Whether you're a complete beginner or you're looking to upgrade your instrument, choosing a ukulele can seem overwhelming. With so many available, it's tough to know which are worth it and which you should leave on the shelf.
You'll need to know a bit about the types of ukulele available and the materials that go into making them before you buy. The Cordoba Concert Ukulele
There are four main types of ukulele
Concert ukuleles are slightly larger than sopranos. They have a similar bright sound but are slightly louder, so you can play to a small room of people without using a mic or a pickup.
Tenor ukuleles are significantly larger than concert and soprano ones, giving them a fuller, deeper tone that isn't as instantly recognizable.
Baritones are the largest of all ukuleles and have a different standard tuning to the other three varieties. Their deep tone and DGBE tuning have a similar sound to a classical guitar, albeit higher in register.
The body of a ukulele can be either solid wood or plywood. Ukes made from solid wood cost more than plywood versions but sound better and are more durable. The neck and fretboard are made from wood, even if the body is plywood. Although it doesn't make a huge difference to the overall sound, some wood has superior tonal qualities to others. Cedar and mahogany are both great choices and koa is a wood traditionally used to make ukuleles in Hawaii, so it's often used by manufacturers looking for that classic sound.
Many ukuleles have a wood finish. On instruments made from solid wood, the wood will simply be sealed or lacquered, while those made from plywood will have a layer of laminate or solid wood veneer on the body's exterior for a wood effect. However, you can also find ukes with colored finishes, including basic colors such as black and white, as well as brighter hues, such as teal blue and sunshine yellow.
Ukuleles made for beginners often come in a bundle with various accessories useful for new players. Common accessories include soft cases, tuners, strings, straps and picks. This can save money compared to buying the instrument and accessories separately.
Cheap hardware, such as the tuning pegs and bridge, is likely to break long before you have any issues with the neck or body. Look for tuning pegs made from metal rather than plastic to avoid the ukes on which the hardware appears flimsy.
Cheap ukuleles cost $30-$50. These are okay to learn on, but you'll probably want to upgrade soon, so it's better to start with a $50-$100 instrument if you're set on learning. Mid-range and high-end ukes cost roughly $100-$300.
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Many people also find the soft nylon strings easier on their fingers than wire guitar strings, so they can keep practicing for longer before their fingers get sore.
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You can find a wealth of videos on YouTube to help you learn chords and songs, as well as apps dedicated to learning instruments. If you'd prefer to stay analog, you can also buy books to teach you ukulele.
What you need to know:
What you’ll love:
What you should consider:
Where to buy: Amazon
Hola! Music Soprano Ukulele Bundle
What you need to know:
What you’ll love:
What you should consider:
Where to buy: Amazon
What you need to know:
What you’ll love:
What you should consider:
Where to buy: Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
