Are you a budding musician looking for an instrument that’s both fun and easy to learn? If so, a ukulele is the perfect choice for you!
From its beginnings in Hawaii, the ukulele has become a popular instrument among musicians of all ages.
This buyers guide aims to help you find the perfect ukulele for your musical journey.
Types of Ukulele
Before buying a ukulele, you should first consider the different types available in order to determine which one best suits your needs.
Soprano Ukulele
The soprano ukulele is the most common type, typically featuring a 345mm scale length and four nylon strings.
These small instruments are best suited for those just starting out on their musical journey.
Check out the Tanglewood Tiare TWT 1 in Red Stain if you are looking for a soprano ukulele which performs well above the mark, despite its affordable asking price.
Concert Ukulele
Slightly larger than the soprano, the concert ukulele has a longer scale of 382mm and four nylon strings.
This type of ukulele is perfect for those who want to take their playing to the next level.
A great choice for a concert-sized instrument is the Fender Zuma Classic Concert Ukulele in Lake Placid Blue.
Paying homage to classic Fender design with features like a painted top and matching ‘Telecaster’ headstock, we feel that the Zuma Classic is a step up for experienced players looking for more out of their instrument.
Tenor Ukulele
The tenor ukulele is the second largest of the bunch, with a scale of 430mm and four nylon (or steel) strings.
It produces a deep, resonant sound that’s perfect for more advanced players or those looking for something different.
We love the Snail UKT-528E Zebrawood Tenor Ukulele: with a slightly wider neck and unique natural finish, it projects a warm and expressive tone that sounds great on its own or as part of an ensemble.
Other types of Ukulele
There are a few other types of ukulele for players to try, like the baritone ukulele which features a scale of 480mm and four nylon or steel strings.
This type of ukulele is great for those who want to create a unique sound with their playing.
Some more oddball choices include bass ukuleles, Ukulele-banjos and the Yamaha GL1 Guitarlele. These small-bodied instruments take inspiration from the conventional ukulele format, but incorporate design features from other types of instrument to create interesting musical hybrids.
Size and construction
When choosing a ukulele, size and construction are two of the most important factors to consider.
The size of the ukulele should be determined by your playing style and level of experience.
Ukuleles come in a variety of materials including spruce, mahogany and koa, each of which has its own unique sound and feel.
Look for a ukulele with a solid construction, smooth tuning pegs, and well-defined frets in order to get the most out of your new instrument.
Ukulele Prices
The price range of ukuleles can vary greatly, so you should have a budget in mind before beginning your search.
Ukuleles can range from under £25 to well over £1000, depending on the size, construction and brand name.
Conclusion
We hope that this buyer’s guide has helped you find the perfect ukulele that suits both your budget and playing style.
From its small size and versatility to its affordability and portability, the ukulele is an ideal choice for any musician.
Now that you’re an informed ukulele buyer, it’s time to start your musical journey!
If we haven’t managed to answer all of your questions, or you would like a walk-through of our available range, pop into one of our shops and a member of our team will be more than happy to assist.
Browse our full range of ukuleles here.
Check out our other blog posts here.