Should I invest in an expensive ukulele?

Question

I hear that one should not buy a ukulele in the $20-30 range because it will not stay in tune, yet some say that the ones in the $70-80 range are the same way? As a beginner ukulele player, should I invest in a $70-80 range uke? Would buying better strings help for either a cheaper or expensive ukulele?

Answer 1

As with most purchases, the old saying “you get what you pay for” is true of ukuleles as well. Here is what you can expect to find in the different price ranges. Prices are in USD.

$1 - $100: Most ukes less than $100 are very toy-like. Don’t expect good sound quality, intonation, action, etc. Also don’t expect the strings to stay in tune for very long, even after they’ve stretched. This class is only really good for children or those with no real desire to make music, though you might find a few gems in this price range that are playable.

$101 - $300: This is a good price range for those who are new, but still serious about the ukulele. Intonation and action should be fine, the strings should stay in-tune (at least after they’ve stretched), and the sound quality should be satisfactory. A few brands in this price range are Lanikai (from Hohner), Martin (the new model), and Bushman.

$301+: After about $300-$500 you have brands like Kamaka, GString, KoAloha as well as custom-made ukes and vintage ukuleles like those made by Martin. Just about all of what you find in this price range will be quality, but the exact price will depend on materials, aesthetic features, condition (if the uke is used or vintage), etc.

Answer 2

You should get a cheaper one to start with, if you could find a nice ukelele rental that would be ideal. You might determine that you'd rather play something with a bit more teeth like the cello and suddenly your ukelele will seem rather silly, and then you'll be out that additional investment.

Do you think that Ed Grimley started with a premium triangle? I doubt it, it's likely he practiced on a beginners triangle first which wouldn't stay in tune. He developed his professional triangle skills as a result of the poor quality of the beginner triangle. It honed his ear to recognize how terrible it sounded.

You have to start at the bottom to climb to the top.

Answer 3

Usually buying the higher quality products leads you to a more expensive unit.

You need to decide :

FIRST What it is you want?
SECOND How much are you willing/able to spend?
THIRD Will you use it enough to counter the cost?

Just a few things to consider, Hope it helps.

P.S Nevermind what the ppl say about it, if you like to play it then, you play it and have fun with it!
Good luck

Answer 4

Someone from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain recommended Kala. Amazon sell them and you can get a starter soprano ukulele for about £25.00.

Answer 5

If you really love to play that instrument then yes. But, maybe you can find a used quality uke at a music store or on craigslist.

Answer 6

go to a music store.....If it's a good store, they'll have people there that know their sh**, and won't him-haw around your questions. Ask them to help you pick out the best you can get for your money.

Answer 7

if you love music and want to learn to play well. Then by all means, yes; invest a good instrument. It is easier to learn a new instrument it it is a good one

Answer 8

perhaps you can buy 'tiny tim's". I don't think he'll be needing it anymore...

Answer 9

ukelele, huh? I wouldn't.

Answer 10

no,steve urkel,don't.