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. Soprano are the most economical and a fine choice for beginners. Sopranos also make a great travel ukulele because of their small size. Concert ukuleles are slightly larger. They generally have greater sound presence and can be a bit more comfortable for adult-sized hands.
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 beginner models start at around $45 - $60.
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 Soprano (KA-15S) - This is my top recommendation. It is enjoyable to play and a great value for the money.
Kala Satin Mahogany Concert (KA-C) - This instrument is a bit pricier, but if you have larger fingers or want an instrument you can stick with for a long time, this is an excellent choice.
Here are some other good options in that same price range to consider:
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 UTS-35, Enya Nova U Mini, and Makala Soprano Satin (MK-S) also get good reviews and are economical.
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!