Buying a Ukulele
The Ukulele is a very popular instrument and most music shops stock a range.
There are four members of the Ukulele family.
The smallest three are all tuned to the same notes G – C – E - A
SOPRANO – The smallest instrument in the family with the highest pitch.
The fret board is quite small and may be less easy to play with ageing fingers.
CONCERT – The next size – slightly louder and mellower
The larger fret board may be easier to play.
TENOR – This is the largest of the ‘true’ ukuleles and can be used for playing ‘lead’ or finger styles as well as chords.
BARITONE – A large ukulele which is tuned differently and has similarities to a guitar. This may not be the right one for ‘Uke-Troupe’.
Ukuleles can be bought over the internet but I recommend a visit to a music shop and seek the advice of a knowledgeable assistant.
The costs start around £30 for a brightly coloured type made from laminated wood. The top prices are hundreds (or even thousands) of pounds.
If you are starting out, a cheap ukulele is suitable to start on. Better still – borrow one from a friend. On the other hand if you can afford a more expensive instrument it will produce a better sound and will be easier to play.
• As with most things…you get what you pay for.
• Buy a ukulele with ‘geared’ tuning pegs. ‘Friction’ types are hard to keep in tune.
• Ukuleles made from solid wood (as opposed to a laminate) are more expensive but give a ‘brighter’ tone.
Buy a case/cover for your ukulele…something to carry it around in is very useful and it will offer some protection to the instrument in transit.
Whilst you are in the shop I suggest you buy yourself an electronic tuner. These provide the easiest way of keeping you ukulele in tune.
LOCAL SHOPS
PMT Cambridge, 172 East Road, Cambridge. CB1 1BG
A selection with a range of prices.
Musicstreet, 10 Chequers Court, Huntingdon. PE29 3LJ
A small selection with a range of prices.