Buying Your First Ukulele

Ready to buy your first ukulele but don't know where to start? Here are some tips for choosing your first ukulele.

Best Ukulele Size for a Beginner

Ukuleles come in different sizes. For adults, I recommend starting with a concert size ukulele. Soprano ukuleles are more economical and make a great travel instrument, but many adults find them more challenging as a starter ukulele because of their small size. Concert sized ukuleles are just a bit larger and generally have a greater sound presence.

What Kind of Ukulele Should I Purchase?

Avoid "novelty" ukuleles or toy models that cost $8 on Amazon. They tend not to hold their tune or have good tone, making them less fun to play. Appropriate starter models start at around $50 for a budget option up to about $100 for a beginner ukulele that you'll enjoy playing for a long time.

Colors and patterns can be fun, but do your homework on the quality. It is more important to have an instrument that sounds good than a decorative item.

Reputable brands include Kala, Ohana, Pono, Enya, Cordoba, Flight, and Lanikai.

Here are my top picks for the best beginner ukulele:

• Kala Satin Mahogany Concert (KA-C) - This is my top recommendation. It is enjoyable to play and a great value for the money. You can stick with it for a long time.

• Kala Satin Mahogany Soprano (KA-15S) - This instrument costs a bit less money and is smaller.

Here are some other good options in that same price range to consider:

• Kala Waterman Soprano (KA-WMS-xx-S) - This ukulele is a durable plastic instrument that comes in fun colors. It's not as good as the above options, but is a solid budget option.

• Flight TUC-35, Flight UTS-35, Enya Nova U Concert, Enya Nova U Mini, Makala Classic Concert (MK-C), and Makala Soprano Satin (MK-S) also get good reviews and are economical.

Makala is Kala's budget line, and the Waterman is Kala's plastic model, so all three come from the same reputable company.

What Ukulele Accessories Are Good to Have?

• Strap - A strap that is attached to the ukulele at the heel and base of the body is a very useful tool to help you hold your ukulele and keep it safe. It does require the installation of strap buttons, but it's easy to get that done by any guitar or ukulele shop.

• Tuner - A small ukulele tuner that clips onto the headstock is highly recommended. Playing an out of tune ukulele is not fun!

Where Can I Purchase a Ukulele or Have Mine Repaired or Serviced?

Visit our friends at Lamorinda Music in Lafayette, California. They are ukulele experts and can help you purchase a ukulele and accessories, install strap buttons, change strings, and more!

Got Your Ukulele?

Consider joining one of my Ukulele Jams or Ukulele Lessons!