If you’re here, you’ve probably caught the ukulele bug — that wonderful feeling when a few gentle strums make the whole world slow down and smile.
I know that feeling well, I caught the Ukulele bug about 15years ago.
I discovered that uke players are some of the most giving, welcoming, helpful people on the planet.
Guitar jams are blood sport, gladiatorial fights to the death trying to outplay each other, and ask for help, pfft yeah right good luck with that. 'What key are you playing, what scale, what chord?" Answer is generally "work it out yourself.
Buy a Ukulele and learn a few chords then get yourself to a ukulele club jam, welcome to the family. You wont look back.
I’ve seen it in my ukulele groups, in students picking up their first instrument, and in lifelong players chasing that perfect tone.
Choosing the right ukulele isn’t just about price or looks — it’s about finding your voice.
Let’s make it simple.
And remember I do a 60 day 'Love it or return it guarantee' so you can try your ukulele out at home, at the jam, in your own time, no pressure.
🌿 1. Start with how you love to play, and how big are your hands.
Do you love soft, fingerpicked melodies? Then a Concert or Tenor with a bigger body and more volume and more frets to play on is your go.
Or do you strum along to your favourite songs on the patio?
Then a soprano is a great first time uke to thrash around on. Great for Chords, and with a vintage treble tone that cuts through at a jam/party. When people think ukulele, the Soprano sound is usually what's in their head.
If you are unsure what size to go for then a concert ukulele is always a first time beautiful fit.
It sits between the smaller Soprano and the Larger Tenor instruments. All tuned the same of course, GCEA, or George Clooney Eats Apples as the rhyme goes.
A concert with its longer neck than a Soprano, with more frets and with a bit more space between the frets too for larger hands. Concerts have a balanced tone, not as trebly as a Soprano, not as Bass full as a Tenor. Concert is the goldilocks of ukuleles, big hands and small hands can all play a Concert
If you prefer a bigger louder more bass go for a Tenor Size. In practice the sound is generally warm and full for strumming and loud for finger picking.
A tenor ukulele gives you that extra depth, richer sound.
A tenor ukulele also gives you more room for your fingers!
Maybe you have big hands, with the strong meaty mighty hard worked fingers of someone who baked bread or been a carpenter. Then a Tenor is probably right for you. Longer neck with the biggest fret spacing.
You want Loud, wait, you need loud because you sing loud or play in a band.
The a tenor is ideal for players who love to sing while they play. Your voice is generally going to be louder than your uke, but a tenor can keep up with the loudest of singers.
I want portable and want to play when ever the whim strikes.
Y probably want something small, bright, and travel-ready, a Soprano keeps things fun and classic. That’s the iconic Hawaiian sound that started it all. Portable and with an old school treble tone that cuts through at parties.
When I go to parties I take my Soprano, you can carry it round and bash out a tune during the night. Perfect for those instantaneous singalongs that happen when musicians get together.
🎶 3. Think about comfort, and your end use, not fancy looks or complexity.
There’s no “right” size, just the one that feels best in your hands.
Try holding a few. If your fingers stretch comfortably across the frets and your arm rests naturally, that’s your match.
I’ve met players who thought they needed a fancy model but ended up falling in love with a simple, lightweight ukulele because it just felt right. All the fancy wood grain pattern in the world wont make you a better player.
Are you going to plug in and play through an amplifier or PA, then you will need a ukulele with a Pickup. If not then I would put the money into a better acoustic ukulele rather and spread your budget to get a pickup you may never ever use.
🌺 4. Let your ears decide, different woods do sound different.
Every ukulele has its own personality.
I do a 60 day 'Love it or return it guarantee' so you can try your ukulele out at home, at the jam, in your own time, no pressure.
Mahogany gives a warm, mellow tone.
Spruce adds brightness and clarity.
Cedar is loud, as loud as wood soundboards get, not as bright as spruce not as tight bottomed as mahogany, mellow is the word.
Mango wood, light weight and beautifully grained and figured and one of my personal favourites. Bring not only looks to the table but a sweetness and colour to every note.
Don’t be afraid to strum, listen, and trust your ears. The sound that makes you smile — that’s your ukulele.
✨ 4. Start with quality, not quantity
You don’t need ten ukuleles to start with, just one good quality one that inspires you to play every day.
A budget of around $150 is a good starting point, the cost barrier to entry into ukulele world is pretty reasonable. But you get what you pay for, these are instruments not kettles.
Brands like Kala, Flight, and Ohana have stood out in my years of teaching and performing because they balance craftsmanship with playability.
That’s why I chose to carry them here at Ukulele Trading Co Australia , instruments that last, feel good in your hands, and make you fall in love with music all over again.
💛 5. Most importantly the uke you want to play everyday is the right uke for you.
At the end of the day, the right ukulele is the one that keeps you playing, smiling, and sharing music with others.
Whether you’re sitting by the ocean, playing at a local group, or strumming in your living room, your ukulele should feel like an old friend.
So take your time, listen with your heart, and find the one that sings with you.
And if you ever need a hand choosing, I’d be glad to help.
After all, this isn’t just about instruments — it’s about joy, connection, and music that stays with you for life.
Christopher Carr
Owner, Ukulele Trading Co Australia 🎶
