Reddit mentions: The best ukuleles, mandolins & banjos
We found 468 Reddit comments discussing the best ukuleles, mandolins & banjos. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 231 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
- Kala’s KA-15S came into the world in 2005 as the answer to a high-quality, affordable, entry-level ukulele and still remains the unrivaled ukulele in its class.
- The KA-15S is well-suited for classroom use, practicing, and acoustic performance. It is the instrument of choice for schools - More people learn to play on a Kala than any other ukulele brand
- A very traditional Mahogany Soprano Ukulele in a satin finish with a bright, warm, full-bodied tone.
- Comes with a beautiful Walnut Fingerboard and Bridge, Mahogany Neck, 12 Brass Frets, GraphTech NuBone and Aquila Super Nylgut Strings from Italy and distinguished by its etched Polynesian-style Shark Teeth rosette
- Kala ukuleles are played by some of the most renowned players around the world including: twenty one pilots, Vance Joy, dodie, EatMyUke, The Ukulele Teacher, and Zac Brown.
- SOPRANO UKULELE – This is the most common size of ukulele, and the smallest, with the shortest scale length and tightest fret spacing – tuned G C E A
Features:
Specs:
Color | Natural |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 24 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Ukulele |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 10 Inches |
2. Jameson Guitars 5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back and Geared 5th Tuner
- Includes padded gig bag: Included with this 5-string banjo is a deluxe 15mm padded gig bag for secure carrying and storage. In addition, this guitar case is designed with a front pocket, backpack shoulder straps, and a carrying handle.
- Premium craftsmanship: Crafted from the finest woods, with a 5-ply maple and mahogany shell, mahogany neck, closed back mahogany resonator, as well as a laurel fretboard, this beautiful 5-string banjo from Jameson is exceptional.
- High-quality design: Jameson's banjo features a Remo Weatherking drum head, a 5/8-inch maple ebony bridge, a chrome plated armrest, an adjustable tailpiece, and truss rod. Also, designed with a removable resonator allowing you to play the banjo both open and closed back.
- Geared 5th tuner: As a 5-string banjo, this model features a 5th geared tuner side peg. This is a beneficial enhancement over the more typical friction tuners, allowing for better control of your instrument’s sound.
- Beautiful tone: The design behind this banjo and the chosen materials enable it to produce an eloquent, rich tone. It offers distinctive and beautiful sound characteristics, perfect for playing bluegrass, clawhammer, folk, country, and rock tunes.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Brown |
Height | 39 Inches |
Length | 13.5 Inches |
Weight | 9.6 Pounds |
Width | 13.5 Inches |
3. Makala MK-SD/RDBURST Dolphin Bridge Red Burst Soprano Ukulele, Red Burst, one size
- Soprano sized ukulele
- Rosewood fingerboard with graphite dolphin bridge
- Mahogany neck
- Perfect ukulele for any age beginner
- Makala gig bag included
Features:
Specs:
Color | Red Burst |
Height | 8.66 Inches |
Length | 22.44 Inches |
Size | 0 |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 7 Inches |
4. Makala Soprano Mahogany Ukulele by Kala (MK-S)
- The Makala Classic line by Kala is simply the best entry-level ukulele on the market
- Kala focuses on the essentials - quality at an affordable price - making any Makala the perfect ukulele to begin with
- Modeled after mahogany ukuleles made over 100 years ago, the Makala line is a truly traditional, vintage ukulele that emits a soft, warm, full-bodied, balanced tone and ages beautifully.
- The Makala Series is built using the same construction standards as all our Kala Ukuleles. Comes complete with a beautiful Walnut fingerboard and bridge, Mahogany neck, brass frets, and Aquila Super Nylgut strings from Italy
- Kala ukuleles are played by some of the most renowned players around the world including: twenty one pilots, Vance Joy, dodie, EatMyUke, The Ukulele Teacher, and Zac Brown.
- SOPRANO UKULELE – This is the most common size of ukulele, and the smallest, with the shortest scale length and tightest fret spacing – tuned G C E A
Features:
Specs:
Color | White Accents |
Height | 2.37 Inches |
Length | 21.06 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 1.10231131 Pounds |
Width | 7 Inches |
5. Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Sunburst
- Maple neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Adjustable compensated rosewood bridge
- 12th-fret neck joint
- Chrome tuning machines
Features:
Specs:
Height | 4.25 Inches |
Length | 27.3 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 2.85 Pounds |
Width | 13.3 Inches |
6. Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
- Rich, Bright Sound: The Mahogany Top, Back, And Sides, Give This Small Bodied Ukulele A Rich, Clear, And High-Quality Sound.
- Easy Tuning: Córdoba Silver With Pearl Button Tuners Make It A Breeze To Tune Your Ukulele And Maintain Tuning For Uninterrupted Playing.
- Classic Aesthetics: Showcases A Solid Mahogany Top, Back, And Sides, With Quality Construction All Around. The Handcrafted Body Also Includes An Abalone Rosette And An Ivoroid Binding To The Body And The Fingerboard That Distinguishes It From Other Models.
- Satin Finish: Additional Features Include A Sleek Satin Finish, Silver Tuners With Pearl Buttons, And Premium Aquila Strings.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Mahogany |
Height | 2.75 Inches |
Length | 24 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | August 2010 |
Size | Ukulele |
Weight | 1.0802650838 Pounds |
Width | 8.25 Inches |
7. KA MK SD LBLBURST Makala MK-SD/LBL Light Blue Burst Dolphin Bridge Soprano Ukulele
Soprano Uke w/Kauri Top and Composite Back & Sides13.625" Scale Length; Mahogany Neck w/Rosewood FingerboardDolphin-Shaped Bridge; Plastic Nut & SaddleAquila Super Nylgut StringsNylon Carry Bag Included
Specs:
Color | Light Blue Burst |
Height | 8.66 Inches |
Length | 22.44 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 0 |
Weight | 0 Pounds |
Width | 22.83 Inches |
8. Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Black
Maple neckRosewood fingerboardAdjustable compensated rosewood bridge12th-fret neck jointChrome tuning machines
Specs:
Height | 3.9 Inches |
Length | 27.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 2.95 Pounds |
Width | 13.2 Inches |
9. Diamond Head DU-150 Soprano Ukulele - Mahogany Brown
- Number Of Strings: 4
Features:
Specs:
Color | Mahogany |
Height | 2.25 Inches |
Length | 21 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Soprano |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 7 Inches |
10. Deering Goodtime 5-String Banjo
Low-profile, 22-fret rock maple neck with hardwood bow tie inlaysSealed, geared tuning machines, including fifth string5/8-Inch maple/ebony Goodtime bridge with adjustable Deering tailpieceSix-year warrantyThree-ply, 11-inch maple rim with steel tension hoop and high crown head
Specs:
Color | MultiColored |
Height | 3.75 Inches |
Length | 37.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | January 2009 |
Weight | 4 Pounds |
Width | 11.75 Inches |
11. Oscar Schmidt OU2 Concert Ukulele
Mahogany bodyGeared chrome tunersBound mahogany neckInspected and adjusted in the USA by a skilled technicianSmooth fret ends
Specs:
Color | Satin |
Height | 12 Inches |
Length | 24 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | January 2009 |
Size | Concert |
Weight | 0.8 Kilograms |
Width | 3.5 Inches |
12. Makala Tenor Mahogany Ukulele by Kala (MK-T)
- The Makala Classic line by Kala is simply the best entry-level ukulele on the market
- Kala focuses on the essentials - quality at an affordable price - making any Makala the perfect ukulele to begin with
- Modeled after mahogany ukuleles made over 100 years ago, the Makala line is a truly traditional, vintage ukulele that emits a soft, warm, full-bodied, balanced tone and ages beautifully.
- The Makala Series is built using the same construction standards as all our Kala Ukuleles. Comes complete with a beautiful Walnut fingerboard and bridge, Mahogany neck, brass frets, and Aquila Super Nylgut strings from Italy
- Kala ukuleles are played by some of the most renowned players around the world including: twenty one pilots, Vance Joy, dodie, EatMyUke, The Ukulele Teacher, and Zac Brown.
