what is a good first uke and what where can i get the ovation applause pick-ups
You can buy a new Applause soprano, with or without a pick-up. They start around $125.
According to a recent thread over on the ezFolk forums, the Applause QC has jumped the shark. Might want to stick to Paul December's recommendation of Kala or Ohana.*
I'd add in Mainland.*
*(full disclosure -- both these companies have sponsored me. But I recommended them before that.)
Hey I started with a Lanikai LU-21 concert uke and really liked it.
I haven't played one myself. But seeing as how Amazon has 'em for a mere fifty smackers (and no tax or shipping if you're in the US), I'd agree they're worth looking into. Especially if you're not yet sure that ukuleles are "for you", and you don't want to sink a pile of money into one right now.
JJ
That Lanikai LU 21C is a great starter uke. It's the uke that got me hooked on ukes. My first few videos were done with that uke, if you want to hear what it sounds like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOqRDrcLPc
i looked in to them for a very long time last night cause they was recommended on yahoo answers but i couldnt find a site that shipped good ukes pretty much the only ukes in england seem to be mahalos ashton spongebob and ones which ive had cause it was the only one i could afford when i wanted to start but now ive got about £50 so im trying to find a lanikai 21c but cant find them
i looked in to them for a very long time last night cause they was recommended on yahoo answers but i couldnt find a site that shipped good ukes pretty much the only ukes in england seem to be mahalos ashton spongebob and ones which ive had cause it was the only one i could afford when i wanted to start but now ive got about £50 so im trying to find a lanikai 21c but cant find them