When you wish to purchase a ukulele you will find there are often ukuleles for sale on the internet or at most of the large music stores.
Some of the top tips you should consider when choosing a new ukulele:
- Ukulele sizes
Ukuleles come in four different sizes, the Soprano is the smallest with a total length of about 53cm or 21 inches they usually have 12 to 14 frets.
The Concert ukulele is about 59cm or 23 inches long, it has 14 to 17 frets.
The Tenor is about 66cm or 26 inches long, with 17 to 19 frets.
The Baritone is about 76cm or 3o inches in length with 19 to 21 frets.
Different ukulele shapes
Modern ukuleles come in a variety of shapes from the classic figure 8 to pineapple shapes, triangles and cut away shapes that allow for easier access to the frets. Electric and solid ukuleles are also available in the larger places where ukuleles are for sale.
Tuning
Different ukuleles are usually tuned slightly differently with the corresponding differences in sounds.
Ukuleles are made with two main tuning options, the traditional ukulele had rear mounted friction turners, but now you can have the more common side mounted geared tuners similar to those on a guitar. These tend to give better control and are favored by those playing and performing with the larger ukuleles such as the Tenor and Baritone.
Types of wood used in construction
The classic Hawaiian ukulele is made from Koa, a native Hawaiian wood which gives the instantly recognizable ukulele sound. They are also made using cedar, mahogany, spruce rosewood and maple as quality Koa is now expensive and hard to find. Each type of wood offers a slightly different sound, so it’s worth testing a few to find the one you like best. This can range from the warm rich tones of mahogany to more earthy tone of other woods.
A lot will depend on your budget as there is quite a variation on sounds and types of wood used which will reflect in their price.
Plywood ukuleles
Most of the lower priced ukuleles are made using plywood often with a nice looking laminate over the ply. Often these ukuleles are considerably cheaper than the solid wooden ukuleles and have a sound that is not so bright.
A ukulele with a solid top, but plywood base is often a good choice for a beginner or for a first ukulele especially when on a restricted budget.
Your music store will have a good range of ukuleles for sale whether you’re buying a ukulele for a child or beginner or for a seasoned veteran player. By trying a few different types and sizes you will soon find one that matches your personal taste and budget. Learning to play the ukulele is fun and in a short time you will master a few simple tunes to amaze and entertain your friends and family.
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