- TENOR UKULELE – This bigger sized ukulele is more comfortable for larger hands and preferred by professional musician. It has a longer scale with more frets and makes a deeper, fuller sound than a soprano or concert – tuned G C E A
Features:
Specs:
Color | Natural |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 28 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Tenor |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 12 Inches |
13. Luna Honu Tribal Turtle Soprano Ukulele Pack
The Luna Guitars Honu Soprano Ukulele boasts decorations inspired from traditional Hawaiian body tattoosThis design is based on a Hawaiian turtle (honu), a symbol of longevity and endurance rendered in a Polynesian tattoo styleThe fret markers are stylized shark's teethIncludes gig bag, tuner, and c...
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 23 Inches |
Length | 3 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | October 2009 |
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Width | 9 Inches |
14. Makala Surf Green Shark Soprano Ukulele by Kala (MK-SS/GRN)
- The Makala Series is part of the entry-level line of ukulele by Kala and are built with the same high-quality Kala construction
- Kala ukuleles are the instrument of choice for schools - more people learn to play on a Kala than any other ukulele brand
- Quality-construction, fun design and an affordable price make the Makala Shark Soprano Ukulele a great gift for children and adults
- Features a Mahogany Neck, Walnut Fingerboard and Shark-Shaped Bridge, Geared Tuners and Aquila Super Nylgut Strings from Italy
- Kala ukuleles are played by some of the most renowned players around the world including: twenty one pilots, Vance Joy, dodie, EatMyUke, The Ukulele Teacher, and Zac Brown.
- SOPRANO UKULELE – This is the most common size of ukulele, and the smallest, with the shortest scale length and tightest fret spacing – tuned G C E A
Features:
Specs:
Color | Green |
Height | 2.37 Inches |
Length | 21.06 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 7 Inches |
15. Makala Baritone Mahogany Ukulele by Kala (MK-B)
- The Makala Classic line by Kala is simply the best entry-level ukulele on the market
- Kala focuses on the essentials - quality at an affordable price - making any Makala the perfect ukulele to begin with
- Modeled after mahogany ukuleles made over 100 years ago, the Makala line is a truly traditional, vintage ukulele that emits a soft, warm, full-bodied, balanced tone and ages beautifully.
- The Makala Series is built using the same construction standards as all our Kala Ukuleles. Comes complete with a beautiful Walnut fingerboard and bridge, Mahogany neck, brass frets, and Aquila Super Nylgut strings from Italy
- Kala ukuleles are played by some of the most renowned players around the world including: twenty one pilots, Vance Joy, dodie, EatMyUke, The Ukulele Teacher, and Zac Brown.
- BARITONE UKULELE – This is the largest ukulele size and uses tuning for the highest 4 guitar strings – D G B E – it is an easy transition for guitarists. It has a deep, full sound similar to an acoustic guitar
Features:
Specs:
Color | Natural |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 32 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Baritone |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 12 Inches |
16. Hamano U-30LB Colorful Soprano Ukulele - Light Blue
Strong maple body and neck in addition to a clear, high gloss finish make for long-lasting durabilityGenuine Aquila Nylgut strings handmade in Italy give clear, bright tonesEquipped with geared guitar style tuners to ensure your uke stays in tuneAccompanied with a colorful Learn to Play chord chart ...
Specs:
Color | Light Blue |
Height | 2.25 Inches |
Length | 21 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | February 2009 |
Size | Ukulele |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 7 Inches |
17. Hamano U-30BK Colorful Soprano Ukulele - Black
- Strong maple body and neck in addition to a clear, high gloss finish make for long-lasting durability
- Genuine Aquila Nylgut strings handmade in Italy give clear, bright tones
- Equipped with geared guitar style tuners to ensure your uke stays in tune
- Accompanied with a colorful Learn to Play chord chart to get you started
- Includes color matching gig bag for easy storage and transport
- To learn more, please see our Product Description below
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 2.25 Inches |
Length | 21 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | February 2009 |
Size | Ukulele |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 7 Inches |
18. Official Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Soprano Starter Kit, Satin Mahogany – Includes online lessons, tuner app, and booklet (KALA-LTP-S)
Kala Ukulele, known for high-quality instruments, is the most recognized and sought-after ukulele brand in the world. Kala ukuleles are the instrument of choice for schools - more people learn to play on a Kala than any other ukulele brandThe kit includes a Kala logo tote bag, a 20-page Quick Start ...
Specs:
Color | Natural |
Height | 22.63 Inches |
Length | 3.25 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | KALA-LTP-S |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 8.38 Inches |
19. Kala Mahogany KAA-15S Soprano Ukulele (Limited Edition Soprano)
- Soprano size
- Mahogany body and neck
- Walnut fingerboard
- GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle
- Satin finish
Features:
Specs:
Color | Soprano |
Height | 9 Inches |
Length | 24 Inches |
Size | Soprano |
Width | 4 Inches |
20. Kala KA-MK-P Makala Pineapple-Style Soprano Ukulele
Injection molded bodyAgathis wood topRosewood fingerboard and graphite bridgeMahogany neck12 brass frets
Specs:
Color | Natural |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 24 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Soprano |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 10 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on ukuleles, mandolins & banjos
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where ukuleles, mandolins & banjos are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
Okay, so...
Watching the clip /u/TheJiggersUp posted below, I don't see him playing his mandolin, so I don't have much to offer on style... I would presume he's going to play in a more classical/European style, as opposed to an American, bluegrass-oriented style. He has a bowlback mandolin rather than a flat-back or carved-top style instrument, but I don't know of any playable bowlback models that cost ~$100.
What does exist is the Rogue RM-100A which is a not-great but more-or-less playable mandolin for under $100. (Some individual instruments seem to be better than others, but it's just a luck-of-the-draw thing.) If you were to get one, you'd also do well to get some different strings for it, get a decent pick designed for mandolin (a guitar pick won't work well for this instrument), and maybe consider having it professionally set up (or possibly even trying to do the work yourself... perhaps someone else can point me to the book available on setting up a Rogue to be less awful.) I would also highly recommend getting a chromatic tuner; you spend quite a bit of time tuning this instrument, and as a beginner, it's really helpful to have one of these. If you have a smartphone, a metronome app would also be a good thing to get; otherwise, there are a million cheap, electronic metronomes on the market.
So the Rogue is a cheap, low-quality instrument -- NOT a good instrument, just the least-bad at the sub-$100 price range -- but it can get you started. I know, because that's how I started. It's designed for bluegrass more than traditional mandolin music, but you can learn the rudiments of any/every style on it.
After that, to just start learning how to play, I recommend Don Julin's book. Yes, it's "for Dummies." It's still an excellent beginner's book. He focuses primarily on American styles, but he also covers other mandolin traditions, and when you're first starting out you really just need to learn the basics no matter what style you favor. He also does some nice intro-level youtube lesson videos. There are lots and lots of other mandolin lessons available on youtube, too, and are a decent way to start out if you can't afford private lessons.
Finally, start saving up some money for a better instrument. Sooner than you can imagine, you will reach the point where the Rogue can no longer keep up with you, and begins to hinder your progress, so you need the upgrade to keep learning. The most common recommendations I see are the Eastman 304 or 305 and the Kentucky KM-140. Both are solid student instruments that will serve you well for a long time, and both can be had with professional set-up and a hard case for ~$450. I have an Eastman 305 myself and I adore it. Or perhaps there's a more traditional bowlback model out there that you'd like better, if you aim to play that way. I know very little about those.
It's a great instrument, and fun to learn. And it's entirely possible to come from zero background with stringed instruments and still make good progress. Good luck!
Edit: Oh, also... certainly it would be a good thing to learn (or re-learn) how to read standard musical notation, but a lot of mandolin music is available in tablature (or tab), which is a much easier system to use and doesn't require the ability to read music. The Julin book I linked to above uses both.
