Which Ukulele?
RatingsBuying a ukulele can be a very tricky task - particularly if you're buying one for the first time. The Ukulele Review section of this site aims to help you make a decision by giving you reviews, information and videos of on a wide range of ukuleles.
Which Brand of Ukulele Should I Buy?
- There's a huge range of makes of ukulele out there. This section gives you a quick history of each of the major brands, a discussion of the type of ukuleles they make, reviews from Ukulele Hunt readers and a video showcasing the uke (where available). Hopefully giving you a much better idea of which ukulele to buy and which to avoid.
Some of the ukuleles with the best reputation for beginners are Lanikai (particularly the budget LU-21 Lanikai ukuleles) and Kala (their KA-S ukuleles and Makala ukuleles are very popular with kids).
If you're looking to spend a bit (or a lot) more, take a look at the KoAloha ukuleles or the Pono ukuleles.
If you're after an electric ukulele, take a look at buying the Ovation Applause ukuleles or the RISA.
Which Size of Ukulele Should I Buy?
- There are four main sizes: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. Most people start on the soprano ukulele since it is the traditional ukulele and, since it is the smallest, it requires less stretching. But more and more people are buying tenor ukuleles - inspired by the likes of Jake Shimabukuro - which is more suited to solo, instrumental ukulele playing.
How Much Should I Spend on a Ukulele?
- Your budget is going to play a big part in your decision. Most first time buyers get a very cheap ukulele - that's certainly what I did. But it is spending a little more to get a ukulele the sounds and feels good and is well set up. There are many good quality ukuleles in the $50 -$100 range. Buying one of these ukuleles will give you a nice uke which will encourage you to play more.
Which Strings Should I Use?
- When you buy a ukulele, it will come with strings fitted - but often these are cheap, poor quality strings. There are two types of ukulele strings that stand out above the others: Aquila and Worth. Spending a little extra money on these will make your ukulele sound much better than it does with cheap strings.
With the different sizes and tunings, buying ukulele strings is a bit of a minefield. This section will give you some guidance.
Which Ukulele Accessories Do I Need?
- Buying a ukulele isn't the end of the spending. There are plenty of other bits and pieces you just begging you to buy them. The most important being a tuner. Other less essential items include capos, pick-ups, straps and a whole lot of other stuff to keep your ukulele company. This section looks at which accessories are a must buy and which are less essential.
6 Comments
You might want to include Mainland Ukes in your suggestions. They sound good, look good, and have good reviews for quality of construction. Prices are moderate as well.
Oh, by the way, the “Mainland” must refer to “mainland China” as that’s where they are made, not mainland USA. It’s unfortunate that many uke makers won’t let on as to place of manufacture–meaning China usually. I guess they are ashamed of it or something like as if they were made there in sweatshops by prison labor or something. Assuming that’s not really the case! I don’t quite understand the secrecy.
Hi There. I’ve been pretty good with my noobie ukulele, and I’m thinking about to get a new one. Problem is I’m having difficulty finding a store that sells them, because I wanna walk in and see/hear the difference between the types. I was wondering if you knew of any stores in the Toronto area or around that I can trek to to find one. Thanks;D
I’m lefty. Does it matter?
@Steve, I am also a lefty. Force yourself to learn right handed. It’s way simpler than it sounds, and you get the advantage of having your more articulate hand (left) operating the fretboard. I am SO glad that people talked me out of learning left handed, it would have been way more difficult. Many who try to learn left handed give up due to frustration.
So I bought my first uke about two months ago and haven’t put it down since. I bought a concert size because it felt better in my hands than the sopranos. I am looking into buying an electric uke now, with my sights set on the RISA Uke Solid. I am not sure if I should buy a tenor or concert size though. What would you recommend? Should I stick with concert size since that is what I am used to? Or should I step it up to a tenor since I probably wont be buying another ukulele for a while?
I am looking at purchasing a uke but i am concerned a lot of the woods used to build ukes are not sustainable. I have just been reading online how wood can be obtained illegally this can be related to the distruction of anciant forrests (which also leads to loss of surviaval and homes to people and wild life). Anyone know of sustainable ukes and has this issue been addressed on this site?
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