Ukulele recommendation..

[bellgamin]

Originally Posted by Gcunplugged

... ...Second, real Uke players frown on using straps, but being a guitar player first, I prefer to use one. Beware though, many lower priced Ukes may not even have a tail block, so there is nothing to secure an end-pin to.

All the uke players in my group use straps when playing. An end pin isn't an absolute necessity. There are several types of uke straps that need no strap pins -- for example, the straps illustrated HERE.

[Arch Stanton]

Thanks gary and bellgamin, appreciate the feedback. I will start looking soon and let you know...

[Cabarone]

Hey, Arch, do you mind if I shirttail this? Rather than start another thread?

I want to get one for a 9 year old girl from church. While I'm at it I'm going to get one for myself and learn along with her. She was smitten w/my guitar yesterday and asked, "Maybe I can borrow my ukulele from school and you can teach me?" Like you said, how do you not encourage that? So I asked her mother if it would be alright I buy her one...

I was looking at the local GC's website to get a feel for cost...

[Swamp Yankee]

Originally Posted by Cabarone

Hey, Arch, do you mind if I shirttail this? Rather than start another thread?

I want to get one for a 9 year old girl from church. While I'm at it I'm going to get one for myself and learn along with her. She was smitten w/my guitar yesterday and asked, "Maybe I can borrow my ukulele from school and you can teach me?" Like you said, how do you not encourage that? So I asked her mother if it would be alright I buy her one...

I was looking at the local GC's website to get a feel for cost...

For a 9 year old, you might consider something that plays well but which can handle abuse. I've played a few entry level ABS ukes, such as the Dolphin and the Kala Waterman... and own examples of both for some reason but I found the Flight TUS35 was quite superior both in tone and playability.
They are made in Eastern Europe, I believe, by the same company that makes Kremona instruments.
Here's a link to an online demo

[quiltingshirley]

I noticed someone mentioned GC. They have a concert sized Alvarez uke in Grateful Dead decals that plays well. Around $100. I have one of those but mostly play Hawaiian made. You might consider used. Pepe Romero makes a Grand Tenor uke with a wider neck that is easy to play but it’s imported and the solid wood isn’t cheap but the solid top and laminated sides and back is reasonable. Keep strummin’

[ARiley]

Check out Mim's Ukes page. (Right now down for inventory week.) They do a good setup on each instrument and their prices are good.

I got my little Ohana soprano, solid mahogany top & laminate sides & back, there -- and it's about as cute as it can be.

And you can always upgrade to something fancier once daughter decides yes, this is for her!!

Originally Posted by Arch Stanton

Can anyone recommend a beginner ukulele? My daughter is begging for one and I can't say no...it's a musical instrument! Saying no would be like saying "no" if they ask you if they can read or study math!

I don't want a cheap cheap one, and I am partial to Martin or at least one made in USA. Thanks..

[TenorGeetard]

Anything from Hawaii Music Supply/TheUkulelesite is going to be great quality for a decent price. I recommend any Pono Ukulele.

[dcuttler]

Based on the review on the Got A Ukulele website I purchased a VTAB concert all sold wood special edition for $200.00 shipped to me in California. Lowered the action a bit and installed Fremont Blackline fluorocarbon strings. Fantastic instrument.

[micahwc]

Not made in America but I second anything by Pono

[Arch Stanton]

We did find a nice Lanikai, concert series, looks good- nice clear loud sound. Perfect for learning. If she masters it i'll get her a nice USA made one, or upgrade to a mandolin.

[jricc]

Originally Posted by ARiley

Check out Mim's Ukes page. (Right now down for inventory week.) They do a good setup on each instrument and their prices are good.

I got my little Ohana soprano, solid mahogany top & laminate sides & back, there -- and it's about as cute as it can be.

And you can always upgrade to something fancier once daughter decides yes, this is for her!!

Mim's is great! I have a nice Ohana solid spruce tenor that I bought from her.
She does a nice set up on her instruments too.

[kats45]

You should try the Ukulele Site. They're in Hawaii and they set up the ukes as well as part of the purchase. I bought two from them. One is a Kanile'a made in Hawaii and the other is a Koahloa Opio, very nice too.

[Arch Stanton]

Thanks for the info. !

[tcb37]

The Fluke is a good inexpensive option. Durable and great for travel too
https://www.magicfluke.com/

[CaptRedbeard]

Post move to another thread.