Want to get into Ukulele..what is a good starter uke?

Typical question from someone wanting to start in ukulele, What is best to start on?

Q. Hi Chris,
 A friend Linda recommended you to me.
I wish to purchase a ukulele, but have no idea what type/size to get.  I have no musical experience and, as my father said, tone deaf ... hopefully an exaggeration.  I guess that I want a beginner type, but with reasonable strings etc. Linda said about $40 could get me started.  It sounds a good price. Please let me know what you suggest and how to purchase it.

Cheers, Martin


A.  Hi Martin,
Lots of choices at the starter level.  Many are not too good unfortunately.

Most of your $25 ukuleles are pretty much toys, they may look like an instrument, but they; 
1. Are Hard to Play (Nut/Bridge height too high or too low and of poor quality)
2. Refuse to stay in tune (fishing line for strings and rubbish tuning pegs)
3. Are badly intonated (Nut/Bridge/Frets not in right place) so they barely play in tune and get worse as you move up the fretboard

IF you spend about $40 you are getting into the range of proper Instrument not Toy. 

I sell a lot of the Makala Dolphin Series Soprano Ukuleles at $40, they come with GHS Brand strings (USA) rather than fishing line.  11 colors to choose from. They feature a one piece resin moulded back and sides, with a wood top, so there are no back braces to come loose, no joints to crack.  Tough as old boots they are and the back is even arched, which is nice.  Frets/Bridge/Nut are all in the right positions and fitted well.

WHAT SIZE UKULELE IS RIGHT?

If you have big hands and chunky fingers then you might opt to go for the next size of ukulele up from the Soprano.  The Concert size Ukuleles have more space for Chunky fingers on the fingerboard.

A good starter Ukulele is the Makala MK-C, they cost just $65, again with quality GHS Brand strings.
Only available in Natural Wood with a satin finish.

All ukuleles I sell are Checked for Quality and Playability before I post, and if needed, adjusted and set up for best playablity.

HOW TO PURCHASE
I sell direct to the public by mail order with a small Flat Rate fee for Postage in OZ ($10),
Normally payment for mailorder is Direct Deposit or I can raise an Invoice via PayPal Payment.

Purchase in Person COD
Or you can collect from me in Elizabeth Vale and save postage.
Or you can collect at The Nukes Ukulele Club Tuesday Evenings at the Old Spot Hotel, 7pm.
Or I can deliver depending where you live.

MAKALA AND KALA RANGE AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA
Here is a link to the website of the Aussie distributor if you like to check out range prices pictures etc.
http://www.jacarandamusic.com.au/

If you have anymore questions please get back to me.
Always happy to arrange demo of a few for you.
Regards Christopher