Edit 2: Also, here's a recent thread on the Rogue, just so you can see some other people's opinions.
Just so I know, have you ever played any other stringed instruments? (Guitar, bass, etc.)
A lot of cheap ukuleles aren't great, yes. But this uke is pretty cheap, and it's fantastic. It's my first uke, I have it sitting next to me right now :) I've had it for about a year and a half now, and I've never had any problems regarding it getting scratched, dented, or any pieces coming loose or anything. This is fantastic, considering I definitely don't treat it as gently as I should.
Now, that's a soprano ukulele, so if you want a deeper richer tone, or if your body/hands are bigger (which isn't really a problem, though some people like a uke to match their size), you can go with a concert or tenor. Bass gets really deep, so unless you're looking for that specific sound I wouldn't look for a bass.
I have yet to find any cheap concerts that are decent quality. I'm probably going to be getting a concert as my second uke, so I've been looking into them a lot. If you want a nice concert, it's going to be upwards of 100, probably 200. You could probably get one cheaper, but the quality wouldn't really be worth it. Not only will the build be worse, but the sound is most of the concern. (This is the concert I want to buy. If you can afford any ukes from luna, I highly recommend them. Beautiful instruments)
Like most stringed instruments, you want to try to get a solid top. They sound much richer and the solid wood reverberates sounds much nicer. Some people like linoleum top, but the general consensus is solid tops are better. The Kala I linked to above is a solid top, to my knowledge.
Best case scenario, try to find a music store nearby that has a wide range of ukuleles and test some out. They should be able to provide you with a tuner if you know how to tune a ukulele (GCEA), of they can tune it for you so you can test it out. Before you go, I would try to memorize a few basic chords (C, G, Am, and F are good ones) so you can see how they sound. Once you find one you like, buy it online. The markup price in stores is ridiculous.
If you can't go into a nearby store, just buy online, and try to find a youtube vid of it being played before you purchase :)
I'd be happy to answer any more question you have about anything regarding ukes, or you can hop on over to /r/ukulele !
oh my god, you HAVE HAVE HAVE to buy one. they are suppperrrr simple and sooo addicting. i got mine last week and cant help but play seriously between 6-12 hours EVERYDAY. like im having trouble sleeping or even redditing or watching tv or doing anything bc its so addicting and so much fun and all i can think about! haha i love it and have never played any musical instrument besides a harmonica before.
I got mine for 30$ on amazon its baby blue and then ordered some quality strings for 9$ and the sound quality is pretty great. Also they come in all of these really cute bright colors which is just a bonus coolness. two of my friends have already ordered their own just after playing mine cuz its so easy and the strings arent as painful as guitar strings on your fingers. Seriously please go buy one, its hands down the best investment ive made for a long time. also getting high and trying to figure out my favorite shins songs on it is just a blast :D
heres me high and having a ball http://i.imgur.com/rpFbQ.jpg
and heres an amazon link just to help you out bc i know you'll love it! i dont know how anyone couldnt love it!
http://www.amazon.com/Mahalo-U-30LB-Painted-Economy-Soprano/dp/B001SN7R54/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1341969253&sr=8-14&keywords=ukulele
I was actually in this exact situation when I started playing - was a highschooler with free time and just wanted to learn banjo.
Good luck, and have fun!
OK!
Off the get-go, I'm gonna recommend a Kala. I started with a concert, which was a bit out of your price range, but the link I put down for eBay is showing soprano ukes (the smallest uke size) in the 60-80$ range. Kala makes supremely solid instruments; I've still got my concert uke after almost a decade, and although I upgraded to a Mele uke last summer I can pull out the Kala for impromptu jam sessions and have a good time.
Another good recommendation would be for a Lanikai. This one is also a soprano, selling at about $60. There's another soprano Lanikai being sold at around 70$ on Amazon. I don't know enough about either model to say which is better than the other, but I know that both have gotten pretty good reviews as far as starter ukes go.
One more option that might work is a Cordoba, also sold on Amazon at about 75$. This one is a concert size, so that might work better for you depending on how big your hands are and whatnot. And from what I'm seeing, it's also a total steal- they normally go for 50$ more.
In the end it all comes down to personal preference. Any of the ukes that I linked in this comment should do you fine, but you might enjoy a bigger size uke (concert, tenor) than a smaller one. You will also be paying more for a wooden one than a plastic one. If the ones I linked are still a bit pricey, I'd suggest looking at Kala's more affordable starter line Makala, which will top out at 65$ or so but also come with a bag and tuner.
If I can give one more suggestion, stay away from Luna. They have cute designs etched into the wood but they're not good for much more than kindling.
Happy hunting!
Hm, well if you want to perform with it, you're not likely to find anything that sounds pro-quality for $30-40 dollars. The biggest problem you'll run into with these cheaper ukes is poor quality control. So maybe some frets are a little too high and that will create buzzing. Or it's not constructed quite right and the sound is muted and dead. Or it doesn't stay in tune up the neck. Fine for someone learning, but not ideal for performing.
But, in that price range I recommend checking out the lower end Kala ukuleles. Amazon link. The dolphin / shark ukes are plastic and look like toys but are actually really good beater ukes. Even though I have much nicer ukes, I still use my Makala Dolphin when I go camping or to the beach or whatever. You also don't have to worry about leaving them in a hot car. They have a surprisingly full sound and are SUPER durable, and cost about $45. If you don't like the look of the colorful plastic ukes, a laminate wood Kala like this is fine too, but may not be as tolerant of heat or excessive moisture.
Being a bigger guy with (I assume) larger-than-average hands, you'll likely be most comfortable on a Tenor sized ukulele, but those may be out of your price range for a half-decent one. (The ones I linked above are Soprano, the smallest size, which you may find cramped). But here's a $99 tenor you might be interested in. And here are some performance-quality tenors starting at $184.
Whatever you choose, you absolutely must replace the stock stings with decent ones – it makes a big difference on these cheap ukes. I recommend Aquila strings. Make sure you buy the right size (i.e. Soprano or Tenor).
I'm not sure about the left-handed aspect. It seems to me that it'd be easier to just play it in the normal style (fretting with your left hand, strumming with your right). Otherwise you'll have to flip your strings and all chord charts and tabs will be backwards for you. And on some ukes (likely not $40 ones though) you'd have to flip the bridge to get the strings to lie right. Seems like a pain. Or I guess you can just play it upside-down, but all your down-strums would sound like up-strums. But I'm right-handed so take with a pinch of salt!
If you are looking for an outlet to make music and you aren't glued to an instrument choice yet, I'd like to advocate for the humble ukulele.
A tenor or baritone size uke is very easy to play (chords are shaped the same as on a guitar but there are only 4 strings so they are much simpler) and can be picked up very quickly and it's satisfying.
You can pick up a very good Kala tenor or baritone uke on Amazon for under $100 and be very happy with it (although I'd change the Aquila strings that commonly come on these for Martin Clear Fluorocarbon strings immediately if you can, much nicer sound - a lot of music stores will carry these but you can also get them online for cheap, less than $10 for a set).
I started on a soprano but ended up with a baritone and I've been playing that Kala bari for years now and I love it so much. I often say it was the best $85 I've ever spent, no contest. This is it, or very close - the price went up a few bucks but still super cheap: https://www.amazon.com/Makala-Baritone-Mahogany-Ukulele-Kala/dp/B001LTZZSG/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=kala+baritone+uke&qid=1555525149&s=gateway&sr=8-3
If you're buying in store, be sure to ask the people there for help. Guitar Center is really good for buying ukuleles too! If you have the time, learn what GCEA sounds like, because these are the notes you tune a ukulele to. If you can recognize those notes, you'll be able to tell that the ukulele you're inspecting is tuned correctly, try a C note (with the neck in your left hand and the body in your right, press your ring finger on the bottom string on the 3^rd fret and strum all four strings). This will let you know how the sound is, but if it's subpar be sure to ask an employee what's up--the ukulele itself could be constructed poorly or it might just have cheap strings on it--one will cost lots of money to fix, the other about $5 and half an hour.
