Ukulele Recommendations
Size: I would recommend you get a Concert or Soprano Ukulele to start with. (Concert is the size we use in the 6th grade Ukulele Class.) If you can, try some different sizes out and find out what fits your hands best!
Below is a video that explains the different sizes that are available for ukuleles. (Please note - the video says that they recommend Soprano size for children - I disagree with this. Many adults play soprano!)
Models & Stores:
The following brands and models are ones that I have personal experience with, but are by no means the only decent instruments. If you are just starting out, however, I highly recommend you look at one of these models, and do NOT purchase online.
Don’t forget a case! A decent padded gig bag will cost around $20, and you definitely want to make this investment, since you will be bringing your own instrument to school!
Ohana CK-10
Cost: Approximately $100
Where to purchase locally: Hix Bros. Music, Aurora
Cordoba 15-CM
Cost: Approximately $100
Where to purchase locally: Guitar Center in Villa Park or Aurora
Kala 15 Series (15S, 15C, 15T)
Cost: Approximately $60
Where to purchase locally: Hix Bros. Music, Aurora, Suburban Music, Wheaton
Makala Dolphin (Soprano Size Only)
Cost: Approximately $50
Note: I would recommend immediately replacing the strings with a set of Aquila Nylgut strings (Approx. $8) if the strings are black. The strings that used to come with this model usually do not sound good. However, it seems like the newer ones come stock with Nylgut.
Where to purchase locally: Suburban Music, Wheaton
I have a ukulele at home, but it’s missing strings, or the strings are old? What then?
The sound of a ukulele is heavily influenced by the strings. In my experience, far more than guitars! Many low-cost ukuleles come "stock" with black nylon (look like plastic) strings. The sound of your instrument will be DRASTICALLY improved by replacing those strings with a good set of strings!
The strings I recommend are Aquila Nylgut strings (Make sure you get the correct size for your instrument!). They are available at most music stores for around $8.
I have also grown to love, and put on all of my personal instruments, a different type of string called flourocarbon. The brand that seems to be most available is the Martin M600 strings, and are only about $6.
I've included a short video below to demonstrate the difference in sound between strings, by taking a $50 ukulele and replacing the black strings that were on it when purchased to Aquila Nylgut.
The following brands and models are ones that I have personal experience with, but are by no means the only decent instruments. If you are just starting out, however, I highly recommend you look at one of these models, and do NOT purchase online.
Don’t forget a case! A decent padded gig bag will cost around $20, and you definitely want to make this investment, since you will be bringing your own instrument to school!
Ohana CK-10
Cost: Approximately $100
Where to purchase locally: Hix Bros. Music, Aurora
Cordoba 15-CM
Cost: Approximately $100
Where to purchase locally: Guitar Center in Villa Park or Aurora
Kala 15 Series (15S, 15C, 15T)
Cost: Approximately $60
Where to purchase locally: Hix Bros. Music, Aurora, Suburban Music, Wheaton
Makala Dolphin (Soprano Size Only)
Cost: Approximately $50
Note: I would recommend immediately replacing the strings with a set of Aquila Nylgut strings (Approx. $8) if the strings are black. The strings that used to come with this model usually do not sound good. However, it seems like the newer ones come stock with Nylgut.
Where to purchase locally: Suburban Music, Wheaton
I have a ukulele at home, but it’s missing strings, or the strings are old? What then?
The sound of a ukulele is heavily influenced by the strings. In my experience, far more than guitars! Many low-cost ukuleles come "stock" with black nylon (look like plastic) strings. The sound of your instrument will be DRASTICALLY improved by replacing those strings with a good set of strings!
The strings I recommend are Aquila Nylgut strings (Make sure you get the correct size for your instrument!). They are available at most music stores for around $8.
I have also grown to love, and put on all of my personal instruments, a different type of string called flourocarbon. The brand that seems to be most available is the Martin M600 strings, and are only about $6.
I've included a short video below to demonstrate the difference in sound between strings, by taking a $50 ukulele and replacing the black strings that were on it when purchased to Aquila Nylgut.