Ukulele Buying Guide

Tiny Village Music’s

Ukulele Buying Guide

Congratulations! You’re ready to buy a ukulele! First, we recommend you watch Ross’ video. And then we recommend you use this to help you with your purchase.

And if you aren’t on our ukulele email list, head here for some free stuff and to sign up to beta test our online ukulele course when it’s ready!

Note: Some of these are affiliate links, which means that for the same as the regular cost to purchase, you can throw a few pennies our way. Thanks for your support, and happy reading!

Getting Started

There are different opinions about what the best ukulele to get is. It’s totally subjective, and my recommendation (Kala KA-15C) might not be the right thing for you. So if you don’t want to just order the Kala KA-15C, try as many instruments as you can. Go to your local music store and play a bunch of ukuleles. Bring a friend. Ask the employees what they think. Get those ukes in your hands and figure out what feels best to YOU.

Ukulele Sizes

Screenshot 2019-04-19 at 10.27.57 AM

Note: bonus points if you can find the spelling error in that chart!

Soprano (small) – It’s got that traditional ukulele sound.

Concert (medium) – In-between size that shares qualities of Soprano and Tenor. Recommended for those who aren’t sure what they want out of their ukulele.

Tenor (large) – Bigger with a warmer sound. Longer neck for more complex arrangements.

Baritone (extra large and tuned like a guitar) – Biggest of the bunch. Low, warm, guitar-like sound. The tuning is different than the other three.

Other Factors To Consider

Aesthetics

As shallow as it may sound, pick something that you’re attracted to. You want it to sound good but you want to want to play it.

Cost

Obviously, it needs to be in your budget, and there are plenty of options.

Kala is a brand that I’ve had great luck with. Models like the KA-15s are good instruments that won’t break the bank. ($50 or so)

Return Policy

If you’re ordering your instrument online, make sure to investigate the return policy.

Whether you get an uke that’s defective or it just doesn’t sing to you, you want the option of swapping it out.

Our Top Picks For Starter Ukuleles (as outlined in the video), starting with our favorite!

Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele with FREE Deluxe Stronghold brand soprano uke soft case gig bag

 

Kala KA-15C Satin Mahogany Concert Ukulele Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

 

Oscar Schmidt OU2 Mahogany Concert Ukulele Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, and Polishing Cloth

 

Luna Uke Tattoo Concert Acoustic Mahogany Ukulele with Basic Accessory Bundle

 

Lanikai MA-C Mahogany Concert Uke w/Gig Bag, Cloth, and Tuner

 

Protege by Cordoba U100CM Concert Ukulele (Amazon Exclusive)

 

Hricane Soprano Ukelele 21inch Ukulele Professional Mahogany Ukele Hawaiian Uke UKM-1 Pack with Gig Bag

 

Donner Concert Ukulele Mahogany DUC-1 23 inch with Ukulele Set Strap Nylon String Tuner

 

Kala Waterman Soprano Ukulele Fluorescent Purple

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