With a cheaper ukulele, I recommend geared tuners as they're much easier than friction tuners. The little turner things at the top of your ukulele are tuners, and (no duh) they tune the strings. Geared tuners have little gears, or sometimes tiny boxes that conceal the gears (you may or may not think these boxes are ugly, that's a personal choice). Friction tuners are just pegs that the strings are attached to. Friction tuners work by just stretching the string a little bit--I don't think that they affect the life of the strings in any way, but I do know that most people find them more difficult to use than geared tuners, as the movements are more precise. Geared tuners use a system of gears to tighten the string around the peg, and usually make it easier to accurately tune the string.
Obviously, check for any scratches, dings, or dents in the instrument. The fret wires (the metal lines on the board where your fingers go) shouldn't jut out over the edge of the neck, and they should be sanded down so you don't cut yourself when you play. Make sure that all the pieces of the ukulele fit together well--poorly attached pieces will affect the sound and might even fall right off!
If you're buying online, obviously you can't check for most of these things. Do a ton of research (lots of people have already given great resources, GotAUkulele is one of my go-to sources!), or go with one of the standard /r/ukulele favorites:
The Makala Dolphin is an unofficial gold standard for starter ukes. It's relatively cheap and not half bad for its price, and it comes in a lot of colors and has a cute lil dolphin for a saddle!
The Mahalo U-30 is cheaper and uglier than the Dolphins, these ukes are also not bad for the price. This was my first uke, and while the other one I own now is a lot better, I don't regret buying this one for a moment! It's probably the cheapest ukulele I would recommend to a friend--anything cheaper than this is going to be junk. It also comes in a variety of colors.
Kaka literally means poop. And it's less than a Happy Meal. No way is it going to ever be good.
I understand not wanting to throw money at something you're not sure you're gonna like in the long run. But as a teacher who works with instruments (in my case, percussion, but it applies to any instrument) let me give you some important advice:
Your pleasure and success with an instrument relies somewhat on the quality of the instrument. When you are struggling to learn something new and the strings won't stay in tune, the sound is hollow and tinny, you get buzzing on the frets, or any other number of issues a cheap ukulele will present you with, you will get discouraged. You will believe you are the problem, but you may not be. The instrument becomes a barrier to your ability to learn.
Now look, a pro can make a "cheap" ukulele sound good, but even they have limitations on a ukulele that is $6. Even then, you're not a pro, I'm not a pro, and a cheap ukulele is just gonna sound terrible. You won't be able to figure out if it's something you've done wrong or the shitty instrument, and may just give up.
Instead, invest a bit more up front. If it doesn't work out, at least you have a re-sellable instrument! If you buy garbage like this, you'll barely be able to give it away...
This article gives a good rundown of your options at entry-level.
I 100% recommend the Makala Dolphin and Shark series. They are around $50, sometimes a bit less, and they make great beginner ukes. Sturdy, good sound, and that plucky, joyful tone that you want from a soprano uke. If the candy-like colors or plastic body options in that line are a turnoff, for a little more you can get a Kala that appears a little more refined. Kala makes the Makala line as well, and they are a good manufacturer you can trust. You will want to get new strings ASAP if it doesn't come with Aquilla or comparable good quality strings.
Also, hilariously, not one of the people pictured with the Kaka ukuleles is actually playing the ukulele it is advertising. Different bodies, wood and inlays, bridge shape, etc. China doesn't try very hard with this crap...
Super not an expert, so please don't take this as gospel or anything.. but personally, I ended up going w/this:
https://www.amazon.com/Rogue-RM-100A-A-Style-Mandolin-Black/dp/B003LHV1X4
It's definitely on the cheap end (at $70) but sounded totally ok out of the box. I've been "seriously" playing guitar for around ~3-4 years now and decided I wanted to experiment with a new sound, but couldn't commit a whole lot of cash.
I really enjoy picking it up and kinda noodling around here or there, and it adds a pretty cool texture to songs. Ultimately I don't think it's my fave instrument to play, but I ran it by my guitar teacher anyway just in case - he commended the good bargain, and let me know it was a good intro instrument.
(1) What is(are) your first uke(s) of choice?
Luna Honu Soprano
(2) How much did it cost?
$85 shipped.
(3) What are 3 things you like about it?
(4) What are 3 things that you wish could be better?
i don't play it well, but i love the sound of it. it's a rogue rm-100 which after a pro set up plays way better than i expected. i'm just not that handy with a pick, which is why i love ukes and clawhammer banjo.
i've only fiddled around a little with a dulcimer at my local music shop, so i don't really know much about positioning either. it was fun to play though. that's what i'm all about. i'm just a simple hack musician who likes to have some fun.
A Makala Dolphin plus a New Set of Stringswill cost you about 50$ but is probably the best option. It has a good build and is a great beginners uke, also remember that you will need a case + tuner + capo (if your into that) in order to use it properly. The Dolphin also becomes a great travel uke once you get a nicer one.
If you really want a wooden uke (doesn't make to much of a difference at a budget imho) than go with something like a Kala MK-S Bundle
Why not both! The theory is the same, it's just the hand skills that are different. You'll probably find yourself gravitating to one or the other which is fine. Practice 30min - 1hour a day and you should pick it up pretty quickly. Tons of online tutorials for both instruments, just make sure you actually play along and do the exercises because just watching isn't good enough. Money wise you could get both a uke and mini keyboard for under $200 total.
​
Kala makes cheap ukuleles that sound pretty damn good. Their more expensive ones are good too, but no need to spend that much yet. Lohanu's are super popular and sound good as well.
Soprano is the more traditional size, Concert is a little bigger with a bit more fret spacing which is nice if you have big hands.
Ukes:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F543PAW
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015XD4YLY
Useful accessories:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JI3XDDK
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QL1EZC
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MC5TMJB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1N49MC
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RALL
​
Midi Keyboards (Note: these connect to your computer):
Komplete Kontrol M32 (best software bundle by far)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N2VQ1NH
Arturia MiniLab MkII 25
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSNIVKE
Akai MPK Mini MKII
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJ6QAO2
Novation Launchkey Mini 25
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VVNOMGI
​
Too lazy to do useful accessories for this at the moment.
My favorite hobby is playing the ukulele!! I started a couple of years ago because I wanted something to do during the summer, and I loved it. Let me tell you, once you pick a ukulele up for the first time, you won't be able to put it down! I am also a huge George Harrison fan (and when I say huge I mean HUGE), and the ukulele was one of his most beloved instruments! It's pretty easy to learn and it's almost impossible to be unhappy while playing the ukulele.
Here's a relatively cheap ukulele for beginners that still has a wonderful sound! It's also plastic, so it's very portable/easy to take care of. AND it's prime eligible, so you should add it to your wishlist right away!! ;)
Here's a starters guide/tips for beginners!
The ukulele is probably one of the easiest instruments to learn, full stop! Even if you only spend an hour a week practising, it's surprising how much you can learn.
If you're playing jazz standards, the best thing to do would be to try and learn from lead sheets and chord charts to any simple songs you can find. That said, this material can be quite harmonically complex, so you're probably better off starting by learning easy pop songs, just so you can pick up the basic chords.
I'm assuming you're American? I can't speak for the prices there, but this ukulele model is pretty universally regarded as one of the best beginner ukuleles, and they come in all sorts of colours, so going by that, you should probably not spend any less than about $50.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask :)
For $50, the absolute best deal on a uke is any Makala. I bought one for my sister last year for her birthday. It had a bridge shaped like a dolphin. She likes dolphins.
I repair, restore, and deal in antique and vintage ukuleles - often very nice ones. In fact, I just got finished with a neat antique La Pacific banjo ukulele that I've been playing half the morning. Next up is a 1950's Silvertone with a waterskiing motif stenciled on it. I was playing some Smokey Robinson for the wife on it last night. ;-)
The little Makala ukes are every bit as nice as vintage & antique ukes that I sell for $150-$300 plus - especially for a first uke.
