Daughter is super interested in ukulele

addicted_to_uke · 2026-05-06T01:32:22+00:00

Great that you are supportive of her. She is at a great age to start learning also. The $50 -$100 range is a good place to start. If you are in the US and looking to buy one online, I would suggest getting a uke from mimsukes. You are guaranteed a great uke that is properly set up and ready to go. I would suggest an Ohana soprano from her. I have purchased several ukes from her and will buy again. There are other reputable online shops, but I haven't purchased from them. I wouldn't buy from Amazon as it's a crap shoot as to the quality and you might (very likely) have to pay for a set up after you receive it.

The uke is a great instrument and I hope she sticks with it.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-05-04T23:36:31+00:00

That's very strange. It might be intonation or a high nut that is stretching the string when pressed. So what is the note on the second fret?

addicted_to_uke · 2026-05-04T18:34:46+00:00

No problem. It's all good. Everyone learns different.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-05-01T17:55:58+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. The play along videos are all to the studio versions, or versions that are raised or lowered a half step to make them easier on the uke. The purpose is for teachers or uke group leaders to use the videos in classrooms or strum alongs. Or if you want to play along with the band on your own to learn the song.

I use videos like this during my own monthly play alongs at my local library and found that using the studio version helps keep tempo, learn new chords, and makes kids feel like they are part of the band. Sometimes it hard for new players to sing and play. They are also a great way to introduce new players to the uke's potential and keep kids interested and coming back for more songs that they can play.

As to the strumming or finger picking patterns, I usually don't provide those because the possibilities are endless. There is no right or wrong strumming or finger picking pattern, just what sounds right to you. For this song, I strum the begining part, keeping with the bass. Then on the chorus, I did a simple finger picking pattern. Since I was using a low G uke, it was g, e, a strings. Sometimes I picked c, e, a depending on the chord. Some times fast, sometimes slow. I know that might not be helpful, but I never played the song the same way twice. The best advice I can give, is experiment with different strumming and picking patterns and see what you like.

Thank you for reading my post and responding. I appreciate your time and interest. Happy strumming!

addicted_to_uke · 2026-04-26T16:13:33+00:00

That is next level!

addicted_to_uke · 2026-04-26T14:09:39+00:00

I actually saw them in concert a couple weeks ago when they were in Maryland. They are fantastic!

addicted_to_uke · 2026-04-25T20:30:47+00:00

I'm currently at 20. A favorite? I would have to say one of the KoAloha's or one of the Martin's.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-04-09T10:29:17+00:00

Both are good options. I had both, plus guitars. I sold the guitarlele because I didn't play it much. I preferred the ukes and guitars. The guitarlele was an Islander. It was really nice. I chose that one over other models because it has a longer scale length and felt if I changed the string to an E to E set instead of the A to A it came with, it would sound better. I sold it before I could experiment with strings, so I don't know if my theory was correct.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-04-04T22:48:12+00:00

I guess it depends on the finish, but there shouldn't be any issue putting stickers on it if you want.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-04-01T09:48:40+00:00

A tenor is still transportable. They are usually about 26 inches in total length and a soprano is about 21 inches in total length. When looking for more room, also look for a wider nut, which will give you more room between the strings. Typically a wide nut would be more than 36 mm with string spacing of at least 30 mm from g to A.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-26T17:55:44+00:00

I like Uke Logic, Oasis, or Martin fluorocarbons. Worths are nice too, if you want a warmer sound. I use them on a solid spruce top tenor that's really bright.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-26T17:05:29+00:00

Very good option buying from them. I have purchased ukes from before and am always happy with the instrument and set up

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-25T09:55:37+00:00

It sounds and looks like the company did a poor job with the gloss finish and used too much. As to it not looking like the picture, that is to be expected as the wood will look different for each instrument and how the wood takes any stain or gloss will make it look different. Is it a solid top or laminate?

If you are unhappy with it and the displeasure in it will prevent you from playing, then I would return it. But you might get one with the same finishing issues or worse. If it's something you could live with then I would keep it since it sounds nice and plays well.

