<p>My youngest S is interested in getting a ukulele using his birthday/Christmas money and he has asked me to help find a"decent one". I’m hoping one of you wise CCers can help because I’m not sure how to start the search other than Googling.
This S is pretty musical, plays guitar, bass and cello, so he expects to be able to pick up the ukulele pretty easily. I’ve googled them and found that he can pick one up for around $120, does that sound reasonable?
[Amazon.com:</a> Oscar Schmidt OU5 Concert Koa Ukulele: Musical Instruments](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Schmidt-OU5-Concert-Ukulele/dp/B0002GLMMM]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Schmidt-OU5-Concert-Ukulele/dp/B0002GLMMM)</p>
<p>I don’t know a good source, as my experience is in classical strings (son is a performing professional) but I’d suggest reposting on cc’s music major forum.</p>
<p>If he has had multi-instrument instruction, and is of intermediate or advanced level, a low end instrument might not cut it. Tone and response, may well be inadequate. I’d also beware of low end imports, as quality, set-up, and playability can vary extensively.</p>
<p>Try this site, if nothing else at least for reference and a basis of comparison. [Mele</a> Ukulele | Koa Ukuleles | Mahogany Ukuleles | Spruce Top Ukuleles | Cedar Top Ukuleles - Hula Ukes](<a href=“http://meleukulele.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=4&cat=Student+Ukuleles]Mele”>http://meleukulele.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=4&cat=Student+Ukuleles) If nothing else, the name is familiar to me in association with a pro quality instrument. They offer a range of options.</p>
<p>Most reputable music shops and online music specific retailers have no problems with a “trial period” for an instrument of an intermediate or advanced student.</p>
<p>Thanks, Violadad. I’ve posted on the music site and I’ll check out your link.</p>
<p>One of the best-known brands for ukekele’s in Hawaii is Kamaka ukeleles. They tend to be somewhat expensive but I have only heard good things about the brand. They have a website you can find via google or other search engine. They have custom and other ukes; prices stay high because demand exceeds supplies. Many of the entertainers in HI use this brand of uke.</p>
<p>HImom, those ukelele’s are beautiful, but way out of S’s price range. They look like works of art !</p>
<p>After you have educated yourself, how about Craigs list? You could try Craigs List in Hawaii if you are willing to take a chance and the seller is willing to ship.</p>
<p>That said, I actually purchased a VERY nice cello on ebay. I made sure to buy only from sellers who would accept returns after we had the instrument evaluated here. I did, in fact, return the first instrument, and we ended up with a nice cello at a somewhat reduced price.</p>
<p>My sister bought hers here [url=<a href=“http://www.ukuleleworld.com/]Ukulele World Home page [/url”>http://www.ukuleleworld.com/]Ukulele World Home page [/url</a>]</p>
<p>He may want to consider getting a baritone uke if his singing voice is lower. Easier to play too, IMO.</p>
<p>[Earnest</a> Instruments: Ukuleles](<a href=“http://www.earnestinstruments.com/ukuleles.html]Earnest”>http://www.earnestinstruments.com/ukuleles.html)
Eddie Vedder plays a custom Tululele from Earnest Instruments but this might be a good resource for preowned instruments
[Ukulelia:</a> Your Passport to Four Stringed Paradise](<a href=“http://ukulelia.com/2008/12/eddie-vedderpearl-jam-cant-keep.html]Ukulelia:”>ukulelia: Eddie Vedder/Pearl Jam - Can't Keep)</p>
<p>Drawing a connection between the Uke and the earbuds … </p>
<p>LOL</p>
<p>Martin (guitar maker) also makes a good uke.</p>
<p>My child got a Hilo last year for Christmas. He ignored it for months but is fooling with it now. It was a reasonable price and has a reasonable tone. “Jumping Jim” has a good series of books. Uke picks (not like guitar) are hard to find so buy one when you can.</p>
<p>I am forwarding this thread to S2, thanks to everyone for the great suggestions. All these links are great staring places for gathering info.
Scualum, LOL, yes there is a strong connection between the earbuds and the uke :-)</p>
<p>one more link
[Ukulele</a> Department - Elderly Instruments](<a href=“http://www.elderly.com/departments/ukulele]Ukulele”>http://www.elderly.com/departments/ukulele)</p>