Here ya go:
http://www.amazon.com/Makala-MK-SD-Dolphin-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B003766KSA/
Amazon Prime - $44.99 with free 2-day shipping if you're a Prime member. There are a lot of different colors and designs to chose from. That's just the one I bought for my sister.
For a few bucks more you can get one with a gig bag and an electronic tuner.
If you have a smartphone, there are dozens of free ukulele tuner apps that you can get.
There are also dozens of web sites with free online ukulele tuners.
If you're not an experienced woodworker/luthier I would advise strongly against a 'kit' uke. There's a LOT more to it than simply gluing it together. They almost always need the frets dressed, and the nut and saddle filed correctly, etc.
They're also generally made of some very inferior wood and materials, unless you spend a lot of $$ on the kit.
If you don't have a shop full of specialty luthier's tools and a lot of knowledge and experience, you'll just end up building a crappy, unplayable ukulele.
I cant say anything re: parlor guitar, but I bought this jameson 5 string resonator banjo for SUPER CHEAP to teach my self how to play and it has been absolutely outstanding value.
It has 5 stars over 228 reviews on amazon - seriously the best deal ever on an instrument.
I know that $135 is over your $100 budget, but you just arent going to get a banjo for less than that - even an open backed one.
Hello! I am new to banjo and just recently did this whole new banjo thing and purchased one in November for myself. It was pretty inexpensive, yet I got a great quality banjo for myself. I'm learning bluegrass with a resonator. I'm not sure if you're looking for a high quality banjo to start with that large budget, but the one I found was referred to by a handful of different websites as "The best quality banjo you can get for it's price."
Here is the link to the banjo from the company website:
http://jamesonguitars.com/banjos/
I am Canadian but bought mine through the American Amazon for $155 USD:
http://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S
The Canadian Amazon link if you wish to compare price:
http://www.amazon.ca/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S
Price is much cheaper through the American Amazon, although it may not ship to you in Canada as I had to use a friend with an American address to retrieve it.
If you have more questions for someone who has already gone through the whole "I'm new to this, what should I do?!" phase, send me a message :)
I did a lot of research a few months ago when I was in the exact same position. I didn't want to spend to much but I wanted a decent instrument. I bought this Oscar Schmidt OU2 Ukelele from Amazon and I love it. It was perfect for me as a beginner from a cost/quality perspective -- it's only about $60 USD and pretty good quality (it's made by Washburn). I also liked that it was a concert ukelele, which is a few inches larger than a standard uke.
I bought this ukulele about a month ago and I'm really happy with it. It has a nice bright sound and it was the perfect price. With Amazon Prime it's $26 (even less expensive than when I bought it). And just last night my Aquila Nyglut strings came in and they just made it sound so much better. With those two (provided you have Amazon Prime) it's just over $35. It's certainly not the best ukulele out there, but I'm definitely going to be happy with her until I save up for a nicer soprano or maybe a tenor uke. I think you will be too.
This is pretty fascinating from a neutral bystander's point of view. I'm curious what a person could have that might kill them any time, but I understand your desire for anonymity.
I'm not sure how much experience you have with doctors, but in my experience they get things wrong a lot. Like more than half the time. Just something to consider. I hope you are reading up on your diagnosis big time. It might take a few days, but you will probably know more about this illness than the doctors before too long. Don't be afraid to question everything they tell you.
Meanwhile, is the situation with the suicidal images in your head getting worse, or is it about the same as a week ago (your last post)? How much success do you have just moving the image aside and thinking about something else? I ask this because I think most people have pretty gruesome thoughts pop into their heads sometimes (with accompanying dialog suggesting nastiness), but that's just part of the thousands of images that pop up through the course of a day. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong, it just means you saw Friday the 13th when you were 9 because your sister's friends were having a sleepover and you were peeking into the living room through the heating register.
Watching YouTube is wonderful. Personally, I like the video subreddit to find new things to watch. Usually very high quality stuff. Of course, there is also Hulu to catch up on Family Guy, and Netflix to watch all 7 seasons of Buffy (as well as Angel). Sometimes you just have to "check out" and let your brain rot on TV (or TV-simulated experience).
But lets say worst case is that you are going to die in like two days (and you don't know it and can't control it). I mean, you are literally (definition 2) living the life of "If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do?" So do you want to spend it watching YouTube? If you say 'yes,' that's totally okay. Or would you rather spend it doing something else?
You seem to write pretty well. Got a short story in you (you'd better make it short, you could be dead any time)? How about learning a new piece of music (if you don't play an instrument, spend $73 for a ukulele and through the miracle of YouTube, learn to play complete songs within a day!). Can you paint? Whip up some 5x7 portraits that make you really feel being alive. Now that would be irony!
But seriously, I'm not really suggesting that you need to do anything. I understand your feelings of being overwhelmed to the point of inaction. Believe me, I understand. Sometimes I'm able to get out of this funk myself by just doing something random that I really enjoy and haven't done in a long time.
The coolest thing on my wishlist is a Turtle Ukulele... I love George Harrison and he once said that everyone should play a ukulele so I've wanted to learn to play one ever since! Also I love turtles and tortoises! <3 I have a few different spiritual connections with them. If anyone is interested in that kind of thing, one involves a Jungian kind of therapy called Sand Tray therapy, but it's hard to explain.
It's very expensive and right now it's even higher than usual, and Luna makes such beautiful instruments so I put a few up in case the price gets more reasonable on one of them lol. They're all gorgeous. But anyway here it is.
Tortoise gif?
Ha, this guy knows what's up
I got a $60 mandolin for christmas and I've been practicing every day since. It's been serving me very well as training wheels! I also recommend getting a snark tuner, it makes tuning a breeze and with a cheap mandolin that goes out of tune pretty quickly its worth it. Here's the link, hope this is helpful! http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-RM-100A-A-Style-Mandolin-Black/dp/B003LHV1X4/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1451520688&amp;sr=8-12&amp;keywords=mandolin It sounds great to me.
Btw, there are tons of websites and youtube videos to learn with. I jump around but I really enjoyed MandoLessons,com.
Good luck!
I picked up [this banjo] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0033P1O6S?psc=1&amp;ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) earlier this week. I've been picking at it just about daily off and on for a good few hours and I love it. Great sound, good quality construction. Very happy with it thus far. And certainly didn't break the bank if my conviction to learning how to play peeters out.
I've got this guy and he's pretty nice, with almost universally good reviews on amazon. Plus the resonator is detachable, so you can play either style. Personally I think the tone is better without the resonator so I practice without it, even though I'm working on bluegrass finger picking. It's nice to have the choice.
You must play with picks to get that characteristic bluegrass plucking sound. The clawhammer style is actually playing with the back of your index or middle finger nail. Dixieland and/or Irish banjo uses a guitar pick. I've never heard of any other banjo style that's played with your finger tips alone, like you would with a base.
I am very VERY much a beginner, but I'm still happy with my cheap Amazon (Jameson Guitars) Banjo. It stays in tune, and sounds like a banjo. I'm sure something 10x-20x more money sounds much better, but for me this has been a nice inexpensive intro.
https://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1484096293&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=banjo+jameson
Let me suggest the Kala KA-15S. I bought one of these 4 years ago when I was in your shoes (no musical background at all). I currently have 4 ukes, but often pick this one up to this day when I want to jam on a soprano.
I am definitely happy that I used the ukulele as a way to get into music. It has been a fun and rewarding learning experience.
Honestly, [I bought a rogue off amazon for my niece and nephew] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002H0KG0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1) and was amazed at how solid an instrument it was for the price.
The action is set very low, so it's easy to play, and it projected pretty well. I would definitely give it a go. I play an Eastman MD515, and while it's obviously a much nicer instrument, it's not like it's night and day.
I know it's expensive and all (If I win, pick whatever you want from the wishlist, it really doesn't matter), but nobody I know likes the banjo, so I guess that makes it unique.