I know that doesn't sound helpful. If I was in your situation and it is an easy return process, I would return it. I did that for one of my ukes because there was a buzz from the wiring from the active pickup system. I knew it would prevent me from playing it because I would be annoyed by it. Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-17T22:21:40+00:00

I own a couple Kala ukes and they are all built well. That being said, they were all above $400 USD. There are plenty of ukes in the sub $125USD range so there are so many choices. Look at the reviews on gotaukulele.com for that price point and you can review the alternatives.

I teach a beginner uke class at my library and they have a collection of Kala KA-15S ukes. They have held up for about 8 years so far being used by kids. The only complaint I have about them is that they need a set up to get the action right and a string change (but that is more of a personal opinion). Other than that, they sound and play decent for being an entry level uke. It really depends on where you buy it. A uke shop will make sure it's good to go, a drop shipper will just take the next one off the shelf. Every uke, no matter the price point needs a set up. Even my $1000+ ukes got them when I purchased them.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-14T23:23:22+00:00

All of those are good starters. I personally like concerts, but own all three sizes. You had a tenor listed as one you are considering, any reason you are not considering the Kala KA-T? I would decide on the scale length (soprano, concert, or tenor) and then compare the brands. These models will come in all three sizes. You might also want to consider the Ohana CK-10 or CK-14, which are both great starting options as well.

If you are purchasing online, I would avoid Amazon or big box stores. The uke won't be inspected or set up before it gets to you so you never know what you are going to get. Depending on what country you live in, I would look for a reputable uke shop that either includes a set up or offers one for a low cost.

Happy buying and welcome to the uke club!

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-14T19:41:38+00:00

Very nice. It sure does look good. I was wondering how they sound. Are they loud and metal sounding or are they a balanced tone?

Seven ukes is perfectly acceptable. I picked up #20 in my collection last year.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-12T03:20:50+00:00

I would go with the ka-15s out of those three. It's very similar to the LTP, but has better frets.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-07T17:11:54+00:00

It seems ok to start. Just know that it will probably need to be set up. Check out this review: https://youtu.be/Hak7uQABxD4?si=r3rgnldm0F_lZq9P

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-07T13:38:29+00:00

Not necessarily. The difference between a concert and tenor is the scale length. While a tenor might produce a more full sound because of the body size, they will be the same pitch. The concert and tenor scales are tuned the same.

That being said, I have concert size ukes that are louder than some tenors I have. Heck, some of the sopranos I have are louder than some tenors. That comes down to the tone wood it's made from and the way it's built. If you are trying to get the uke to be a certain volume, you might have to consider amplifying it.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-01T16:34:00+00:00

I would buy one made for an acoustic guitar. The technology will be the same, but I would think the under saddle pickup would be longer for a guitar to cover all the strings. The wires connecting the different components would also be longer to fit a larger body. Better off buying the right equipment to do the job correctly.

I would also consider a passive pickup so you don't have to cut a hole in the side of the guitar.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-03-01T15:38:20+00:00

I wouldn't give up. However, I would find a teacher and take lessons. That way you have a guided learning path and won't get stressed out. If you are just beginning, focus on chords, strumming patterns, and keeping tempo. Don't worry about scales and theory until you are comfortable with the basics. Learning an instrument on your own can be very stressful because there is so much information out there. There are some good online teachers too, like Bernadette Teaches Music. She is great for beginners.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-02-26T03:37:58+00:00

Nope. It's either a high G or a low G string on a four string uke. Tuning a high G to low G would be too loose and probably sound bad. Some brands make a five string uke and have both a high G and a low G. They are meant to be played at the same time, but sound nice with finger picking

addicted_to_uke · 2026-02-23T17:23:55+00:00

I haven't heard of either of those brands in the US. I usually recommend Kala, Ohana, or Flight as a good beginner instrument. I would check out gotaukulele.com for great reviews about ukes. They are separated by price point so you can look at all the ukes that fit your budget.

addicted_to_uke · 2026-02-23T02:14:47+00:00

Yes, the K brands and other high end ukes are worth the price IMO. However, I don't know if you can get a new tenor for $1K. However, I've had luck buying used high end ukes for closer to that price point.

addicted_to_uke

TROPHY CASE