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| Moderated by: Tony Provencher, Richard Hefner | Page: 1 2 3   |
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| Complete newbie | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 02:04 am |
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1st Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Hey guys! About a year and a half ago I came across Jake Shimabukuro and was fascinated by him/the ukulele. I recently came back from a trip to Peru where a few friends bought and learned how to play Charangas. I remembered that I wanted to learn how to play the uke just for fun. I do not know how to play the guitar or any string instrument for that matter. I'm just looking for something cheap to start out with ($50 or so if possible) and slowly teach myself. Any recommendations? I came across this link: http://www.ukes.com/student-ukuleles.html Are the instruments and the prices decent? Please and thank you! Last edited on Thu Jan 17th, 2008 02:05 am by Speedy2k42 |
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 04:33 pm |
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2nd Post |
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GX9901 Approved 
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Welcome to the forum! For a low priced starter instrument, check out this one: http://playuke.akulele.com/ Keep in mind any instrument in this price range probably isn't going to be perfect even after having its setup adjusted. I have heard these are decent and should get you started. Have fun!
____________________ Check out my uke blog: http://gx9901ukes.blogspot.com |
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 05:31 pm |
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3rd Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Thanks GX I'll check it out. All in all, I really don't know where to begin. I know my price range is limited and that'll have an impact on my buy. Soprano Uke? Tenor Uke? How many strings? Beginner tutorials or books, etc. Any input whatsoever is appreciated
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 07:38 pm |
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4th Post |
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Will Approved 
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Speedy2k42 wrote: Thanks GX I'll check it out. All ukuleles have 4 strings, except for some unusual specialty tenor models that have 6 or 8 strings, but those are more expensive and are not recommended for beginners. Soprano sized ukes are the most common size, and usually the lowest priced. Concert size are also fairly common, and often cost not much more than a soprano. Tenors are larger and more expensive. Besides price, one of the factors for selecting what size of ukulele is playing comfort. If you have large hands, you may find a soprano has frets too closely spaced together to play comfortably; if that is the case, perhaps a concert size is a better fit.
____________________ Will http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/297/ Loose Change & Friends http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/245/ http://loosechangeandfriends.com The Earth Tones http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/337/ A Bunch Of Coconuts http://abunchofcoconuts.com |
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 07:48 pm |
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5th Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Thanks Will, lots of helpful info. It seems like a soprano uke would be the best choice. Anyone else have recommendations so I can start making comparisons of models and decisions?
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 08:10 pm |
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6th Post |
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Will Approved
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Speedy2k42 wrote: Thanks Will, lots of helpful info. It seems like a soprano uke would be the best choice. Anyone else have recommendations so I can start making comparisons of models and decisions? If you're working under a tight budget, the Lanikai line of ukuleles probably give you the biggest bang for the buck. They are well-made, easy to play, and have a nice tone. There are nearly 2 dozen models to choose from: http://www.ezfolk.com/mf/ukulele/Lanikai.html Some desirable features to look for when shopping around (some of these will cost you more money, but within reason, may well be worth the cost) -solid wood top, rather than laminated (the lowest priced solid wood top uke is closer to $100); a solid top vibrates better for a sweeter tone, and the tone gets better as the uke gets played more; a laminated top does not. Also, the thinner the top, the better the sound (some ukes have overly thick construction). -geared tuners, rather than friction tuners - although some players hate how they look, geared tuners allow must faster and more precise tuning than friction tuners (all Lanikai ukes have geared tuners) -rosewood fretboard, rather than plastic, nato, or mahogany fretboard - rosewood is a very hard, durable wood that won't dent or wear out from frequent playing -rosewood back and sides gives you a richer tone than nato (a lower priced species of mahogany-like wood) or plastic. The back and sides of a uke are usually laminated, but more expensive ukes have solid wood. If you think you can spend more money, say $100, the Lanikai S-C is a concert sized uke with a solid spruce top, geared tuners, rosewood fretboard, and laminated mahogany back and sides, selling for $99: http://www.zzounds.com/item--LNKSC  I own this model, and here's what it sounds like: Aloha Oe http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/297/song_player.php?mode=song_hifi&type=song_id&a=true&id=1033 I've Been Working On The Railroad http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/297/song_player.php?mode=song_hifi&type=song_id&a=true&id=1066
____________________ Will http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/297/ Loose Change & Friends http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/245/ http://loosechangeandfriends.com The Earth Tones http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/337/ A Bunch Of Coconuts http://abunchofcoconuts.com |
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| Posted: Thu Jan 17th, 2008 11:49 pm |
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7th Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Thanks a bunch for all that info Will...it really helped. Because I'm new to the Uke (and string instruments in general) and my budget is limited, I figured I'd try to compromise on the instrument. What do you think of this one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Lanikai-LU11-Standard-Ukulele?sku=512518&CJAID=10381297&CJPID=1568363 I know it's nato wood but there is some rosewood lol. I don't have too much time to devote to the Uke but I still want to learn little by little... For this reason I figure I should buy a modest instrument until I actually learn how to play (sort of) More comments/good, cheap instrument recommendations definitely appreciated.
