Daughter's 1st uke

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Captainrob

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I've read hundreds of UU posts since joining a few days ago, and I really appreciate all the great advice shared by members. My teenage daughter expressed an interest in music, with the ultimate goal of learning guitar. As a novice guitar player with an interest in uke myself, I think she will achieve faster results on the uke, and the worst-case scenario is a uke for me if she loses interest.

I'm a firm believer in finding great quality without paying a premium price. I also understand the value of good relationship with a local music store, and the value of a good set-up as part of a local purchase. I am fortunate to have a couple of excellent local music stores. One of the stores even offers free lessons every saturday morning! They also have a good variety of ukes. I am leaning toward a Cordoba 15CM, but also thinking about Lanikai LU21C, or one of several Luna models.

Several factors lead me away from full solid body. I plan to verify each string/fret combination is buzz-free, and would appreciate any other tips.

Thanks in advance.
Rt
 
Luna has some nice ukuleles. I think they are an under-appreciated brand. They have a few solid body and solid top/laminate side ukuleles, but most are all laminate.

If you are getting them set up at your local music store, that would be my vote as they are beautiful looking as well as sounding very good with a set up. Another option is at HMS as they also carry Luna and they also do a great setup.

Concerts are a good choice for a first ukulele as there is a little more room for the fretting hand, yet it is not too big as to be awkward. My Luna Dragonfly is a solid top/laminate side. It was my first proper ukulele. I liked having something unique looking.
 
I've had several Cordoba's and generally think they are good values. Do check as QC can vary quite a bit unit to unit. I recently picked up one of the early 25CK's (made in Portugal) that is used but virtually unplayed. It is a heck of a 'uke. Bought for a friend who was considering picking up the 'uke and then his fiance got him one Christmas. My wife has really taken to it, so it may end up staying with us.

Another brand that has impressed me as a strong value is Ohana. My wife and daughter each have one.

I don't have direct experience with them, but I've also heard good things about Mainland in terms of value for dollar.

E
 
I have an Ohana tenor available if you're interested. See the link in my signature for details or PM me.
 
My everyday ukulele is a Kala KA-SEM I believe they retail around $100. I purchased mine setup in the marketplace a year ago or so for around $85 so if you look. The laminated fancy mahogany is wonderful to look at up close and they come tinted in teal, magenta, green or a wonderful natural honey color.

Owning a few different sized ukuleles I'm a soprano.
 
Best of luck getting your daughter a uke, I agree about getting the best for your money. When I got my first uke, it turned out to be a buzzer and I finally got rid of it. One thing I would suggest is to allow your daughter to go with you to pick out the uke. Even if you play for her, let her look at, touch and even strum the uke. If it feels good to her and she is excited it will be more motivated. I own a Luna which was my second uke and still 4 yrs later I play it quite a bit. I added a Luna acoustic guitar to my arsenal as well. They make fine instruments for the money. They also have excellent customer service which I really appreciate!
Good luck!
 
That Cordoba 15CM may easily be the best sounding, all-laminate concert in it's price range and one of the best sounding Cordobas, period!
 
Last edited:
If you want the best for your money spend a few dollars more and buy from a known trusted seller that inspects and sets up their instruments. Saving a few dollars buying from Amazon or eBay increases your risks. Needing to pay a luthier to set up a poorly playing cheap ukulele is not cost effective.

I'm fond of my SEM: http://www.theukulelesite.com/kala-ka-sem-exotic-mahogany-ukulele.html

http://www.theukulelesite.com/shop-by.html?dir=asc&order=price Any of these ukuleles are good starter ukes and most importantly will play like musical instruments not wonky toys from the start.

That is my opinion and Ill stick to it.
 
Inksplosive AL said:
If you want the best for your money spend a few dollars more and buy from a known trusted seller that inspects and sets up their instruments. Saving a few dollars buying from Amazon or eBay increases your risks. Needing to pay a luthier to set up a poorly playing cheap ukulele is not cost effective.

I'm fond of my SEM: http://www.theukulelesite.com/kala-ka-sem-exotic-mahogany-ukulele.html

http://www.theukulelesite.com/shop-by.html?dir=asc&order=price Any of these ukuleles are good starter ukes and most importantly will play like musical instruments not wonky toys from the start.

That is my opinion and Ill stick to it.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more. Two other great dealers that sets up their ukes are Mims Ukes and Uke Republic and I HIGHLY recommend Ohana Ukuleles as the first choice:

http://www.ohana-music.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=85

http://stores.ebay.com/mimsukes/Ohana-/_i.html?_sop=2&_fsub=1993996014&rt=nc&_ipg=96

http://cargo.ukerepublic.com/category/ohana-ukuleles?page=1
 
actadh said:
Luna has some nice ukuleles. I think they are an under-appreciated brand. They have a few solid body and solid top/laminate side ukuleles, but most are all laminate.

If you are getting them set up at your local music store, that would be my vote as they are beautiful looking as well as sounding very good with a set up. Another option is at HMS as they also carry Luna and they also do a great setup.
Click to expand...

I totally agree. Luna ukes are nice. Esp for a first uke. My teenage neice got the Luna Tattoo Pineapple, and she loves it. I played it and I really like it, too! It plays real nice. What is nice about the Lunas, too, is that they look cool. As your child gets older, it will still look cool. My daughter's first uke was a pink Makala Shark. How long is a little girl really going to like powder pink? I ended up with it, once she seen a tie-dye ukadelic. She wanted that one so bad, she used her own money to get it. But I figure the tie dye will remain appealing for a while.

Another brand I liked when I tried it, was a Snail ukulele. It seemed like a good deal, too.
 
Captainrob said:
My teenage daughter expressed an interest in music, with the ultimate goal of learning guitar. As a novice guitar player with an interest in uke myself, I think she will achieve faster results on the uke, and the worst-case scenario is a uke for me if she loses interest.
Click to expand...
Why don't you ask her?

To be honest, if she really wants to learn guitar, you may be insulting her by giving her a uke just because you think it would be easier for her to learn on.
 
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