OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR
UKULELES AND UKULELE ACCESSORIES
Things to consider when buying a ukulele:
Be wary of fun and funky designs and colors, as you are likely
paying for design instead of quality and tone.
Be wary of the popular ukulele product “bundle.”
Try to invest ALL the money you want to spend at this moment into only the ukulele instrument itself, and a tuner. The more you are able to spend on your instrument, the better the sound will be.
Plan to spend at least $60-$100+ for an acceptable beginner ukulele. The biggest downside (besides sound quality) to the cheaper ukuleles is that they aren't made as well, which actually makes them harder to play. For example the distance of the strings from the fretboards and the frets themselves may not be filed down on the sides. They also often have a hard time staying in tune, especially when you first purchase them because of the
quality of the tuning pegs.
What to look for in a quality instrument:
Wood
Ideally the ukulele will state what wood it is made out of. Elements that could be made from different woods include the body, the neck, the bridge, and the fretboard. Solid wood will have better sound quality than laminate. You might try digging in to the details to find out which parts, if any, are solid wood.
Koa is the traditional wood for ukuleles, but isn’t as easy to find for beginner ukuleles.
Mahogany is good quality for the body and will give you louder projection and a good clear tone compared to other woods available for beginner ukuleles.
Nubone is the best quality synthetic bone material.
Strings
Aquila Super Nylgut Strings
Where to purchase?
- I suggest you support your local independent music store if you have a great one near you.
- Sweetwater is a reliable online music equipment retailer. They have great search tools (you can search by size or brand and even specific woods or solid wood vs solid top)
- Austin Bazaar is another online retailer of music equipment.
- Then of course there is Amazon.
Here are a few recommendations for ukulele’s that are currently available online with direct links to purchase:
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Tenor Size Ukuleles
Lanikai MA-C Mahogany Concert size Ukulele
To Purchase on Sweetwater: Click Here
I do not earn a commission from Sweetwater purchases. I recommend a variety of ukuleles from a variety of sources.
Cordoba 15CM Concert size Ukulele - Mahogany
To purchase on Sweetwater: Click Here.
I do not earn a commission from Sweetwater purchases. I recommend a variety of ukuleles from a variety of sources.
Alvarez RU22C Regent Series Concert Ukulele
To Purchase at Guitar Center: Click Here.
(top recommendation on Wirecutter see article here)
I do not earn a commission from Guitar Center purchases. I recommend a variety of ukuleles from a variety of sources.
Ranch Concert Ukulele 23"
We recommend this 23 inch Classical ukelele bundled with this Ukulele soft case. Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on amazon: Click Here
Concert Ukulele 24" Pineapple Shaped
We recommend this 24" pineapple shaped concert ukulele. Item availability is subject to changes with the
Amazon Store.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
Ranch Concert Ukulele 24"
We recommend this 24" concert Ukulele bundled with this Ukulele soft case. Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
RockJam Concert 23"
We recommend this 23" concert Ukulele bundled with this Ukulele soft case, strap, tuner, and replacement strings.Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany Ukulele with Gig Bag
We recommend this beautiful Luna Tattoo 24" Concert Ukulele. The traditional Hawaiian tattoo design is laser etched with an open pore finish, so the player can feel the design. With this long-scale version, you'll enjoy the stable feel and satisfying response of comfortable action. Come with soft carrying case.
Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
A few accessories that Melanie recommends
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Snark clip-on ukulele tuner
This Snark tuner for ukulele is ideal. Click the photo above to go to Amazon to purchase this tuner or click here.
Snark 2 clip-on tuner
We recommend this snark all instrument tuner. Click the photo above to go to amazon to purchase this tuner or click here: https://amzn.to/3sMJHxE
Snark SN1X clip-on tuner
We recommend this snark all instrument tuner. Click the photo above to go to amazon to purchase this tuner or click here:
https://amzn.to/468yLsK
Kyser Ukulele Capo
Everyone loves this Capo, it is the best one we have found.
To purchase on Amazon click here or on the image above.
