Purchasing my first Ukulele

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mike_terror

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Hi guys, I've been browsing through this forum lately, and I was actually brought here by someone's youtube video that had this link.

Anyways, I'm in the market for my first ukulele and I'm just trying to get some insight on what brands or models that people might recommend through experience.

Before I start, I used to play the trumpet during my youth years, but haven't played in maybe 4 years. I'm hoping some of my music knowledge(whatever is left of it) will help me with learning the ukulele. I plan to teach myself through free tutorials online and as well as through videos.

I'm basically looking for a Soprano classic size Ukulele, and I'm actually quite overwhelemed with all the different brands and wood. I understand that it requires some time to check out the instruments in person and play them and see how they sound. But if someone can recommend a brand or model through their own personal experience, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm sure certain people have dealt with some common problems with certain brands, and have had a great experience with others. I'm looking for recommendations on my first very soprano to learn with, making it a rather enjoyable experience than one that will make me put the ukulele in my closet because it was unplayable or ran into many problems.

My budget is $150, I don't need something thats top of the line, but wouldn't mind paying a bit extra for something that will last me, and make learning the uke a fun experience rather than cheaping out. :shaka:
 
The Bruko Slim are a good compromise between a low price and a quality instrument.
Link to Bruko °5 or
Link to Bruko Slim maple
It's 115€ witch is a it less than 150$, you can hear it HERE.
I've tried it several times, and it was hard for me not to buy it, it has a huge sound projection for it's tiny body.
Hope it will help you,

CouS
 
I'm thinking about the OHANA SK-50MG Soprano. Does anyone have any experience regarding this model??

MGM also sells it
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ITEM-OHANA-...16224QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

Besides that, I was also looking at the KALA KA ASMS soprano offered from MGM's store as well. Both are actually the same price
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kala-ka-asms-SO...3607894QQihZ014QQcategoryZ16224QQcmdZViewItem

based on experience, which one would you guys recommend as the better model / brand / build


EDIT: I really dont know much about tuners, but so far based on my readings, more people prefer the GEARED SIDE TUNERS than the FRICTION TUNERS. The KALA model listed above has the geared tuners, so I plan to go with that one. Any suggestions?
 
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for a starter uke in that price range, you really cant go wrong with a kala. Youre at the right place in MGM's shop. i havent played an Ohana, but i started on a kala, and it was just fine. beware though, any one of your choices will leave you thirsting for more.

and i do recommend the geared tuners. youll find its much much easier to fine tune the instrument.
 
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The solid mahogany is a perfect first uke!
Just do yourself a HUGE favor and get one from someone who's gonna give ya a setup and knows ukes.

MGM
ukulele4u
elderly

I recently got a "deal" from a guitar dude and now I have a nut made of superglue (looks horrible, but sounds nice).
 
I vote Kala

I have had my first uke only a few weeks now, but I'm very happy with my Kala tenor. I had tried some really nice looking/sounding Ohanas, but the action was set a bit high, and would need adjustment. Maybe with the right set up they would be perfect.

Try and get your hands on one in a store, and make sure you can be comfortable playing all the way up the fretboard. I am looking at sopranos with long necks, and both Kala and Ohana make those.

The choice of strings will make a difference too. I replaced the GHS strings that came on my Kala with clear Worths, and it sounds brighter.

I went back to the music stores a few days ago to check out the selection (UAS... got it bad), but ended up liking my Kala better than the higher end ukes in the store. I had cash to buy, if I saw something that knocked my socks off, but my uke at home sounded just as good (if not better to me). I escaped this time, and should be satisfied for awhile. But new models are coming....


–Lori
 
mike_terror said:
I'm thinking about the OHANA SK-50MG Soprano. Does anyone have any experience regarding this model??

MGM also sells it
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ITEM-OHANA-...16224QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

Besides that, I was also looking at the KALA KA ASMS soprano offered from MGM's store as well. Both are actually the same price
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kala-ka-asms-SO...3607894QQihZ014QQcategoryZ16224QQcmdZViewItem

based on experience, which one would you guys recommend as the better model / brand / build


EDIT: I really dont know much about tuners, but so far based on my readings, more people prefer the GEARED SIDE TUNERS than the FRICTION TUNERS. The KALA model listed above has the geared tuners, so I plan to go with that one. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

I think if you stick with something MGM has to offer you will be happy....I bought a tenor from him & the setup is great....To me that's whats important when buying a low end instrument....Your not going to get the perfect tone but with mgm you'll definately get good action & upgraded strings!:shaka:
 
Thanks for all your great insight guys.

I think I will bite the bullet and go with the KALA solid mohangany that is offered from MGM. Only $189 :)


Btw, sorry for the newbie question, but what is a "nut" for the ukulele. I read many post regarding people having to change the nut or replace it because they ran into problems with it on their uke.
 
I was in the exact same boat as you about 1 week ago... too much information and tough to make a decision.

The first decision was size - and I was originally leaning towards a Tenor but this forum helped convince me a concert would be a better way to go for a beginner... (I thought a tenor would be easier because it was bigger - not so!)

The second decision was to go with solid wood... if you can afford it that seemed to be a given.

Third was looks and quality... would have loved a Koa but too much $$$. I really liked the Koa Pili Kala (KPK) with the Accacia wood (like Koa) but there are too many quality issues I read about (cracking).

I went to several stores and tried the Kala and they were great - but for not much more $$$ I found i could get solid wood.

I ended up purchasing a Mainland Concert Uke... I felt it was a lot more for the money than the Kala - even though it cost a little more. solid wood - great craftsmanship. Something that feels like I can grow into it and will last long term... I really liked the idea of ordering directly from them and not going through third parties...

