner, don’t sneeze at used ukuleles. Your first uke should be the best you can reasonably afford, and you’ll usually get more ukulele for your money by buying used.
Very much agree - bunch of friends and I run a used uke group on Facebook for the UK. In fact the ukes I buy with blog donations get sold on that group in order to get more for review!
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
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
how is this for a beginner, i already have it and been playing for about a month
Sorry - how is what?
www.amazon.com/Diamond-Head-DU-150-Soprano-Mahogany/dp/B008277N80
sorry forgot the link lol
Hope you dont mind me being honest - they are not great - pretty generic and heavily built Chinese instruments. Suspect if you stick with it you will want to upgrade fairly soon.
***** alright, was planning on getting new strings soon, might just get a whole new one
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
3:19 - what is meant with above the crown? (Sry English is not my first language)
The top of frets are curved or ‘crowned’. If you take measurements from frets you measure from the highest point - ie from the crown
GotAUkulele thank you!
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!
Does anybody know if this is a good first uke = gear4music . dk/ da/ Guitar-og-bas /Ukulele- Pack-fra-Gear4music/ 1FFX
Sorry if you can't figure the link out..
+Lauge FT Sorry - can't work the link out no - can you let me know the brand and model name?
+GotAUkulele yes. It's gears4music and the model is UK-01
-
Heres a link for american/british ppl: www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Ukulele-Pack-by-Gear4music/1FFX
+Lauge FT Found it now - my honest opinion? No, it likely won't be great - its a very cheap rebadged Chinese model of which there are hundreds about. I recommend spending more - UK £50 minimum really (so about 500 DKK )
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!
Very helpful thank you!
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
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.
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!
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.
Would you recommend Octopus UK-200 Soprano for a beginner Ukulele player
I would
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!
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!!!
Is Thomann a good music’s store?
Good for prices, but not a store I recommend as they are not uke specialists
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
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.
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!
How to buy a #ukulele
***** Nice video! i have learned a good lesson about good beginner ukulele from it.
Something I also found helpfull for how to play the eddie vedder ukulele songs
was Panlarko Amazing Uke Planner - search google if you want.
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.
Is the Kala Ka 15c good for beginners?
Yes. It's a VERY sound choice and more reliable than the flood of brands that appear on places like Amazon. Kala have specialised in value ukuleles for years and are market leaders at lower prices.
@@GotAUkulele thank you very much ❤️
And what's wrong with Ukulele,s from Amazon I have got 3 Clearwater Ukulele,s from RUMC who sell on Amazon and they are all perfect
+Ukulele “Ukulele Man” Roy Often nothing Roy - but on the whole you will not get a setup. When buying from an Amazon store like RUMC, you will do - but most ukuleles on Amazon are despatched from warehouses by Amazon - no setup - no check. For beginners it's just safer to buy from a specialist store - and bear in mind - you can order from RUMC without going through Amazon.
+GotAUkulele Anyway The 3 Clearwater Ukulele,s i have bought from RUMC Via Amazon are set up and play perfect
+Ukulele “Ukulele Man” Roy I'm glad to hear it - it does happen. My advice to beginners is simply based on reducing the chances of one arriving that isn't set up.
would you reccommend the Tiger Soprano Ukulele might get one on groupon
Chris Bonnell I wouldn't really Chris - pretty cheap and nasty.
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.
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.
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
Thanks for a very informative, clear video. You gave us tips on the details we never would have thought about.
My pleasure!
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
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!
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.
May I ask, what's that type of ukulele you have in the video?
It's an Ohana TKS-15
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 👍😉
Hey baz, my kala ka-s has a little dip between the sound hole and the bridge, but it doesn't buzz or anything, is that ok?
If it's brand new I would change it as it is a construction flaw. If it's old, it can happen as over time woods move and change. It could stabilise and not affect the uke in any way, but it can also be a sign of a dipping bridge which could get worse and split the top. It's caused either by a bad or loose internal brace, or the top being cut too thin in the first place.
***** I've had it for about a month and been playing it pretty much every day for about 4 hours, and I've felt inside the uke and the bracing feels pretty solid
Ultimately it's not right and sounds like a construction fault. If its a month old a good dealer should replace it. But like I said - sometimes these things can get no worse and wont affect play.