I really like a wide cast of characters. Not just main ones, but little side characters that show up throughout the story. Like, if there was an old guy who was camping and met the protagonists out in the forest, and they meet again awhile later but in a completely different setting, but again it's only in passing. It makes it seem like there's a huge world surrounding the main storyline.
I got a ukulele for Christmas, and I love it! It was super easy to learn using YouTube videos, although I already had music experience with piano.
I would recommend the Kala KA-15S if you're looking for a soprano uke. The Kala Makala is a little cheaper, but I think the extra dollars in the Kala KA-15S are worth its better quality. Ukes are one of the cheapest instruments out there anyway.
I went with a soprano uke bc my hands are pretty small, but you could go for a concert size if you prefer a deeper tone.
5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033P1O6S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
This is the one I started with. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it/had any skill before buying a nice one. It will do the job, but if you can find a better beginner banjo used in a store it is Much better as these from amazon really need set up work. But overall, it works, you can learn on it. Happy picking.
I just got myself one of these
It needed a fair bit of set up, but if you follow the directions in the "step by step to pro banjo setup" link in the side bar it sounds pretty good once set up. The main issue I had was the head was not properly tensioned.
The hardware on it is decent. All geared tuners, even the fifth string, and a Remo weatherking head. The external finish is very nice... the insides are not all that polished, but it does sound good...
The resonator comes off with four thumb screws and the banjo is built so that you won't get torn up by the tension brackets, so you can play it with the resonator attached for bluegrass and take it off if you prefer for clawhammer.
Edit: I just noticed the price has gone up $42 since I ordered it, but even at $189 it's still a pretty good deal IMO.
Makala Dolphin. The internet agrees its the best cheap uke out there, even better if you can have it properly "setup" or buy it form someone who sets them up.
Other best bet rom my personal internet research, --> Kala. Reliable. Super reliable. Again, find someone who will set it up for you.
http://www.amazon.com/Makala-Dolphin-Bridge-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B002ZSE9ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1395195442&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=makala+dolphin
or
http://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B001LU1SFO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1395195469&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=kala+soprano+ukulele
This would be a good starter one.
This one is a bit more money, but I've heard good things about it too. It also comes with everything but the kitchen sink, and the gig bag is supposedly rather good.
Grab a tuner too. Yes, apps work. A tuner is really really handy though!
At the price you're willing to pay, I'd honestly avoid a solid wood top.
I would just go for it, I bought one on impulse purchase at a folk music store about a year ago and its fun to play around with when ever I get on a Bluegrass stint and want a sound that my guitars just won't give me. Plus you can get a decent starter one for around 50 like this one which seems like a popular starter one and decently rated one. I'm sure someone else will link a better starter one.
This is awesome! :D
Item1: Ukelele. I want to start to learn how to play.
item 2: Guitar string
"C'mon...gimme."
I bet you both look lovely today. I saw /u/186394s video yesterday and it was hilarious especially when he said that he installed the app slice the fruit.
I saw rasta's video earlier. :)
I googled kala ka-p and I see this model going for 40 to 110 bucks or so. Kala official website has it marked at 109. The title of the Amazon link says kala ka p BUT you want to have them send a pic of the inside sticker. If it says kala ka mk p it's the makala one, not kala. For what it's worth, the image in your post looks closer to the kala ka mk p grain pattern here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LU39F6/ref=psdcmw_11971501_t2_B005ETZQU6
Than it does to the kala ka p here:
https://kalabrand.com/products/ka-p
But if they send a pic and it's the real McCoy kala ka p, that is a great deal on a great uke!
If you follow this simple regimen, you will be prepared to play ukulele in no time at all:
You are now ready to play.
I don't know what you're level of musical experience is, but ukuleles are easy to learn! (Not that you can't take them to incredible extremes beginners can only dream of!)
Workable starter ukes can be had for as little as $20, although if you can afford a bit more you can get something that will last you a long time . . . still for well under a hundred dollars! I started with one of these, and even though I now also own a tenor with an amp pickup I use this concert all the time. It has a fantastic sound!
Something like the Makala MK-S might work for you. It sounds better than the super cheap plastic-y ukuleles but still maintains the nice "cheap" twangy, kinda stereotypical ukulele sound. I've got one myself and it's pretty well built, never had trouble keeping it in tune, intonation problems, or felt like it was about to fall apart in my hands.
I decided to start ukulele last year and it's been going well so far! I highly recommend it-- I'm in college and get anxious/stressed very easily and just strumming while I study is very helpful. Plus it's typically more quiet than a guitar!
I got a Kala MK-T Tenor. I liked it because it has a deeper tone than the soprano uke but still uses the same chord formations (bass ukes are different). Once I got it I just googled a few YouTube tutorials to get the feel for it. Honestly, the chords are mostly very simple. After that I just used UltimateGuitar.com and searched for my favorite songs. It takes practice, but after a while you'll realize that you have learned a lot of chords!
Concerts have a sound closer to the classic uke sound, which I like better. I've played a Córdoba 15-CM a bit, and it sounds great. It's usually around $100. But it's all about what feels best to you.
Córdoba 15-CM
If you're just beginning, I don't think it will really matter too much. I was also very conflicted about what ukulele I should purchase first, but then I saw this video on youtube... and it stuck me that probably the most important thing will be the amount of practice you're willing to put into learning.
I ended up getting a kala pineapple ukulele, and have actually been pretty happy with it. For my level, I definitely didn't need a very expensive one!
Also: do ukuleles cost more in Slovenia? On amazon.com, you can get the makala MK-S for about $50, which is about 47€...
This is the one I have, it's fairly cheap for a ukulele but it has aquila strings everyone seems to love. The build is pretty nice as well, no sharp edges.
Best of luck with your training! My dad was active duty for 27 years.
I really want to learn to play the Uke.
Thank you for the contest <3
Go Ben!
I think you should get the blue ukulele because it is blue, has a dolphin bridge, and would just be cool. I have always wanted to learn to play the ukulele...
Either that or buy this because breakfast is by far the best meal of the day and I have heard the most important! Plus then you could save the rest for something big!
I am also in the market for a new banjo but don't have those type of funds to work with as OP. Would this be a good starter? I know nothing about stringed instruments( I played brass my whole life) so any suggestions would be helpful. I have like a 200 dollar budget
Ok great, thanks! Think I should go for this Deering or save almost $200 and go for the Dirty Thirties?
This was my first uke and i still think it plays amazing to this day. It's cheap, functional and has a nice warm sound. I would strongly recommend this one.
I second the ukulele option! You can get a decent uke for under $100. I got this Cordoba one when I started. Also can't go wrong with the beginner Kala brand ones either.
Another creative option is something called "Diamond Dotz." My mom used to like adult coloring books but this is next level! It's actually pretty calming.
Go Ben!
This ukulele looks awesome!!! ROCK OUT!
Thanks for the contest! Hope you're feeling better!<3
The Makala MK-S was my first uke and it still serves me well. It also fits your budget. The strings it comes with are OK, but if you want some better ones, go for these Aquila strings. This Snark Tuner is also a nice thing to have.
Kala KA-15S. $53 and it's pretty good quality as well. Try looking for second hand if you want a cheaper one
http://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B001LU1SFO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1422599679&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=kala
This to make your laptopping more pleasent and still have money to get adorable Ukulele!
You'll still have $12.12 to get yourself something of your high priority list or whatever you've really had your eye on! If I gifted someone a gift card, I would just want them to really treat themselves!
Well I'll show you what I did. I bought my girl a uke ($100.00) and because I wanted a similiar instument to help teach her I bought this here mandolin and I tune it like a uke. I love this instrument. That is all.
http://www.amazon.com/Deering-GOODTIME-BANJO-GT-Goodtime/dp/B001Q9F34W
This one is great. It feels like a "real" banjo and comes well set up and ready to play. Had it for a year and no issues.
Item which would most make you seem like an old posh Englishman: Fountain Pen
Most "oh god, I would never be seen with this in public" looking item: Totoro kigirumi
Most phallic looking item: Giant banana suit
Most geeky item: Probably the Millenium Falcon repair manual
Item which would most help you achieve a goal: A new camera lens
Best item to bring to a deserted island: A ukelele and some coconuts.
