How to Choose a Ukulele and Recommended Models

Have you ever thought about starting to play the ukulele as a hobby but felt unsure about what to choose when it comes to actually buying one?

When you’re investing in a musical instrument you’ll be using for a long time, you want to find one that suits you perfectly!
This time, I’ll introduce tips on how to choose a ukulele even if you’re a beginner, and some recommended models.

■ What Kind of Instrument is a Ukulele?

The ukulele is an instrument of which origin was brought from Portugal and improved in Hawaii.
It looks like a small guitar, but while a guitar has six strings, a ukulele has four.
The fewer number of strings means it’s much easier to play than a guitar if you’re just strumming chords to a song, making it an accessible instrument for beginners.
Of course, there are advanced techniques unique to the ukulele, but the fact that you can start with simple chord strumming is a huge attraction.

■ Points to Consider When Choosing a Ukulele

There are various types and characteristics of ukuleles.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one before making a purchase.

○ Body Shape

Ukuleles come in two main shapes:

[Standard Shape]
Most ukuleles have a curvy, hourglass-like shape, similar to the standard shape of an acoustic guitar.
This design is known for producing clear and crisp sounds.

[Pineapple Shape]
With a more unique, non-curvy design, this type tends to have a louder natural sound.

○ Size

Ukuleles come in various sizes, similar to wind instruments.
There are three standard sizes, and beginners often go for smaller, more affordable models.

[Soprano]
This is the standard size for ukuleles and is typically the most affordable.
It’s often the first choice for beginners due to its manageable size, making it easier for children or those with smaller hands to play.
The sound is light and lively, ideal for singing along or simple chord playing.

[Concert]
This is a size up from the soprano.
Even elementary school kids or women with smaller hands can still handle it easily.
It has a louder sound and deeper resonance, making it suitable for melody or solo performances.

[Tenor]
This is a popular size in Hawaii and is closer in size to a guitar.
In Japan, the tenor size is less common as ukuleles are often regarded as more compact instruments, so few people start with a tenor ukulele.

○ Choosing by Wood Type

The wood used in the ukulele can significantly affect its sound.
It also greatly influences the instrument’s appearance, so it’s okay to choose based on your visual preference as well!

[Hawaiian Koa]
This is the iconic wood for the classic ukulele sound.
It produces crisp, bright tones. However, due to logging restrictions in Hawaii, it’s becoming a rare material, which makes it more expensive.

[Mahogany]
Mahogany is a cost-effective material commonly used in not just ukuleles, but guitars and basses as well.
It offers a soft and rich sound, making it versatile across genres.
The warm, natural wood grain also adds to its appeal.

[Mango]
Mango wood is soft, producing mellow tones.
Soprano ukuleles often have a high-pitched, piercing sound, but mango softens this, providing a more subdued high-end.
It’s generally more expensive and favored by seasoned players, making it a popular choice for a second ukulele.

[Spruce]
This is a classic wood used in acoustic guitars, known for its firm, clear sound.
It produces beautiful tones, making it ideal for solo performances.
Spruce is often combined with other types of wood, so the sound can vary depending on the ukulele.

○ Pegs

If you’ve played guitar or bass before, you’ll be familiar with pegs.
Pegs are the components on the headstock that you turn to tighten or loosen the strings, adjusting the tuning.

Pegs are typically either friction pegs (also called straight pegs) or gear pegs, with gear pegs being highly recommended.

Friction pegs can be a bit tricky to use because a small turn can result in a significant pitch change, and they tend to go out of tune more easily.
On the other hand, gear pegs are much easier to adjust and more stable in keeping the tuning.

You can easily recognize gear pegs as they protrude from the side of the headstock, similar to those on guitars. Friction pegs have knobs at the back of the headstock.

While gear pegs are now the standard, traditionalists who appreciate the vintage ukulele sound sometimes opt for friction pegs to honor the instrument’s heritage.
 

Recommended Ukuleles by Price Range

Now that you have an idea of what to look for, here are some recommended soprano ukuleles, perfect for beginners.

PLAYTECH / PUK302AB Mahogany

With a matte mahogany finish, this ukulele offers a beautiful appearance and a soft sound. Even more impressive, it’s available for around 4,000 yen!

Despite the low price, it features gear pegs and a bone nut (cheaper models often use plastic), and it comes with a soft case, making it the perfect first ukulele.

PLAYTECH also offers other ukuleles made from different woods, all of which are great value for money, so be sure to check them out!
⇒ List of PLAYTECH Ukuleles

Famous / FS-1G Soprano Ukulele

At around 20,000 yen, ukuleles in this price range offer much more stable tuning.
Famous is a well-known Japanese ukulele brand, and the FS-1G is a popular first choice for beginners, but it’s also great for intermediate players.

Famous / FS-5G Soprano Ukulele

Similar to the FS-1G, but the FS-5G uses Hawaiian koa wood while the FS-1G uses mahogany.
Different woods give a very different look and sound.

While it’s more expensive, around 30,000 yen due to the rarity of koa wood, many are drawn to its sparkling sound.

■ Summary

The ukulele is a fantastic instrument that is easy to play, especially for basic chord strumming, and you can start at a low cost.
However, it also has a lot of depth, with advanced techniques to explore as you progress, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!

*Prices as of October 2021

〈Other Recommendations〉

PLAYTECH / PUK500 Series

This ukulele looks just like an electric guitar. It’s a concert-type electric ukulele, perfect for those transitioning from an electric guitar. It’s also sure to stand out on stage!

PLAYTECH / PUK400 Series

The PUK400 Series is a very popular concert ukulele series from Sound House. The lineup includes five models, starting with the PUK401, made from ovangkol wood, and the PUK402, made from walnut. Each product page has videos, so check them out to find the sound and design you like!

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