The service and attention from Mainland when I ordered it were very very good and I am very very pleased with my purchase.

Last thing you need is more information and more Ukes to consider - but I thought you might benefit from experience.

Here is a nice review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovc4MsISep4 - there are several other great youtube reviews on the Mainland and others... take a look at the mainland tenor review...!

Good Luck

p.s.: I'm learning on my own following online tutorials/videos - many here in UU and some others. Let me know which ones you like and your experience - I'll do the same!
 
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Thought i'd share my thought process of getting my first Uke:

Not being musically talented, i was interested in the uke but was not totally sure about what to buy, nor knew anything about ukes. I ended up purchasing a $60 Oschar & Schmidt mahogany to start out with at the beginning of the year.

This way, if I didn't enjoy the product or was too brain dead to learn, the $$$ spent wouldn't have hurt me so hard.

After getting the uke, I started surfing the net and found a lot of good info....This site being one my primary sources. Being a gear junky, i started searching for online shops. It really helped to know what to look for and where to search.

Aside from Quality & Looks, i've learned that the wood YOU select plays a role in the sound you like as well...so if you have the opportunity to see the product in person, do so.

Although i'm still a total newbie and still wanting to learn more, I have come to love this wonderful instrument. I now have the PONO Tenor 4-String Koa Cutaway and a KoAloha SuperConcert. Both with pickups. Currently looking for a decent amp now. Ha ha.

PONO was purchased from MGM on Ebay. I got the KoAloha direct from Hawaii.

:shaka:
 
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I bought my first uke from MGM in January. I decided on a Kala concert, with the spruce top. I love the sound of mine, although I'm not that experienced with the sound of other ukes.

I'm more than pleased with my dealings with MGM, and love the package deal and the pro set-up.

My package was only $139....the difference between the spruce top and the mahogany, I guess. The rest of the body of mine is mahagony, also.

Somehow I can see more ukuleles in my future....:)
 
Well my .02 says

The all Solid Mahogany Kala's are not "starter" Ukes, they are better than that...
The KA-S would be more along the lines of a "starter", and nothing wrong starting with a good laminate Uke.
That way you have a decent Uke to travel with and keep in your backpack!!!!

I'd put the one your thinking of against the Pono's any day, I know I own the Pono Mahogany Soprano and I play the the Kala Solid every time I go to my local Uke shop, tryin to justify not buying it!!!!!
 
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freedive135 said:
Well my .02 says

The all Solid Mahogany Kala's are not "starter" Ukes.
The KA-S would be more along the lines of a "starter", and nothing wrong starting with a good laminate Uke.
That way you have a decent Uke to travel with and keep in your backpack!!!!

I'd put the one your thinking of against the Pono's any day, I know I own the Pono Mahogany Soprano and I play the the Kala Solid every time I go to my local Uke shop, tryin to justify not buying it!!!!!
Click to expand...

Sorry, but did you mean the kala solid mahogany that i listed from MGM's website is NOT a good buy? or a good buy



PS. I really have my mind set on the Soprano, as it is the "classic" to learn off of. Would there be any good reason to go with a concert size? as I do see many people purchase those as their first.
 
luigidk said:
I was in the exact same boat as you about 1 week ago... too much information and tough to make a decision.

The first decision was size - and I was originally leaning towards a Tenor but this forum helped convince me a concert would be a better way to go for a beginner... (I thought a tenor would be easier because it was bigger - not so!)

The second decision was to go with solid wood... if you can afford it that seemed to be a given.

Third was looks and quality... would have loved a Koa but too much $$$. I really liked the Koa Pili Kala (KPK) with the Accacia wood (like Koa) but there are too many quality issues I read about (cracking).

I went to several stores and tried the Kala and they were great - but for not much more $$$ I found i could get solid wood.

I ended up purchasing a Mainland Concert Uke... I felt it was a lot more for the money than the Kala - even though it cost a little more. solid wood - great craftsmanship. Something that feels like I can grow into it and will last long term... I really liked the idea of ordering directly from them and not going through third parties...

The service and attention from Mainland when I ordered it were very very good and I am very very pleased with my purchase.

Last thing you need is more information and more Ukes to consider - but I thought you might benefit from experience.

Here is a nice review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovc4MsISep4 - there are several other great youtube reviews on the Mainland and others... take a look at the mainland tenor review...!

Good Luck

p.s.: I'm learning on my own following online tutorials/videos - many here in UU and some others. Let me know which ones you like and your experience - I'll do the same!
Click to expand...

Luigidk, was this the model you purchased? http://shop.mainlandukuleles.com/product.sc?categoryId=3&productId=9
 
Sorry bout that I was typing at work!!!!!

That Kala in your link is a Great Uke and for the $$$$ would be hard to beat...
You will be very happy with it, I know I would be.

I am thinking very hard on getting the Tenor model and it would be my 3rd Tenor if I do.

About the Concert ????
Alot of new Ukers think that a Soprano is to small or their fingers are to fat and such....
So some folks will tell them to start with a Concert as they have a little more space between the frets especialy when you head closer to the body.
 
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Yes - that is the model I purchased.

though others on this forum are much more informed than I am. Just passing on my experience.

As far as size - I figure concert is right in the middle... I did try Soprano models as well as tenor and it did feel like concert was just the right temp! Again - not knowing how to play made it tough to try out!!!

Take a look at the thread I used for helping my decision - might be some other good help!
http://ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10552
 
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wow, right now im really stumped between the KALA solid mahogany from MGM or the Mainland uke soprano model since luigidk brought that up.
 
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