Late on this thread...
But is this the mandolin you have?
http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-RM-100A-A-Style-Mandolin-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1427687597&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=rogue+mandolin
I'm trying to search for a good one to start on to see if I really get into it like I have with guitar. I also just like exploring instruments and seeing what all is out there. It would also be cool if I could get a mandolin and play with some people that have banjos and guitars and stuff like that!
I'm just worried that I will get it and not be able to set it up correctly. Did you have any problems with this?
Not exactly an answer to your question, but...
My solution to this was to buy a baritone ukulele and put bass strings on it.
A baritone uke is the exact same size as a bass uke but a lot less expensive. Replacing the stock strings with the strings I linked above will give you the exact same tuning as your full size bass. And the same feel with nice metal wound strings instead of those rubber bass uke things.
Yes, there is a little adjustment going from the uke to the full size bass, but it's not that bad.
Ooh, that's great! I hope you're able to get it soon. :D I got this one. It's so pretty, now I just need to learn to play it!
I bought this one when I seen someone else on her asking a question about Uke’s as an entry level. Kala is was very popular in the thread. I was not disappointed. After playing a poorly made cheap uke that was lent to me. This was totally different and boosted my enjoyment and learning.
So I bought this Ukulele, which is seemingly forever on sale for $30.
I'm very happy with it, sounds great, holds a tune for a long time, highly recommend it if you're looking for something cheap but still good.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008277N80/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Kala KA-15S
Makala MK-S
Firebrand Ukulele. A whole starter kit though
I started my daughter on the ukulele at 4 (she's actually still just playing that). The tuning's similar to a guitar at capo 5, though it only has four strings. That makes chords easier. A C chord is just one finger. The transition to guitar should be fairly painless then.
You can get a decent uke on Amazon for about $25. Like this one
Info | Details
----|-------
Amazon Product | Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
>Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. By using the link above you get to support a chairty and help keep this bot running through affiliate programs all at zero cost to you.
I was planning on getting [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001SN7R54/ref=twister_B00J2R705K) but I really also like [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Mahalo-U-40CN-Ukulele/dp/B004U48V62/ref=pd_sim_MI_13?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=0RQYA8AZFMKG3BZT0XE2).
wanna help me pick one?
I went with this one, it was only 55 bucks, and I absolutely love it. Plus, if it gets beat up from camping and travelling, I'm only out 55 bucks. It sounds and plays rather well too. http://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Schmidt-OU2-Concert-Ukulele/dp/B0002GLMEK/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1301584587&amp;sr=1-1
I got my Kala K-15s about 3 years ago. Best starter ukelele I could find back then for my price range (I think it was more expensive then). And the mahogany finish is very nice. I still play with it today, it has been through a lot and has been my companion in hard times.
https://kalabrand.com/collections/ka-15-series/products/ka-15s
Lone $55
https://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B001LU1SFO
Bundle $75
https://www.amazon.com/Kala-Ukulele-Mahogany-Soprano-Polishing/dp/B077KLP9XH/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_267_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=0FNS5F5ZW713X7KJZNBE
I’m a beginner and purchased this Jameson banjo last year. It’s been really great. Nice sound and inexpensive.
I purchased this ukulele early 2016, and it is wonderful. Read the reviews. It is a perfect starter ukulele for the price.
I have an Oscar Schmidt concert uke, which I quite like, although I've seen a comment or two on reddit calling it cheap. It is actually under a hundred dollars, though. This seems to be mostly the same but even a little cheaper, but I can't vouch for the quality.
Obviously I haven't played every uke out there, but for under a hundred dollars I think the Oscar Schmidt concert uke is a quality instrument, and great to start out on.
Play 4 en Amazon a $5,200 con cupón BUENFIN2017
https://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/product/B075NN2896/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=AVDBXBAVVSXLQ&amp;tag=pdesc-20
Ukulele a $549
https://www.amazon.com.mx/Diamond-Head-DU-150-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B008277N80/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&amp;dealid=0e736e9b&amp;ref_=gbmh_mob_m-3_973c_0e736e9b&amp;smid=AVDBXBAVVSXLQ&amp;tag=pdesc-20
GoPro Hero Session en Walmart a $2,500
https://www.walmart.com.mx/Fotografia/Camaras-de-Video/Camaras-de-Video-Deportivas/Camara-Deportiva-GoPro-Hero-Session-CHDHS-102_00081827901726?utm_source=affrktn&amp;utm_medium=aff&amp;utm_campaign=mg_affrktn_rev_alwayson&amp;utm_term=%2FU5f5VTeAQM&amp;ranMID=38610&amp;ranEAID=%2FU5f5VTeAQM&amp;ranSiteID=_U5f5VTeAQM-hIrsxJ5c_7IlMk1paTv72g
If you really want to buy from Amazon this is better for not much more https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LU1SFO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1469747858&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=SY200_QL40&amp;keywords=kala&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=41LxikpFbcL&amp;ref=plSrch I have two different Kalas and love them, although I didn't buy them from Amazon so they would have been checked before I ever even saw them.
I can tell you a bit about the ukuleles I've owned. My first ukulele was this Kala soprano ukulele, which was a laminate model. My second ukulele was this Kala concert ukulele, which was solid spruce. Now, I definitely prefer the sound of solid wood to laminate, but the difference is pretty subtle.
By the way, it might be hard to find a ukulele in that particular price range. I've found that laminate ukes are generally around $50-70 and solid wood goes up to $200.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008277N80/
This seems low enough to be shady, is diamond head any good? It has good reviews but a low price so I don't know what to make of it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FY5O1OC/
This one seems more reasonably priced, but again I have no experience with these different brands so if you have a good brand/uke for a somewhat low price i'd love to hear it.
snazzy magnifying glass necklace so i can magically make things burst into flame.
^(no really i want to try and make fire with it for funsies)
thanks for the contest fellow primeryn <3
I like this one but its 48. But the shape and color are pretty <3
I will recommend the Makala Soprano. I bought one last year when I was in college for around $50. It sounds great for the price! (the sound isn't quite as twangy as some of the other cheaper uke models that I have played)
Be sure to check any uke out for build quality before you purchase. We stock the little $30 Hamano ukes in the shop I work at and they don't hold their tuning for more than a few hours. It's worth the extra money not to have to deal with retuning it multiple times per playing session, especially at your level.
Edit: I can wholly recommend the Mitchell line of ukes. I've had the concert size for years, it has held up!
I'm also a beginner, and was in the same boat as you about a week ago. I considered buying used, but quickly got frustrated looking for a good deal. I also have a history of quickly dropping new hobbies, so I wanted to pay as little as possible for a playable banjo.
Based on the endorsement here, and the reviews on amazon, I ended up pulling the trigger on the 5 String Jameson Guitars Banjo.
It does have a resonator, but it's easily removed with a Phillips-head screwdriver. For under $200 I got the banjo, an introductory book, and a few sets of strings to play around with. So far I'm very pleased with the banjo, my only complaint is that the string action is rather low, and there's no bridge cut out like you see in many of the open backed banjos.
Also take a look at this thread, they have a couple recommendations for other places to look.
Pedals, song books, lessons, strings... I go through a lot of strings. Nice straps are more expensive than most people realize, and they can make a big difference. A decent guitar stand (one of those Hercules ones) or, if you have a couple of guitars, one of the folding multi-guitar road cases...
Sometimes something non-guitar is nice too - My sister and I were both gifted cheap mandolins last year. At the time it seemed a very odd thing - she used to play keyboard but hasn't played in years, and I'm all guitar all the time... but we've both genuinely enjoyed plonking around on those things, even if we're not particularly proficient players.
Jeebus e'ry buddy started on rich boy ukes.... My first ukulele was 3500¥ and sounded good because of the pineapple shape.
