First Uke

Hi, I have been wanting to learn the ukulele for the longest time. I've finally decided to try and get one in the next few days. My budget is $200 but since it will be my very first one, I am assuming I really don't need to spend that much. I just want something basic and easy to learn.

I have been looking at the kala sprucetop thinline tenor from MGM (I am looking for a tenor size). For me, it is a really good price (including free shipping). With FS, it comes out cheaper than much of the other entry level kalas. I've read around hearing many good things about this uke but my main concern is: would this be the right one for a complete beginner?

Another plus is I am a college student so something more portable would be amazing. Thanks for the help!

You can't go wrong with MGM, he's the man! I'm not sure about the slimline but I've only heard good things. I think all Uke's are portable. Have fun!

slimline = ok

slimline tenor = not a tenor.

I learned on a tenor. The tenor is a great uke to learn on. I then got the soprano and concert size, and it feels the same to me except the sopano. But yes it is really portable. I can bring all of my ukes to family functions vs a guitar, I can only bring one.

I also chose a Kala tenor for my first uke, and have been pretty happy with it for the week I have owned it. That said, I think if I were still a college student, and a beginner, I might also consider the Fluke (tenor) and Fleas (soprano). From what I hear (I have never played one), they are practically indestructable, have good action, and great intonation, the necks seem fairly wide, and they are loud enough for group singing. Those characteristics will mean more to you after you have tried to play it for awhile. I know just carrying my Kala around the house, I have bumped into things and generally have to be careful where I put it down, so the Flukes and Fleas appeal to me. I also like the way they sound on YouTube. The price is about the same as the uke you are considering. I believe MGM carries them, and Mainland had a sale on them he may still be having if you email him (Hoosierhiver). I notice a music store in Tallahassee (FSU) has fleas on sale with FS for $132 on eBay, as well.

Maybe some Fluke/Flea owners will weigh in too. I just know how much I moved and my stuff got knocked around when I was in college.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9FK8cD2Vho

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFncGxnx94Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn0cHL3ZNkY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5KXcb2wko8


I do think that Spruce top travel uke you are looking at sounds great in the YouTube MGM plays. MGM is highly respected, so you can't go wrong. The spruce top gives nice volume too.

Of course, there is always the plastic Makala Dolphin, but the bridge may be a bit too much for some. It sounds good and costs less than $50. I know its not a tenor, but now that I have a tenor, I also want a soprano or concert, so it probably won't be your last uke.

For a first uke, go with whatever you feel is the right choice for you.
The Kala Slimline has a solid spruce top, and its thin body will make carrying it around easier than a bigger tenor which would have a thicker body. I believe they come with a compact padded gig bag. MGM sets up the ukes very well, so you can't really go wrong purchasing from him

I had to go through a handful of ukuleles before finally running into the kinds of ukes I truly like. I personally like ukuleles with a good quality pickup, such as the Shadow active pickups that come on Kalas. Having the option of plugging it into an amplifier or mixer system has its advantages when you want to be heard louder, and it is just so much fun to play around with the different effects and sounds that can be achieved with an electric

And believe it or not, but I started off with an All-solid uke... then went to just a solid top... and now all the ukes in my collection are laminates.
It's not so much that I prefer the laminate sound (solid ukes are generally louder and deeper sounding), but I find their gentler sound to be adequate for my acoustic needs, and not having to worry about humidity and maintenance as much.

Contact MGM. Tell him where your skills are and where you want them to go.

There are (almost) too many options for a first time uke purchase. This forum will provide good advice many times over, but you will still need to make a decision. Using a source like MGM, you will get good advice and help with the decision.

Since you have cash on hand, make the call. Don't look back. There's always room for one more. Besides, it ain't the uke, it's the player.

Also a newbie

I started playing in october this year. I looked all over the internet. I read many reviews on Amazon.Com of all places. I ended up with the Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele. It sounds great. It comes with what I've read are a great set of strings. it plays easy enough and it only cost me under $60 at the time. I plan to buy a more expensive Ukulele eventually but I wanted to see if I would like it first. Everything I read said the Lanikai is a great bargain at $80. If you can get it at Amazon for under $60 i would say it's a good starter. Does any agree?

Sic_Rob said:

I started playing in october this year. I looked all over the internet. I read many reviews on Amazon.Com of all places. I ended up with the Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele. It sounds great. It comes with what I've read are a great set of strings. it plays easy enough and it only cost me under $60 at the time. I plan to buy a more expensive Ukulele eventually but I wanted to see if I would like it first. Everything I read said the Lanikai is a great bargain at $80. If you can get it at Amazon for under $60 i would say it's a good starter. Does any agree?

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It was my first uke as well.

:agree:

LU-21 was my first uke, too!

But, for a 200 buck budget?

I'd get a fluke/ flea.

Great action (which means your fingers won't be *as* sore as they would be with other ukes).

Indestructible- you can take it anywhere without having to worry about humidity or some such putting cracks in it.

Fun colors to choose from.

Great sound. (I'm fond of Aquila's on my fluke...)

But, whatever uke you end up getting know this:

Any uke is better than no uke at all.

Get one and start playing!

I think it would be best to go soprano and work your way up, but if you want that tenor go for it.

I first started playing soprano and I still play it. I've played a few tenors, but I don't like their size or the string tension, so I'm getting a concert instead :]

It all depends on the experiences I suppose.

My first uke was the Lanakai LU21C. My mistake was not having it properly set up by a specialist uke dealer like MGM. Trust me, as a first uke, I would advise this no matter what you get.

Having said that, I have played the Fluke at my local music shop, and stock, the way it comes, it is sweet.

But I would not buy any other lower end uke without having it properly set up from the get go. My Makala dolphin is a honey for the money--but only because MGM set it up with replacement strings, etc, IMHO.

And I would suggest a compromise: I think a CONCERT is a great size to learn on. I started there and went down to soprano. Since I play guitar I imagine when I move u to a tenor (we need em all right?) it will be no problem.

Enjoy!