How much should I spend on my first ukulele?

It's important to make sure you have the right ukulele for your needs. In this article, we'll go over a few tips on how to buy your first ukulele. This article will help you understand what to look out for when buying an instrument and give some advice on making the best purchase possible. So, How much should I spend on my first ukulele? Whether you're looking at price, size or features, there are many things that should be considered before purchasing the perfect ukulele for yourself!  

How Much Does a Beginner Ukulele Cost?

If it's your first time buying a ukulele, then you may not know exactly where to start with prices. The good news is that most beginner ukuleles cost around $100-150. For this price point, you can already expect a ukulele that has all of the basic features needed to play music. Here are some examples of different types of ukuleles in terms of their price points:

• A budget priced ukulele would typically range from about $40-$60. These ukes usually come without any fancy designs or materials used in construction and tend to be made out of cheaper wood. Some even use plywood instead of solid wood. However, there are a lot of downsides to buying cheap models, and they often include plastic parts such as tuners and bridges.
  
  

• Midrange priced ukuleles fall between $70-$150. These ukes feature higher end design elements including beautiful finishes and exotic woods. Many also offer premium sound systems which allow players to hear every note clearly.
  
  

• High-End priced ukuleles generally run above $200. These ukes are designed specifically for professional musicians who demand high-quality products. They often feature unique looks and sounds that set them apart from other brands.

Factors That Can Influence a Ukulele’s Price

You might be wondering why a ukulele can come in different price points. There are several factors that influence a ukulele's price. Let's take a closer look at each one so you can determine whether they apply to you.

1. Wood Quality 

Wood type plays a big role in determining a ukulele’s overall value. A solid wood body is more desirable than one made of laminate or veneer. Popular choices for concert-sized instruments include mahogany and koa. Mahogany tends to be darker while Koa is lighter colored. Both of these woods provide excellent tone qualities. 

Other popular choices of wood used for ukuleles include rosewoods and ebony.  Remember that each material provides its own distinct characteristics. It's up to you to choose the one that suits your style.

2. Size 

The ukulele's size also influences its price. If you already don't know, a ukulele comes in different sizes: soprano, concert and tenor. Oftentimes, the bigger sizes are more expensive than their smaller counterparts. However, if you're looking for something that will be used as an everyday instrument, then it doesn't really matter what size you get because they all sound great!

3. Design Elements 

Customization adds to the total price tag of your ukulele, and there are so many ways to customize your instrument. You can add decorative accents on top of the fretboard, change out strings with custom colors, and more. The options available depend on how much you plan on spending. So, if you have no plans to make changes, stick with standard ukuleles instead. 

But if you’re already planning to buy a customized ukulele, then look closely at the finish applied to its body. Is it glossy or matte? What kind of engraving does it contain? Are there special details added to the top surface? All of these elements also add to your overall cost. 

4. Strings and Tuners

Strings and tuners are additional elements that influence how much a ukulele costs. These two contribute a lot to the sound of your instrument, so it is important for you to choose them carefully. Strings can be made from nylon or steel wire; they should have no sharp edges on their ends as this will cause damage when playing. 

Tuning pegs are small metal pieces attached to strings that help keep track of pitch during performance. They  must also be chosen with care because if not set correctly, they could affect the tuning stability of the strings. 

5. Accessories

There are other accessories that may increase the price of your ukulele. Some examples of ukulele accessories include:

• Straps: These are either made from leather or synthetic material and often with an adjustable buckle to fit different sizes of people's shoulders.
  
  

• Picks: Made in a variety of materials, these can be used as finger picks for strumming chords on top of strings or they can be used like drumsticks by striking them against the fretboard.
  
  

• Capos: A capo is a device which allows you to play songs at any position without having to move your hands up and down the neck.
  
  

• Tuners: Tuners allow you to tune your instrument accurately and easily..

Ukuleles at Bondi Ukuleles

Ready to choose your first ukulele? Here at Bondi Ukuleles, we have a lot of different models and styles for you to choose from.  Our staff is more than happy to help you and answer all of your questions about our products so that you can start your musical journey! Reach out to us today to know more.