Need Uke Advice

The place for non-G&L and general music discussions.
zapcosongs
Posts: 1337
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 6:15 am
Location: Suburban Washington, DC

Need Uke Advice

Post by zapcosongs »

I'm considering getting my wife a Uke for Xmas. I'm looking for advice on purchasing a decent quality "starter" instrument. I'm also seeking advice on books, dvd's or other resources that would be good to help her learn how to play. Thanks! - ed
User avatar
willross
Posts: 1005
Joined: Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:55 am
Location: Minneapolis

Re: Need Uke Advice

Post by willross »

A "starter"? Well, I like the Ovation Deluxe Soprano or the aNueNue Koa III Tenor. However, Lanikai make several lower-priced models.


Cheers,

Will
User avatar
blargfromouterspace
Posts: 2390
Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:45 am
Location: Central Highlands, Australia

Re: Need Uke Advice

Post by blargfromouterspace »

If your wife is anything like my girlfriend then she wont care about how it sounds, just how pretty it is :roll:
-Jamie
User avatar
Aussie
Posts: 222
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2010 2:27 am
Location: Perth, Western Australia

Re: Need Uke Advice

Post by Aussie »

Ahhww I thought we had discussed the uke thing a while back on that other G&L enthusiast forum! Can't talk her into a mando? :-)

'cause its you, I had a word to my uke playing mate Tony. Not sure what sort of price range you have in mind but he suggested that a uke in the $150 price range would be a good price point for reasonable quality starter instrument that won't frustrate a beginner with issues like high action or not staying in tune. You might get away for less than that tho given that you are in the USA rather than AUS. He suggested Kala as a reasonably safe buy. Oh, and he suggested that unless she has really small hands, a Tenor is probably the best size for a beginner.

As for books/DVDs he recommended anything by Jim Beloff. Other stuff he suggested were good quality strings (Aquila) and maybe a clip on tuner as ukes don't hold their tuning as well as guitars.

cheers, Robbie
"Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listens" - Jimi Hendrix
zapcosongs
Posts: 1337
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 6:15 am
Location: Suburban Washington, DC

Re: Need Uke Advice

Post by zapcosongs »

Perfect (Perth-ic?) Robbie. Thanks so much. - ed