Ukulele recommendations anyone?

[dolfan]

I've made a last minute semi-decision on buying a pair of ukes for my daughter and me. I want her to learn an instrument early, and she likes guitar but her hands are so very small. Plus, I think she'll get frustrated with guitar just now. Yet, we've talked at some length about ukuleles and she's all about it. She's watched some YouTube videos featuring them, some simple and some not, and she's really interested.


I've searched the internet. I've gone to 4 local music stores. Only one even has a decent one in stock. One lady tried to pass of an old used one as "vintage" (right) for $100. I told her I wasn't buy someone else's old ukulele for $100. "Fine. Get what you pay for." I've learned that there aren't many ukulele sales pros around.

Has anyone here played one? Know much about them? Recommendations for a 6 year old beginner and her ol' dad?

[Pastor Gary]

Well, the classic Hawaiian ukulele, and the major brand is Kamaka. There are others, however, who make fine ukes. I bought a non-name-brand for my son years ago that came highly recommended by a local musician.

I don't have two - but if you're interested, you can take a look at ONE in Huntsville. A very nice uke from Hawaii, in a case, was donated to Hawaii COGOP to raise money, and we were told to "generate as much donation as you can from it, but don't give it away."

It is stored right now at my father-in-law, Sam's place, off of Moore's Mill. If you want to see it and make an offer, you know how to reach him.

[SBW]

I did a lot of research recently on ukes. I want one, but still have not purchased.

New ukes go from the $20 FirstAct at WalMart, up to the $2000 or more Martin. Pastor Gary is right about the Kamaka. It is the top brand, along with Martin. Martin ukes don't seem to loose any value. Older ones from the 1930's through the 1960's can bring more than a new one. If I were you, I would check the brand name on the old used one the lady tried to sell you for $100. Check ebay and see what the brand brings, could be an investment.

Lanikai is a more moderately priced uke that seems to get good reviews online. They are available at www.musiciansfriend.com. Lanikai has decent models in the $80 to $300 price range. There are other good brands there as well. Ibanez and Fender make moderately priced ukes also.

From what i can tell, you have to get above $50 to get away from the "toy" ukes. Cheap ones will not stay in tune nor will they chord in tune on up the neck.

You probably won't find many in music stores....in the south anyway. Not a high volume seller. Online will be your best bet, probably.

Hope any of this helps.

[dolfan]

Right now, I'm looking at a pair of Samick UK50 soprano ukes at $60 each from a local music shop.

[dolfan]

The old Harmony uke offered to me for $100 yesterday may, indeed, be a fine instrument. But, until my daughter demonstrates commitment to it, I'm not going to buy any investment pieces. And, this is intended to be a stepping stone to guitar.

Funny, she announced to me on Sunday, "Dad, I want to learn to play the bass, then piano, then drums." She's been thinking about it. We don't really bring it up all that often, but she came up on her own with wanting to play bass. That's just funny. My daughter, the bassist. As I explained, if she'll commit to learn the ukulele, then we'll look at guitar and bass later. That'd be a hoot.

[Rascal]

Your doing the right thing getting your daughter started so early. I did the same thing with my two sons only on the banjo. They are teenagers now and play quite well. They have a Bluegrass band now; Mountain Cove. They are very busy and play a lot of churches. It is good clean fun. Gives them a lot of self confidence, and a witness for the Lord. They can be viewed on YouTube. Search for Mountain Cove Bluegrass and it will come up. They won 2nd place at this national festival........I'am just a little proud..........My son is the banjo player