A to Z Binder dividers
You will want to print out the PDFs of your song sheets. Along with a three ring binder, which will be essential to hold your song sheets, you will enjoy having these A to Z binder dividers to help you sort your music. We will be learning about 50 songs over the course of a year's time. I introduce four new songs every month.
To purchase on Amazon click here or on the image above.
Penetrex Pain Relief Cream
This cream works wonders for those achy Ukulele hands and wrists! Use as a preventative and relief!
To purchase on Amazon click here or on the image above.
Crystal Command Hook (button end alternative)
If you would like to use a ukulele strap but do not want to drill into your ukulele, this Crystal Command Hook adhere's to the ukulele. To purchase on Amazon click here or on the image above.
Small Command Hook (button end alternative)
This hook is another alternative to drilling a button end into your ukulele. This one is a little slimmer so it may fit better in your ukulele case.
To purchase on Amazon click here or on the image above.
Ukulele strap
This eyeshot adjustable ukulele strap comes in a few different styles and is suitable for all sizes of ukuleles. Use the tail nail provided, or one of my recommended command hooks.
To purchase on Amazon, click here or on the image above.
Simple ukulele strap
Cotton and linen ukulele strap. It comes in a few colors and is suitable for all ukulele sizes. You can use the button end provided or the command hooks that I recommend if you prefer to not put a hole in your ukulele.
To purchase on Amazon, click here or on the image above.
Colorful Ukulele Case
Waterproof padded ukulele case with carry handle and backpack style should straps. This case comes in three sizes and many fabrics choices. Remember to check for the correct size before purchasing.
To purchase on Amazon click here or on the image above.
Solid Ukulele case
The quality of this water resistant soft case is better in a number of ways than the basic soft cases that sometimes come with a ukulele purchase and the quality is well worth the price. It comes in black, gray and blue in four sizes. Make sure to check the size before you purchase. The link is for a concert size.
To purchase on Amazon click here or on the image above.
Ukulele Humidifier
MusicNomad, the leader in equipment care products, has developed an easy to use, no mess, and low maintenance Ukulele humidifier. Ukulele wood needs moisture to play and look its best. Dry wood can warp, shrink and worse yet, crack! We highly recommend using a humidifier for your ukulele when the climate is dry, including during air travel. We like this one the best.
To purchase on Amazon click here or on the image above.
Fluorocarbon strings
by Worth Strings
When you need to re-string your ukulele, we recommend these flourocarbon strings by Worth Strings. They have a variety of options on the market to choose from depending on the type of your ukulele.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
Gorilla Tips
These silicone finger tips will help protect your fingers while playing your ukulele. There are several size options available. Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
Rock Tips liquid Callus Formula
We recommend this liquid callus formula by Rock Tips to add a little extra protection to your fingers while playing. It dries faster than New-skin and is designed for musicians!
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
Silicone Finger Tips Variety Pack
This is a variety pack of silicone protective finger tips with different size options per pack. Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
Table Top Music Stand
This sturdy table top music stand is adjustable to different heights and angles and is big enough for your binder to sit comfortably, though it will stick out a little on both sides.
To purchase on Amazon, click here, or on the image above.
Portable Music Stand
This portable dual purpose music stand is extra lightweight so it is easy to handle and yet it is reliably stable. Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on Amazon click here, or on the image above.
Kasonic Music Stand
If you are looking for a more sturdy portable music stand that has dual purpose as a desktop book stand, we recommend this one by Kasonic. Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
Gator Frameworks Mic stand Ukulele holder
If you are looking for a Ukulele holder that can clamp on to a mic stand, we recommend this one from Gator Frameworks. Item availability is subject to changes with the Amazon store.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here
Ukulele Care Kit
We recommend the MusicNomad's Professional Grade Three-Piece Ukulele Care Kit. The kit contains one each of their most popular items to care for ukuleles. The Ukulele Cleaner, The 100 percent natural Fretboard F-ONE Oil, and a large 12-inch x 12-inch premium suede microfiber cloth.
To purchase on Amazon: Click Here