Ukulele Buyer’s Guide
Hooray — you’ve decided to purchase a ukulele!
Congrats on choosing an instrument that is easy to shop for, affordable, and super fun to play.
Are you ready to start your ukulele lessons in Boise, Idaho and need an instrument? Or maybe you are looking to add a new instrument to your music corner, or give a ukulele as a gift.
No matter the reason, we think adding more music into your life is always a good thing, and we’re happy to help you find the perfect instrument! Read on for our curated list of ukulele recommendations.*
The Basics
Ukulele Size
Ukuleles come in four standard sizes: soprano, concert (alto), tenor, and baritone. The smallest of the gang, the soprano, is the most common and will give you the signature sweet, plucky sound we associate with the instrument. Soprano ukuleles are perfect for players with small hands, or for those who want a portable travel instrument.
Concert ukuleles and tenor ukuleles are tuned the same as a soprano ukulele, but are progressively larger in size. They are great for players with bigger hands or for those who want a fuller sound and greater projection to accompany their singing.
Baritone ukuleles are tuned like the high four strings of a guitar. While also fun to play, these instruments are often more of a secondary instrument. If you’re looking to learn the ukulele or purchase one as a gift, we recommend you start with a soprano, concert, or tenor ukulele in standard tuning.
Ukulele Materials
Ukuleles come in a rainbow of woods and even plastics. Pick the right ukulele for you based on sound and durability. A plastic ukulele is a great choice for a kid’s first instrument, or to take camping/boating. Wood laminate ukuleles are also durable with a great sound. Solid-top wood ukuleles are often thought to have the best tone, but tone vastly varies by wood type, instrument brand, and personal perception. Get out there and start strumming to see what you like best!
Shopping Locally
Your local music shop will have a variety of awesome instruments for you to choose from. If you decide to purchase a ukulele online or used, please have it looked over by a luthier to make sure it is in tip-top playing condition.
If you’re looking for a ukulele in the Boise area, please contact us for personalized recommendations! We’d be happy to point you in the right direction for shopping, set-ups, tune-ups, and repairs. In the meantime, check out the instruments below to get an idea of reputable brands and models.
Ukuleles We Recommend
Concert Ukuleles
WE RECOMMEND
Soprano Ukuleles
Makala Waterman Soprano Ukulele
(Pictured in Sea Foam Green)
Luna UKE VSS Spruce Soprano Ukulele
WE RECOMMEND
Tenor Ukuleles
WE RECOMMEND
Accessories
Now that you’ve found your perfect ukulele, outfit it with all the necessities.
Case
Go for either a hard shell or at least a padded soft case to protect your beloved ukulele.
WE RECOMMEND
Tuner
Your phone app will work in a pinch, but a dedicated tuner will be more accurate. The clip-on kind will only pick up the vibrations from your instrument, which makes playing in a group even easier!
WE RECOMMEND
Strings
Throw an extra set in your case so you’ll never be caught unprepared!
WE RECOMMEND
Still have questions about buying a ukulele?
Next Read:
Create a safe and comfortable space to leave your instrument out and get into your practice groove!
Ready to play some music?
*Campfire Music Collective is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on any products purchased through affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Your purchases help support our work in bringing you quality music resources beyond in-person instruction.