itsme
Well-known member
True. And a lot of people seem to think that a uke should be a lot cheaper than a guitar just because it's smaller. Yes, it takes less wood... but there's a lot of similarity in construction, and the amount of work it takes to make one.I'd be hesitant to buy a tenor for under $200, unless you can try out the very instrument you purchase. Just ask yourself if you could easily get a new acoustic guitar with decent strings and good action/etc that isn't rubbish for under a hundred bucks. It isn't so different for ukuleles. If money is tight, I'd hold out an extra month and then get something decent that is properly set up. (It isn't impossible, but the risk of wasting money on a barely playable instrument is not small -- especially here in Europe where prices tend to be higher.)
I hear people raving about their Makala Dolphins as being great beginner instruments. (Disclaimer: I've never played one.) Maybe in their price range, but you really can't expect much from a $40 uke.
OP, keep an eye on the Marketplace here and the one at fleamarketmusic, check your local craigslist. See if there are any local uke gatherings you can go to. Most people will be happy to let you try their ukes, and you might just run into someone who's got something for sale. Unless it's some high-end or vintage instrument, you'll get way more bang for your buck buying used.