What Ukulele should I buy?

This is a question that everybody in the world should be asking themselves – even if they already own several. I have quite a few ukuleles and even more guitars. Once you start playing the uke and realise how much fun it is you’re on the slippery slope to full-blown UAS (Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome), which is terminal, and can only be held at bay by regularly buying ukuleles.

But where should you start? Get something cheap that works. There is no point in spending money until you know you like it – then go for it!!


What kind of ukulele?

There are a number of different ukulele sizes, but your first uke will probably be a soprano or a concert because they are the most readily available, however a tenor will be fine as well. These three are all tuned the same and most of the learning material on the internet is aimed at them.  Don’t get a baritone or a U-bass because they are tuned and played differently.


Physical shop or on-line?

If you have a local music shop, go and see them and get whichever one they recommend.
This will usually be the cheapest one that they stock because they wont hold anything that doesn’t do the job. But beware - you will be tempted to spend more, and that’s ok! If you buy a uke from a shop it will be slightly more expensive than on-line but they will set it up for you and it’s a nicer shopping experience.

If you don’t have a music shop near you get online and go for one of the ukes that I recommend. I’ve tried them all and know that they work. When your new uke arrives, follow my string stretching video to get it ready to play. You can comfortably buy any of the cheaper or moderately priced ukuleles on-line without trying them.

When you decide that you want to get something a little better than a beginners/intermediate uke I would always recommend going to an in-person shop. It’s just always nice to pick an instrument up and see how it feels, especially if you’re spending $200+. In the upper price bracket, everything works and is well made, which means it all comes down to personal preference – how it sounds and feels. These are things you can only judge when an instrument is in your hands.

Cheap that works

Moderately Priced

Awesomely aspirational!

Testimonials

STUDENTS SAY THE NICEST THINGS

Nick Medforth recommends The Awesome Ukulele Academy
22 September 2021 · Shared with Public
I have had previous unsuccessful attempts at learning to play an instrument. The accelerator is fast paced and there is a lot to learn, but if you don't have as much time as others you can always go back, recap and consolidate your learning. The most important lesson Matt gives you ... you CAN do it. I have since joined my local Ukulele club and I am loving it. Thanks Matt for making learning fun and making us aware that whatever our age and experience we can still achieve and progress.
Steve Sadler recommends The Awesome Ukulele Academy
20 September 2021 · Shared with Public
My twin brother has played the guitar for years and been in orchestra, sang in a choir but I have never been musical at all, but thought I would give this a go and well it has been fantastic, really enjoyable and very well set out, with fantastic people giving support, I can now play a ukulele, yes still got a long way to go but wouldn't be anywhere near where I am without this group.
Fantastic
cheers
Cheryl Hutchinson recommends The Awesome Ukulele Academy
12 October 2021 · Shared with Public
I had so much fun. I was apprehensive about attempting to learn Ukulele as I had unsuccessfully tried guitar years ago. Matt made it so easy.
Matt's teaching methods are fun and make learning Ukulele so simple. It seems almost magical.
Matt's singing is a bonus.
I have a Family Day Care. Yesterday I played Sad Little Bunny for the children. They had their toy Ukuleles and played along as we sang. One 2 year old gave his mum a concert at pickup time.
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