Thank you so much! As far as I know, as long as you can have things delivered from amazon you should be good. Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Luna-Honu-Inch-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B002SSUR3M/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1334085836&amp;sr=1-1
Sure, here are some quality concert ukes in the same price range:
Cordoba 15cm
Enya EUC-X1M
Kala LTP-C
Kala KA-C
Keep in mind that even with these, you're buying from the factory if you order from Amazon. That means the music store isn't there as a middleman to send bad ones back to the factory. ALL music instruments require this middleman to keep from occasionally getting duds, even the top brands. It's part of why music stores exist.
So keep your packaging until you're SURE it's a quality instrument. This should be standard practice whenever you buy any musical instrument from a ukulele to a harmonica to a trombone.
I'm researching ukulele's for a friend's birthday present and this one seems to be very good for the price. Though the general consensus is that it benefits from switching out the strings
I'll be going to the Bronck house in Coxsackie N.Y. tomorrow. It's the second oldest residential building in New York State. It was built in 1663, and it's the oldest still standing house that wasn't renovated/rebuilt over the years. I'll also be taking a trip to the farmers market, swimming in the pool and helping my brother set up a slackline.
1.21 gigawatts!
Thanks for the contest!
Definitely a Makala Dolhpin! The thing is practically indestructible since it's mostly made of plastic. It sounds great too if you put some Aquilas on it. I know you said she's not destructive but this thing will last forever because of its durability.
I hope you like ukuleles c: link
Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LHV1X4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TxuQCbM7VTZ1F
Above is what I have, and so far it’s been great to learn on! Also available:
Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Sunburst https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZyuQCb8VEN2TD
Savannah SA-100-BK A-Model Mandolin, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WDQ5GE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.zuQCbG11VF2C
New myself and was just browsing Amazon. Would something like this be at all recommended or a decent beginner option?
Link
:)
I would also recommend going with the Goodtime. They're a bit cheaper on Amazon, and they're really, really worth it, quality-wise. A lot of the low-end banjos made overseas are cheaply put together and have problems with the action (distance of strings from the fretboard) or crappy tuners, and won't sound very good either, whereas my Goodtime's been played for almost a decade, I've abused the hell out of it for the past year (playing several hours a day, lugging it around on the bus, regularly changing the tuning), and it's escaped with only a couple minor scratches and nicks. Still totally playable and sounds fine. It is a little bit quieter than other banjos will be at jams, but I get along pretty well.
Thanks all for the great suggestions, i really appreciate all the responses!!!
i browsed around fruther on Reddit, and have been eyeballing this:
Deering Goodtime, 5 string, openback at Amazon
I think for the price, that would be a great starter... i am leaning towards bluegrass, but will have to consider alot through the learning process...
I doubt that i would sell any equipment i purchase, as i really like having equipment available to have spontanious jam sessions, and i also am a terrible musical Pack Rat... Quite the flaw.
I've had this one for almost 2 years and it's great. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LU1SFO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1462734878&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=SY200_QL40&amp;keywords=ukulele&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=51LJmUzunKL&amp;ref=plSrch
Ive had two of these and been very happy with the sound and playability. http://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-MK-B-Makala-Baritone-Ukulele/dp/B001LTZZSG
You'd probably do well with something like this in that price range
I personally like this red burst ukulele with the subtle dolphin bridge. Really brings it all together for me. Then I also stumbled upon this tropical treasure.. All this talk of ukes make me think of Stitch so here is a video.
Oh and an add on under $5 I've been really wanting.
Mahalo!
Just buy the uke. Kala has several models for $55 or less on Amazon with free shipping. Ukulele is much easier to learn than guitar, and there's not really that much that carries directly over. Both are fretted instruments, but they have totally different fingering patterns and chords. Some strumming patterns are similar but the actual technique is different. You hold them differently due to the vast size difference. Etc.
I think you're going to get this because then you will play us all music. That item looks mighty fine.
Ukulele. The Makala Dolphin is a really great ukulele for the $45 price tag (especially if you blow the budget by $2 for some Aquila Nylgut strings) and there are tons of places to get tabs of all skill levels. I got my first uke for Christmas a year ago, and haven't stopped playing since.
Granted, it gets real expensive once you start buying more ukes and more accessories for those ukes, but none of that is actually necessary.
This is the one I got. Has a really good sound to it and for $150 it exceeded all my expectations.
It's going to be tough to find anyone selling a uke at that price on Reddit and/or Craigslist... If you can scrounge up another 30 or so bucks you can get this: http://www.amazon.com/Kala-MK-S-Makala-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B00172UVG8/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1345579530&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=kala+makala+mk-sd. It's a great beginner's model, cheap, and doesn't feel like a toy.
I'm looking at the Kalas right now! This one looks nice: https://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B001LU1SFO/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1467851917&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=kala+ukulele
According to the amazon page for the 15CM, it shares mahogany wood with the 20 seires, and says "mahogany top, back, and sides" which makes me think it's solid, but down the page when it talks about the 30 series being top of the line "features all solid woods"...so then anything less than a 30 is laminate? I am confused 😝
Get a cheap ukulele.
and become as cool as this kid
http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Mandolin-A-Style-Holes-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&amp;colid=2A90Q5KKLKHWS&amp;coliid=I251MHVLOCIF9T
I'm not sure if i can live with being a southern stereotype... yes i can...
I bought a Makala MK-S and a set of Aquila strings. I also bought a soft case and Snark tuner. All have served me well for almost two years.
That item looks mighty fine.
I think that you are going to get the banjo!
http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Mandolin-A-Style-Holes-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Worth. Every. Penny.
Remember that Rogues are the lowest of the low end. Basically they're right above a toy banjo you would buy a little kid for Christmas. $80 is about what I'd pay for any Rogue instrument.
I recommend this one as a starter. For the price it's very, very good.
You're going to get this, so we can jam. That item looks mighty fine.
I'd go with the Cordoba 15CM for that budget. It's $99 on Amazon
This is my first banjo. Seems alright to learn the basics on, and about spending too much scratch in case you don't like it.
I am also a beginner and considering buying this $50 one: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LU1SFO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1396315571&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40
It has a lot of positive reviews despite being 'cheap'. But I dont know anything about music instruments, so I am not sure yet. People here tell I should spend at least $100. Maybe I'll buy the $50 one. If it turns out I cant keep myself motivated enough to play, I will not have wasted that much money. But then again, maybe the cheap one will sound bad enough for me to think it is my playing that is bad. Oh well.
I was looking at this one. I have no idea if I will be able to learn how to play and I’ve never tried before.
https://www.amazon.com/Official-Kala-Ukulele-Soprano-Mahogany/dp/B01F543PAW
based on what I read on this sub , this is the one I ordered:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LU1SFO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;colid=26C96DFDBGGLY&amp;coliid=IF40PQS9GKIFR&amp;psc=1
what do you think?
What do you think about this?
http://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1394748648&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=banjo
Is yours this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diamond-Head-DU-150-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B008277N80/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1510684224&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=diamond+head&amp;dpID=418y1VQWePL&amp;preST=_SY300_QL70_&amp;dpSrc=srch
or this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diamond-Head-DU-108-Rainbow-Soprano/dp/B00467PIHS/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1510684224&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=diamond+head&amp;dpID=41aMkORmdzL&amp;preST=_SY300_QL70_&amp;dpSrc=srch
This, for college. <3
I need something to do on the quad.
A Makala ukulele sounds right up your alley!
Here is the desktop version of your link
Have a list
ok, this one comes in a choice of colours
Les Paul Concert uke goes for $150 so it's way over budget. Oscar Schmidt OU2 is going for $86 and it's "fully" acoustic.
https://www.amazon.com/Luna-Mahogany-Honu-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B002SSUR3M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1478917661&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=luna+soprano+ukulele
Here is the mobile version of your link
I have a concert!
Oh boy!!
This
Or This
But they're really just on there to show people what kind of person I am. I know very well It'll never happen and I'd feel so guilty if it did because they're ridiculously expensive
Looks an awful lot like a Jameson but with a different logo on it. Sorry dude!
banjo i always wanted one someday ill get it when ever i have extra money