Ukulele

[Jay Bondesen]

My wife has decided that she wants to learn how to play and I'm wondering where is a good place to by a beginner ukulele. I have seen them around town but I can't tell the difference from one to another. I don't want a toy but also don't want to spend to much because I'm not sure how far she will go with it. I'm thinking $50. to $75. but maybe that isn't enough to get past the toy style.

Jay

[james weatherford]

There is a group your wife may want to get in touch with: PUKA -- 'Puna Ukulele Kanikapila Association'. They play at Leilani Community Center every second Saturday (and also play other events, like the recent Pahoa parade).
PUKA has beginner's lessons at 1pm and other folks join in about an hour later. They also have loaner ukes for trying.
Here is the contact andy at cruzio dot com.

[Kelena]

Uke is very fun and easy. That's the appeal. It is also a real instrument that can command respect in the hands of someone like Herb Ohta (father or son) or Jake Shimabukuro, or the recently departed Bill Tapia, who played the ukulele professionally until he died at 103. But a good beginner's uke would run a little closer to $100 - $150, unless you find something on Craigslist or at a yard sale. Avoid toys. I just looked on Craigslist but nothing jumped out at me (you will want a concert, tenor or soprano so she can play the same chord configurations as others). You might check Hilo Guitars and Ukuleles. If nothing else, they can advise you. PUKA's holiday party is this Sunday at 1:00. Potluck. I am bringing the KTA cookies that no one ate at the Christmas parade.

[Jay Bondesen]

Thanks James, I've met Andy a time or two both at our potlucks and at neighborhood watch meetings. Everyone involved with PUKA seems to have a great time. My wife though isn't really one for group activities but maybe later.

Jay

[birdmove]

Hilo Guitars on Ponahawaii Street just off the waterfront in Hilo has a bunch of ukeleles. Also go to youtube and search hilo guitars ukelele, or similiar, and you'll find some clips.

I'm a guitar hack of many years and just decided I'd like a ukelele and to learn to , play one. You can google about learning to play ukelele or something also.

If you get to cheap of a uke, it will discourage a person. It won't stay in tune, and the strings may buzz due to a bad setup etc. If you go see the folks at Hilo Guitars, they will help you a bunch, and you can try them out. Better yet, ask them to play some for you.

They come in four main sizes: soprano (the smallest); Concert (next size larger); tenor (next larger size); and baritone (the biggest). Like guitars, there are laminated ones and solid wood ones. This is concerning the front main body of the uke. Laminated is cheaper, stronger, but usually doesn't sound as good as the solid ones. A laminated one would be fine for a novice. Get a ukelele tuner also, and they could suggest a good starter book.

Don't be discouraged as a new guitar or uke or any stroinged instrument will get out of tune often at first as the strings stretch. Be sure it has "geared" tuners, rather than "friction" tuners, as the friction type won't ever hold a tune as well as the geared ones. Different woods will also make different sounds.

I think you could get a decent starters ukelele for about $100.

Good luck, Jon

Jon in Keaau/HPP

[JonP]

This is the forst I have heard that Bill Tapia died. I am very sorry to hear it. RIP.

[Jay Bondesen]

I was afraid that I might have to move from my $75. limit Kelena. What's anoter $50. for the love of my life!

Jay

[jackson]

75.00 will get you a toy. see Brian at Hilo Guitars and Ukes and be assured that whatever he tells you is straight up. He also teaches uke.
Anybody interested in guitar lessons?

[taropatch]

Couple of other places for group lessons is the East Hawaii Cultural Center (EHCC) across from Kalakaua park and the Parks & Recreation Center at Hilo Armory Gym by the Wailuku River.

Aside from Hilo Guitars, you can shop for ukuleles at that gift shop (can't think of the name) on Bay front. They have "ukuleles for sale" signs in the window. But if you shop there, you need to be able to differentiate between the quality ukes and the cheap crap. Visiting Hilo Guitars is a better place to start.

The following link is for a well-respected ukulele forum. Browse the threads on beginners' ukulele and you will get some good advice.
http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/bulletin/