I received the following message for advice from a friend whose non-profit (teaching music to kids in war-torn countries) is currently sidelined by the pandemic.
In the meantime, she is teaching stressed healthcare workers how to play the ukulele. https://www.shropshirefoundation.org/get-involved/frontline-healthcare-workers
She's apparently getting a number of requests from nurses who want to purchase a better instrument:
"Hey, I keep getting asked for uke recommendations for beginners who want something decent to play. Instead of making a list and keeping it handy, I do the research new each time. Could you tell me what you would recommend in these 3 categories: 1) less than $100 2) $150 or less and 3)$200 or less? I don't mean special deals because I'll probably get asked for this next month and 6 months from now and next year. But as an average price."
Does anyone here on UU have links to someone providing a lengthier buying guide like this? I have opinions but would like to see what others have already outlined.
Liz and I discussed that part of the problem is that these beginning students often try to play right out of the box from a big box retailer like Amazon, and may encounter mile high factory action. And, those same students may not be prepared to pay for a set-up.
So ideally, this guide should either list retailers that always sets up action, or models and brands that consistently come ready to play.
In my thinking, it would also discuss that once into the $150+ and $200+ range, a solid top or solid wood instrument and associated increase in sound quality becomes possible...
In the meantime, she is teaching stressed healthcare workers how to play the ukulele. https://www.shropshirefoundation.org/get-involved/frontline-healthcare-workers
She's apparently getting a number of requests from nurses who want to purchase a better instrument:
"Hey, I keep getting asked for uke recommendations for beginners who want something decent to play. Instead of making a list and keeping it handy, I do the research new each time. Could you tell me what you would recommend in these 3 categories: 1) less than $100 2) $150 or less and 3)$200 or less? I don't mean special deals because I'll probably get asked for this next month and 6 months from now and next year. But as an average price."
Does anyone here on UU have links to someone providing a lengthier buying guide like this? I have opinions but would like to see what others have already outlined.
Liz and I discussed that part of the problem is that these beginning students often try to play right out of the box from a big box retailer like Amazon, and may encounter mile high factory action. And, those same students may not be prepared to pay for a set-up.
So ideally, this guide should either list retailers that always sets up action, or models and brands that consistently come ready to play.
In my thinking, it would also discuss that once into the $150+ and $200+ range, a solid top or solid wood instrument and associated increase in sound quality becomes possible...