Buying your first ukulele can be a daunting prospect, as there are literally hundreds of makes and models on the market these days.
When buying your first uke, there is often the temptation to buy the cheapest one you can find, as you are not sure whether it is something you will definitely continue with.
The problem with this, is that there are some very badly made instruments out there, which can be completely unplayable. This is obviously not the best start for a beginner and will quickly put you off learning the instrument.
The old idiom ‘You Get What You Pay For’ can be as true for the ukulele as with any other musical instrument.
That said, you don’t have to ‘break the bank’ on purchasing your first ukulele.
Below are some suggestions and links to a couple of well-respected physical and online ukulele shops and also a selection of ukulele makes and models at a range of budgets (from Low to High) that we have found to be consistently well-made at a range of budgets on Amazon.
World Of Ukes – https://worldofukes.co.uk/
Southern Ukulele Store – https://www.southernukulelestore.co.uk/
Entry-level Ukuleles on a Budget (Prices from Low to High)
Octopus makes ukuleles to suit all budgets and get good reviews, are well-made and set up for playing straight from the box.
Octopus Acadamy UK 205 Soprano Ukulele
An ideal entry-level soprano-sized ukulele for those on a budget or not wanting to spend much on their first instrument. Fitted with Aquila strings
https://amzn.to/3znRcyE
Octopus Acadamy UK 205 PUB Soprano Ukulele
The same model as above but in a Purple Burst. Fitted with Aquila strings
https://amzn.to/3zoA0ZQ
Octopus Acadamy UK 205 KAB Soprano Ukulele
The same model as above but in Blue with Octopus design. Fitted with Aquila strings
https://amzn.to/4e5gMYw
By clicking on any of the Octopus Acadamy Ukulele links above you will be taken to an Amazon search, where you will be able to find the same model of ukulele in a variety of colours.
Octopus UK215C-NAT Concert Ukulele
Concert ukulele with natural wood finish. Fitted with Aquila strings
https://amzn.to/3TwqR8x
Bumblebee BBBUS23BK Black – Soprano Ukulele
Designed to offer excellent quality at an affordable price, the Bumblebee range offers great build-quality, sound projection and playability. Models are available in Soprano or Concert sizes and in several colour finishes – Natural, Blue, Red, Black or Green. The open pore finish on these models makes them stand out from other ukuleles in this price range.
https://amzn.to/3ZzbMa2
Bumblebee BBBUC23GR Green – Concert Ukulele
Designed to offer excellent quality at an affordable price, the Bumblebee range offers great build-quality, sound projection and playability. Models are available in Soprano or Concert sizes and in several colour finishes – Natural, Blue, Red, Black or Green. The open pore finish on these models makes them stand out from other ukuleles in this price range.
https://amzn.to/47AMVEM
Makala Dolphin Soprano Ukulele – Green Apple Burst
Instantly recognisable by its dolphin-shaped bridge, this is one of the best entry-level ukes on the market.
The top is made from laminate Agathis wood, the back and sides are moulded plastic and the fingerboard is Rosewood.
Comes with a lightweight dust cover and is fitted with Aquila strings. Available in many different colours.
https://amzn.to/3XttXLM
By clicking on the Makala Dolphin Ukulele link above you will be taken to an Amazon search, where you will be able to find the same model of ukulele in a variety of colours.
Laka VUS10 Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
With a beautiful see-through satin finish highlighting the natural deep rich brown colours, the Laka Mahogany Series Soprano Ukulele is indeed, visually striking, offset with an okoume neck, ABS nut, walnut fingerboard and bridge.
https://amzn.to/4eLxuMz
Laka VUC10 Mahogany Concert Ukulele
The Concert sized version of the ukulele above. With a beautiful see-through satin finish highlighting the natural deep rich brown colours, the Laka Mahogany Series Soprano Ukulele is indeed, visually striking, offset with an okoume neck, ABS nut, walnut fingerboard and bridge.
https://amzn.to/4da28Oj
Laka VUT40 Mahogany Tenor Ukulele
Featuring laminate mahogany top back and sides and Okoume necks, closed back, silver plated Grover button machine heads and Aquila strings ensure stable tuning with a 15-fret black walnut fingerboard and bridge.
https://amzn.to/3ZpcxT5
Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano Ukulele
A well-made Mahogany entry-level uke in a satin finish that looks good, sounds great and is easy to play. It’s a good choice for beginners seeking a respectable starter uke. Fitted with Aquila strings
https://amzn.to/3BczsqM
Kala KA-CEM Exotic Mahogany Concert Ukulele
Sensational-looking concert-sized ukulele with flamed exotic laminate mahogany on the top, back and sides.
The sound is very sweet and balanced, with enough headroom to go loud when strummed strong, and retain clarity when picked quietly. Fitted with Aquila Strings
https://amzn.to/3XNqDMK
Tuners and Accessories
Fender FT-1 Pro Clip-On Tuner
The Fender FT-1 Pro Clip-On Tuner, designed for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars, as well as ukuleles, comes in sleek black. This tuner combines Fender’s renowned craftsmanship with cutting-edge tuning technology, ensuring your instrument is always pitch-perfect.
Comes with a CR2032 battery.
https://amzn.to/3Zt0q7i
Snark SN6X Clip-On Tuner for Ukulele
The Snark ukulele tuner clips onto the headstock of your ukulele and picks up the vibrations of the strings, so even if there is a lot of background noise it won’t affect your tuning. Perfect for a noisy evening ukulele session or in a live performance setting!
Comes with a CR2032 battery.
https://amzn.to/3TBKGvg
Snark USB Rechargeable Clip-On Tuner (SN-RE), Black
This high-tech version of the tuner above comes loaded with the latest software and can be charged with the included USB cable. The Snark RE features a durable, fully-rotatable construction made of vulcanised rubber, while the extra-bright display is a definitive plus in broad daylight and feels intuitive to navigate.
https://amzn.to/47DT1Ew
Longteam Linen Simple Ukulele Case
Ukuleles gig bag with 10mm sponge padding and accessory storage pocket.
Available in different fabric designs and Soprano, Concert and Tenor sizes.
Make sure you select the colour and size you require on the webpage.
https://amzn.to/4etdNIZ
John Caudrey – Music (the tutor at Oxford Ukuleles), may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to yourself if you purchase something through the Amazon links above.