Buying That First Ukulele Part 1

Introduction
Buying a ukulele for the first time can be a daunting experience. The size of the ukulele is an important step in that first purchase. Smaller sizes have higher tones and are generally ideal for strumming and children. Larger sizes produce louder sounds and are more suitable for finger picking and complex chord playing. Equally important is the cost. Buying a cheap ukulele may cause you not to play the instrument. This article is the first in a three part series that discusses these issues in buying that first ukulele. The article concludes with some helpful hints.

The Ukulele Family
Ukuleles typically come in four sizes, from the smallest, the soprano (about 21 inches long in total), then the concert (23 inches), next is the tenor (26 inches) and finally is the baritone (30 inches). The fifth member of the family is the ukulele banjo.

The Soprano is considered the standard size for ukuleles and usually has 12 to 14 frets. It is the smallest of the ukuleles and has the highest pitch. Most people tend to start with the soprano since it is most suited to strumming and chord playing where most people start. Its smaller size makes it easy to hold, easier fretting of big stretches, is perfect for children and easy to carry and store.

The Concert is a little larger, allowing for a bigger sound and has a larger fingerboard, with around 14 to 17 frets and maybe more. The concert is a good compromise between the soprano and the tenor ukuleles retaining that classic ukulele sound. Its larger size allows for a little extra room for playing chords, ideal for people with larger hands and is easy to carry and store.

The Tenor is the largest of the traditionally tuned ukuleles and has 17 to 19 frets. With its larger size the sound produced is louder and fuller than the smaller ukuleles. The larger neck also makes it easier for playing solos and different chords. Its popularity with professional musicians has made tenors ever more popular with amateur players and even beginners. Many guitarists prefer the tenor ukulele.

The Baritone is the largest ukulele, almost the size of a guitar, and has a bigger and fuller sound. Baritone ukuleles have around 19 to 21 frets and are tuned like the top four strings of a guitar. They are popular with former guitar players or people who plan on moving to the guitar.

What to expect to pay
With ukuleles becoming more popular and inexpensive imports from Asia, it is not unusual to purchase a reasonably good instrument at an affordable price. Avoid cheap models that are usually brightly colored or made of plastic and don't be surprised if you have to move up a model or two. Spending fifty to one hundred dollars will get you a decent ukulele that will sound and will feel better to play. Having a nice ukulele will encourage you to play more often.

Helpful Hints
The best advise is to go to a music store that sells ukuleles and ask questions. Pick up the instrument, look at it and see if it meets your expectations and that you will enjoy playing. Unfortunately, there are not many shops that specialize in selling ukuleles and many stores have a limited selection.

There are many reputable websites that sell ukuleles for less that you may find in music stores. Many of the better websites should have a customer support department where you can call or email questions or concerns, if not avoid them.

Here are some helpful tips:

· Prepare to spend anywhere from fifty to one hundred dollars and maybe move up a model or two.
· The Soprano for small hands, buying for a child or just strumming chords.
· The Concert for larger hands and prefer a louder sound.
· The Tenor for playing solo riffs or intricate chords or want a louder sound.
· The Baritone for something close to the traditional guitar.

Ukuleles can bring years of musical enjoyment as you explore its history and musical flexibility. This article just touches on some of the important decisions in purchasing that first ukulele. The second article in this series discusses tonewoods and laminate versus solid wood ukuleles. Until then, happy strumming!