People of all age groups are increasingly becoming curious to learn how to play the Ukulele, mainly because it’s easy to learn and produces melodious sounds.
What Every Beginner Should Know Before Buying a Ukulele
As a beginner, it is important to know some basic things about the Ukulele. The most important thing to know about Ukuleles is their design, shape and size. The Ukulele is designed with 4 basic nylon strings and comes in 3 basic shapes; figure 8 (guitar), Boat paddle, and Pineapple shape. All the shapes feature 4 different sizes; Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Concert. Check at ukulele buzz If you are looking best ukulele for beginners.
- The Soprano Ukulele
This is the smallest type. It features small frets that may make it a little complicated for beginners to adapt to. However, the small size is good for kids and many Ukuleles designed for kids fall in this category.
- The Concert Ukulele
This Ukulele features a longer fret board and might be easier for you to form chords with. Unlike the soprano ukulele with a high pitch sound, this one produces a deeper mid-range tone and is louder. The concert ukulele is the best size for adult beginners.
- Tenor Ukuleles
This Ukulele is structurally bigger than the previous ones, produces even deeper sound and is louder. New trends are leading towards beginners settling for this type of Ukulele, although it doesn’t produce the typical Ukulele sound like the Soprano and the Concert types.
- Baritone Ukulele
This Ukulele is the scarcest of all the four. It is not an ideal Ukulele for you as a beginner because since fewer people have it, finding someone to help you while you are learning might be challenging.
The Best Buy Ukulele for Beginner s
Like with other instruments, investing in a Ukulele is a huge move that calls for serious thought. Ukuleles for beginners range from very cheap, to bank breaking prices. Whichever you choose, it should be worth the price.
- Kala KA-T Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
Judging from the endless reviews on the Kala Ukuleles, this one is definitely worth your consideration. It comes in both the soprano, concert and tenor size. The soprano size might be too uncomfortable for big hands, but produces seducing sounds. The concert or the tenor sizes are more comfortable to hold and easier to learn.
- Cordoba 15cm Concert Ukulele
Although you will part with more money for this model than for the ordinary beginner ukulele, it comes with features that are worth the price. This includes an impressive sturdy mahogany top and Aquila Nylgut strings. There is also a 20 cm size for this model that features an electronic ukulele tuner and travel case.
- The Hola! Music HM-124 MG
If you are on a tight budget but still want an ukulele with a superlative quality then this should be in your list. It features a solid mahogany body and Aquila strings that unite in perfect harmony. Not only is this Ukulele classic to carry around, it also gives you the best value for money.
- The Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele
This Ukulele brand has gained so much popularity among Ukulele lovers because of its attractive, yet compact design. It is not made of plastic wood, but rather laminate wood and therefore perfect for those who cringe at the thought of plastic Ukuleles. One thing though, you may need to tune the strings on this one, as sometimes the intonation is imperfect on the fretboard.
- Lanoka S-T Solid Spruce Tenor Ukulele
Still from the famous Lanoka brand, this Ukulele featuring mahogany sides and back, and a spruce top will make for a solid Ukulele investment. It produces clear, rich sounds and retails at a pocket friendly price.
Conclusion
The Ukulele is a unique musical instrument that you will get so much satisfaction by learning to play. If your wish is to fully master it, start with the best simple beginner ukulele types and upgrade as your skills advance. There are even good quality plastic ukuleles like the Makala Dolphin and the Kala Makala Waterman if you’re not after a serious looking type.