5 Things to look out for when buying an Ukulele
There are plenty of things to look out for when buying an Ukulele in Singapore. With the vast selection available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and end up with a purchase you might regret. This article is here to guide beginners like you in narrowing down your options and making the process simpler and more enjoyable. So, if you’re looking for a new ukulele for your ukulele lessons in Singapore, keep reading!
Quick summarized points on “5 Things to look out for when buying an Ukulele”
Before you decide if this article is for you, here are our 5 points about things to look out for when buying an ukulele.
- Size of the Ukulele
- Pickup options
- Tuning configuration
- Body Shape
- Budget
Taking Ukulele Lessons can help you search for your dream Ukulele
There is no doubt that some understanding and knowledge of the instrument can help make the right purchase. Taking Ukulele lessons with us can help you achieve just that.
We are a music school in Singapore offering ukulele lessons at Upper Thomson Road. Signing up for ukulele lessons with us means learning from a team with over 10 years of experience running a successful music school in Singapore. Over the years, we have refined our teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, effective, and tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond lessons—we organize annual recitals! It provides our ukulele students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.
Size does matter
Unlike Singapore’s unofficial Uniqlo uniform, bigger isn’t always better—especially for ukuleles. While renowned musicians like Jake Shimabukuro and Feng E often play Tenor-sized ukuleles, a Soprano size is generally more suitable for young children. The best way to determine if a ukulele is the right size for you is by checking how comfortably you can play it while standing without a strap. If your fingers feel cramped within the fret space, the size might be too small. If you’re unsure, a Concert-sized ukulele is always a safe and versatile choice!
Pickup
That said, most ukuleles that come with pre-installed pickup systems sound quite good! The days of poor-quality pickups are long gone. Some brands even offer innovative onboard effects—Enya, for example, has a system that adds effects like delay without requiring an external speaker. This advanced technology uses the instrument’s body as a resonator, enhancing the sound with built-in effects for a unique playing experience.
Tuning of the Ukulele
Although the ukulele shares a similar shape to the guitar, its tuning has a unique twist. Essentially, it matches the first four strings of a guitar with a capo on the 5th fret, which works well for playing in a more contemporary style—much like Jason Mraz in his hit song I’m Yours.
However, traditional ukulele tuning features a high G instead of a low G. This difference expands the instrument’s range and playability while giving it that signature Hawaiian sound.
Both tunings are widely used, but at Vinnie Classroom, we teach all our ukulele lessons using traditional high-G tuning.
Check out the classic video of Honoka & Azita with their masterful performance on the Ukulele
Body Shape of the Ukulele
One of the most exciting aspects of the ukulele is its variety of body shapes. While traditional designs work well, ukuleles can be crafted in almost any shape and style! The Pineapple ukulele is one of the most classic designs, but the Flying-V shape definitely stands out with its bold look.
However, choosing a Flying-V ukulele means you’ll likely have to play it while standing, as it’s not the most lap-friendly. Similarly, box-shaped ukuleles may look unique, but their sharp corners can be uncomfortable. Perhaps that’s why the classic figure-8 shape remains the most popular choice!
Budget
Ukulele ranges from SGD$50 to SGD$5000. The wide price range is due to a few factors.
- Material – Solid wood with high grade cost more than laminated wood
- Brand – Well-established brands will command a higher price as they can ensure quality and durability
- Electronics – The price will naturally be higher for those models with built-in pickup systems. However, these systems are vital for performance.
- Location – Buying the same Ukulele can have a slight difference in pricing. So do check with a few stores or online shops before making your purchase.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ukulele for your lessons in Singapore is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience. With various sizes, shapes, and features available, it’s important to find one that suits your playing style and needs. Whether you opt for a traditional figure-8 shape or something more unique, the key is to ensure it feels good in your hands and produces a sound you love. A well-chosen ukulele will not only enhance your lessons but also keep you motivated on your musical journey!
Taking Ukulele lessons can help you understand what Ukulele fits you best, consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you. Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂