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 02:11 am |
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8th Post |
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railroadbill Approved
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I have not played this model personally, but I'm considering the tenor(actually closer to concert in size) version as my next uke. For a little less money it has a solid spruce top. I can't comment on how it would compare otherwise. http://www.amazon.com/Amigo-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B000OD5EVS
____________________ "the music draws you up a valley, & across a mountain . . . ya gather round it like yer gathering around a fountain . . " |
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 02:51 am |
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9th Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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What kind of Ukulele is being used in this video? http://youtube.com/watch?v=O9mEKMz2Pvo
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 03:27 am |
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10th Post |
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railroadbill Approved
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I know it is a tenor. Not 100% sure, but I believe it is a Kamaka. Kamaka manufactures the Jake Shimabukuro Signature Model.
____________________ "the music draws you up a valley, & across a mountain . . . ya gather round it like yer gathering around a fountain . . " |
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 03:31 am |
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11th Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Thanks I guess part of the decision I'm trying to make is what kind of Ukulele I want. Should I get a Soprano uke because I am a super beginner? Should that even impact what type of Ukulele I get? Sorry for being a newbie lol...I'm assuming the main difference between the soprano and concert ukes (other than the sound) are the 12 and 18 fretboards? What is the difference with the # of fretboards? Last edited on Fri Jan 18th, 2008 03:35 am by Speedy2k42 |
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 03:43 am |
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12th Post |
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railroadbill Approved
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I am a relative newbie here myself. I have very early stages of UAS(ukelele acquisition syndrome). I currently own only 1 uke, an antique Harmony mahogany soprano that has a plastic fretboard.The soprano is the "traditional" ukelele. From previous threads here, I have learnde that many feel the Concert gives a beginner a little more room to learn. The Tenor seems to be the size of choice for most of the "popular" uke professional such as Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill. James Hill recommends the "Classic" tenor(actually a concert) sold by Empire Music as a good beginner instrument. http://www.empire-music.com/US/English/ViewCategory.cfm?Category=174 I think my next uke(coming sooner than my wife would like)will be a concert. Probably either this "Classic" or the tenor(again actually a concert)version of the Amigo I mentioned in my previous post. Last edited on Fri Jan 18th, 2008 03:44 am by railroadbill ____________________ "the music draws you up a valley, & across a mountain . . . ya gather round it like yer gathering around a fountain . . " |
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 03:50 am |
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13th Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Thanks Bill...that Classic Tenor looks like a good cheap buy...perhaps I will end up getting that one unless there are strong reasons not to
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 07:20 am |
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14th Post |
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HowlinHobbit Approved 
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A little checking around will bear out that I'm a soprano snob, but I do think you should start with that. Speedy2k42 wrote: I came across this link: http://www.ukes.com/student-ukuleles.html If you look a little farther down that page you'll see the Makalas. There seems to be one in your price range. I've never played one of these personally, but folks I trust have and they've said it's not a bad little starter uke.
