How to Choose the Right Ukulele for Your Playing Style and Budget

Playing the ukulele can be a fun and rewarding experience, but with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which type is best suited for your playing style and budget.

Luckily, we're here with a guide designed just for you!

From the size of the body to the material of the strings, discover all that's needed to select an instrument that's perfect not only performance-wise but also financially.

So why wait? Let’s dive right into finding ‘the one' today!

Consider Your Playing Style

Before you start browsing ukuleles, it’s important to consider your playing style. Different ukuleles have different tonal qualities, so it’s important to find one that matches the sound you’re looking for.

There are several different playing styles when it comes to playing the ukulele, each with its own unique sound and technique. Some of the most common playing styles include:

Strumming - Strumming is the most common playing style and involves using your fingers or a pick to strum the strings in a rhythmic pattern.

Fingerpicking - Fingerpicking involves using your fingers to pluck individual strings, creating a melodic and intricate sound.

Chord Melody - Chord melody involves playing the melody and the chords of a song simultaneously, creating a full and complex sound. Look how James Hill does the trick below:

Flamenco - Flamenco is a style that incorporates percussive elements, such as tapping the body of the ukulele or using a pick to create a rhythmic beat.

Clawhammer - Clawhammer is a style that involves using the back of your fingernail to strike the strings, creating a unique sound similar to that of a banjo.

Campanella - Campanella is a style that involves playing the notes of a melody across different strings, creating a ringing and bell-like sound.

These are just a few of the many playing styles you can experiment with when playing the ukulele.

If you’re a beginner, a soprano or concert ukulele is a great place to start. These ukuleles have a bright and cheerful sound that’s perfect for beginners. If you’re looking for a more mellow sound, a tenor or baritone ukulele might be a better fit for you.

If you’re an experienced player looking for a specific sound, you might want to consider a specialty ukulele, such as a banjo ukulele, a resonator ukulele, or an electric ukulele.

Determine Your Budget

A beginner's ukulele can cost as little as $50, whilst a high-end professional model can cost as much as several thousand dollars. Setting a budget before you go shopping will help you focus your choices and keep you from going overboard.

As a general rule, beginner ukuleles are priced between $50 and $250, intermediate ukuleles are priced between $250 and $500, and professional ukuleles can cost upwards of $1,000.

Choose the right size

Ukuleles come in four main sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The size you choose will depend on your playing style and the sound you’re looking for.

Soprano ukuleles are the smallest and have bright, cheerful sounds. They’re great for beginners and players with smaller hands.

Concert ukuleles are slightly larger than soprano ukuleles and have a slightly deeper sound. They’re a great option for players who want a fuller sound but still prefer a smaller instrument.

Tenor ukuleles are larger than concert ukuleles and have a deeper, more mellow sound. They’re a popular choice among professional players and those who want a more complex sound.

Baritone ukuleles are the largest and have the deepest sound. They’re a great option for players who want a guitar-like sound and are comfortable with a larger instrument. This is a popular choice for guitarists who want to transition to playing the ukulele.

Consider The Wood Type

The wood used to make a ukulele can have a big impact on its sound and overall quality. The most common types of wood used in ukulele construction are mahogany, koa, and spruce.

Mahogany is a popular choice for beginner and intermediate ukuleles. It has a warm, mellow sound and is a durable wood that can withstand changes in temperature and humidity.

Koa is a high-end wood that’s commonly used in professional ukuleles. It has a rich, warm sound and is known for its unique grain patterns.

Spruce is a light-coloured wood that’s often used in high-end ukuleles. It has a bright, clear sound and is known for its resonance and sustain.

Test It Out

Before you make a purchase, it’s important to test out the ukulele to make sure it’s the right fit for you. If you’re a beginner, ask an experienced player or music store employee to help you test out different models.

When testing out ukuleles, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Play the ukulele whilst sitting and standing to see if it’s comfortable in both positions.
• Test the intonation by playing notes up and down the fretboard. If the notes sound out of tune, it may be a sign of poor quality or construction.
• Strum the ukulele to see if it produces the sound you’re looking for. If you’re not sure, ask someone else to listen and give their opinion.

Now what if there aren't enough ukuleles available for you to choose from in your local music store? The next choice is to shop online. The problem is, you won’t be able to test the instrument. That's not a problem, though. All you have to do is look at the customer testimonials, and if at all possible, search for online retailers who have a brief demonstration video of the ukulele's sound.

Most reputable online retailers have ukulele players record their performances and post them to YouTube or their product pages. In this manner, you can quickly determine whether the sound suits your preferences. More importantly, pick a retailer with a generous return policy in case you're unhappy with your purchase and want to send it back.

Look For Additional Features

Whilst size, wood type, and sound make up the fundamentals of ukulele selection, other features can enhance your playing experience. Here are a few things to look for:

• Built-in electronics: If you plan to perform or record with your ukulele, consider purchasing one with built-in electronics.
• Cutaway design: A cutaway design allows for easier access to the higher frets on the ukulele.
• Tuners: Look for ukuleles with quality tuners to ensure that your instrument stays in tune for longer periods.
• Accessories: Some ukuleles come with additional accessories like a case, strap, or tuner.

Consider The Brand

There are many ukulele brands on the market, each with its reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Some popular brands include Kala, Bondi Ukuleles, Cordoba, Romero, Ohana, Enya, and aNueNUe.

When choosing a brand, it’s important to do your research and read reviews from other ukulele players. Consider the brand’s history, reputation, and customer service before making a purchase. And, if you plan to shop online, take the time to look at what other customers have said about their experiences with a particular retailer.

Researching reviews from credible sources such as Google can help you make an informed decision and ensure that your purchase is worthwhile!

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ukulele does not have to be overwhelming. By considering factors like size, wood, sound, and additional features that come with the instrument, you can find the perfect ukulele for your playing style and budget.

Oftentimes, it is helpful to try out different ukuleles before making a purchase, as this will help you determine which option best suits your needs.

Once you have made a decision, all that is left is to start strumming and get lost in the music. Investing in a quality ukulele should be looked upon as an important decision for any passionate musician, so make sure to approach it with patience and care. With the right guitar at your disposal, you will be able to fine-tune different chords, riffs, and rhythms as if you were born into it!

Do you have strategies on how to choose a ukulele? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your tips and advice!