____________________ Howlin' Hobbit Got Uke? MySpace ezFolk UkeLand |
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 01:50 pm |
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15th Post |
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Will Approved
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Speedy2k42 wrote: Thanks The numbers "12" and "18" refers to the number of metal fret wires embedded into the fretboard. A longer fretboard will be able to access more musical notes, and therefore a higher range of notes. Larger ukes usually have longer necks and fretboards, so a typical tenor will have a higher range of notes available than smaller concert and soprano ukes. I rarely play way up the neck myself; the inherent physics of a very short vibrating string (notes played way up the neck) results in musical notes that have little sustain or volume. On an electric guitar, this lack of sustain and volume can be compensated for electronically, through amplification and special effects - without these technical tricks, the stereotypical rock guitar solos played way up the neck wouldn't be possible. On a uke, most of the time, at least while you are learning, you will be playing nearer to the headstock, using first position chords. Last edited on Fri Jan 18th, 2008 01:51 pm by Will ____________________ Will http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/297/ Loose Change & Friends http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/245/ http://loosechangeandfriends.com The Earth Tones http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/337/ A Bunch Of Coconuts http://abunchofcoconuts.com |
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 04:10 pm |
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16th Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Gotcha, thanks Will...and thanks Hobbit. I assumed the number of frets had to do with the range of accessible pitches, much like a smaller keyboard would have fewer than 88 keys. The main issue now is instrument comparison: 1)http://www.empire-music.com/US/English/Catalogue.cfm?ProductID=CL500M The Classic Tenor (aka concert) uke recommend by James Hill for $41.98 2)http://www.ukes.com/student-ukuleles.html The Makala MK Soprano or Concert uke - $44.99 or $66.99 3)http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Kala-KA-S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele-STARTER-PACK_W0QQitemZ330205127920QQihZ014QQcategoryZ16224QQcmdZViewItem If I put together a few extra dollars, Musicguymic's Kala KA-S Mahogany Soprano uke package including a bunch of other goodies - IS THIS THE BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK CONSIDERING ALL THE EXTRAS IT COMES WITH? I know I've been a pest with a million questions but I really appreciate everyone's input. It would be great if a few of you could give your opinions on these three options. Thanks!
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 05:07 pm |
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17th Post |
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scrooner Approved
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I've got a KoAlana concert that would make a great beginner's instrument, or a travel instrument for those who've been around the block. The concert gives a little more room for the fingers, and more room on the lower bout for your forearm. Better sustain (if you care for that sort of thing) and more room overall if you do any fingerstyle playing. $175 w/case, shipped.
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18th, 2008 06:19 pm |
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18th Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Sorry scrooner, can't afford it.
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| Posted: Sat Jan 19th, 2008 03:43 am |
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19th Post |
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ezmember Approved
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I think for a first Uke you'd really like the Concert. If you find you want to stick with it then get one of everything available in the world like the rest of us are trying to do. haha You're doing a good job finding out all you can before purchasing one. Make sure whoever you buy from cares that it's set up right when they ship it. Good luck and let us know what you get and how you like it. You might just very well like a Tenor....instead. P.S. This thread is going to help lots of beginners. Last edited on Sat Jan 19th, 2008 03:44 am by ezmember |
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| Posted: Sat Jan 19th, 2008 06:57 pm |
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20th Post |
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Speedy2k42 Approved
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Thanks ezmember, yeah I'm trying to be thorough before I purchase anything...it's funny though, I have no idea how to play any string instruments and I'm being so picky. It's a really tough decision though. I'm looking at the Empire Music "Classic Tenor" aka Concert ukulele...is it a concert uke or a tenor uke? For $42 it seems like a decent cheap buy. I'm just trying to get some opinions from you guys because I'm weighing that vs. one of Musicguymic's eBay packages. Decisions...decisions...
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