Best ukuleles, mandolins & banjos according to redditors

Play 4 en Amazon a $5,200 con cupón BUENFIN2017

https://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/product/B075NN2896/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AVDBXBAVVSXLQ&tag=pdesc-20

Ukulele a $549

https://www.amazon.com.mx/Diamond-Head-DU-150-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B008277N80/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&dealid=0e736e9b&ref_=gbmh_mob_m-3_973c_0e736e9b&smid=AVDBXBAVVSXLQ&tag=pdesc-20

GoPro Hero Session en Walmart a $2,500

https://www.walmart.com.mx/Fotografia/Camaras-de-Video/Camaras-de-Video-Deportivas/Camara-Deportiva-GoPro-Hero-Session-CHDHS-102_00081827901726?utm_source=affrktn&utm_medium=aff&utm_campaign=mg_affrktn_rev_alwayson&utm_term=%2FU5f5VTeAQM&ranMID=38610&ranEAID=%2FU5f5VTeAQM&ranSiteID=_U5f5VTeAQM-hIrsxJ5c_7IlMk1paTv72g

I like it lot so far. It's got a bright bite, and the intonation is shockingly excellent. By comparison, my Epiphone Les Paul Uke (which was my first uke, I love it so much), which cost twice as much, has had some work done to improve the intonation and still can't match the Waterman. I think it's because the Waterman has a "zero" fret at the top of the fingerboard, right after the nut. Though to be fair, the Les Paul Uke also has a pickup in it. It can't match my Ohana TK-20CE, but for $50, it's a damn good sound.

According to the Kala page and this Amazon page, it's an ABS composite plastic. I've already dropped it a couple times and it has hardly a scratch, so they've made it out of something sturdy.

The shop that I buy from said they haven't carried them for an incredibly long time, though they usually have some crazy ukes... I've seen metal-bodied resonator ukes, 8-strings, and an arch-top uke there. But anyway, if your local place carries Kala ukes, maybe they'll get one in sometime that you could try for yourself! It's an interesting sound, not bad, but different from a wooden instrument.

TL;DR It's great for a $50 uke. Sorry for typing so much, figured I should answer as thoroughly as I could 'cuz I'm weird and wordy, haha. :)

So unfortunately that is a toy ukulele...you likely have a striped tuning peg. You could technically replace the tuning pegs, adjust the action, and get an ...okay... sound out of it...but for that time and trouble I would just get an actual instrument (even if it is a cheaper model) and move forward from there.

Especially if you are a newer player. It is easy to get frustrated trying to learn on an instrument that isn't consistent, and this one never will be.

Check out these for something in the same price range, that is certainly playable: http://www.amazon.com/Kala-Makala-Dolphin-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B0037CMDE4/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1395261683&sr=1-1&keywords=mahalo+dolphin+ukulele

I was actually in this exact situation when I started playing - was a highschooler with free time and just wanted to learn banjo.

1. Get a banjo: If you don't have one already, then this part is sort of a requirement. A standard 5-string is the best place to start. This Deering is a fantastic beginner banjo (and not too bad for performing either), but if price is an issue, I've heard that Gold Tone's work just fine as well.
   
2. Get some books/material: This book is by the master himself (Earl Scruggs). It's sort of an essential for anyone looking to play classic 3-finger (Scruggs style) banjo. If you're looking to play Clawhammer perhaps, this is a very good book for learning.
   
3. PRACTICE: It can seem difficult at first, but I recommend practicing as much as possible. When I first started, I practiced for about 1-2 hours everyday for a solid month. I was able to improve very quickly. And the best part is that I enjoyed every bit of it. That's another thing, if you really enjoy playing, then practicing shouldn't be verry difficult for you.
   
   Good luck, and have fun!

Definitely a Makala Dolhpin! The thing is practically indestructible since it's mostly made of plastic. It sounds great too if you put some Aquilas on it. I know you said she's not destructive but this thing will last forever because of its durability.

The ukulele is probably one of the easiest instruments to learn, full stop! Even if you only spend an hour a week practising, it's surprising how much you can learn.

If you're playing jazz standards, the best thing to do would be to try and learn from lead sheets and chord charts to any simple songs you can find. That said, this material can be quite harmonically complex, so you're probably better off starting by learning easy pop songs, just so you can pick up the basic chords.

I'm assuming you're American? I can't speak for the prices there, but this ukulele model is pretty universally regarded as one of the best beginner ukuleles, and they come in all sorts of colours, so going by that, you should probably not spend any less than about $50.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask :)

Cheap option

Expensive option

Have fun

I've had this one for almost 2 years and it's great. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LU1SFO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1462734878&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=ukulele&dpPl=1&dpID=51LJmUzunKL&ref=plSrch

Just buy the uke. Kala has several models for $55 or less on Amazon with free shipping. Ukulele is much easier to learn than guitar, and there's not really that much that carries directly over. Both are fretted instruments, but they have totally different fingering patterns and chords. Some strumming patterns are similar but the actual technique is different. You hold them differently due to the vast size difference. Etc.

This is awesome! :D

Item1: Ukelele. I want to start to learn how to play.

item 2: Guitar string

"C'mon...gimme."

I bet you both look lovely today. I saw /u/186394s video yesterday and it was hilarious especially when he said that he installed the app slice the fruit.

I saw rasta's video earlier. :)

Pedals, song books, lessons, strings... I go through a lot of strings. Nice straps are more expensive than most people realize, and they can make a big difference. A decent guitar stand (one of those Hercules ones) or, if you have a couple of guitars, one of the folding multi-guitar road cases...


Sometimes something non-guitar is nice too - My sister and I were both gifted cheap mandolins last year. At the time it seemed a very odd thing - she used to play keyboard but hasn't played in years, and I'm all guitar all the time... but we've both genuinely enjoyed plonking around on those things, even if we're not particularly proficient players.

If you follow this simple regimen, you will be prepared to play ukulele in no time at all:

1. Put on multi-colored, flower-patterned shirt.
   
2. Put on fringed straw hat.
   
3. Pour yourself a pina colada. (Ideally served in a coconut.)
   
4. Play "My Dog Has Fleas".
   
5. Appreciate that you bought a decent uke and strings and don't have to tune it all the time.
   
6. Play C, G, Am, F, while humming "What A Wonderful World".
   
   You are now ready to play.

Something like the Makala MK-S might work for you. It sounds better than the super cheap plastic-y ukuleles but still maintains the nice "cheap" twangy, kinda stereotypical ukulele sound. I've got one myself and it's pretty well built, never had trouble keeping it in tune, intonation problems, or felt like it was about to fall apart in my hands.

Best of luck with your training! My dad was active duty for 27 years.

I really want to learn to play the Uke.

Thank you for the contest <3

Okay, so...

Watching the clip /u/TheJiggersUp posted below, I don't see him playing his mandolin, so I don't have much to offer on style... I would presume he's going to play in a more classical/European style, as opposed to an American, bluegrass-oriented style. He has a bowlback mandolin rather than a flat-back or carved-top style instrument, but I don't know of any playable bowlback models that cost ~$100.

What does exist is the Rogue RM-100A which is a not-great but more-or-less playable mandolin for under $100. (Some individual instruments seem to be better than others, but it's just a luck-of-the-draw thing.) If you were to get one, you'd also do well to get some different strings for it, get a decent pick designed for mandolin (a guitar pick won't work well for this instrument), and maybe consider having it professionally set up (or possibly even trying to do the work yourself... perhaps someone else can point me to the book available on setting up a Rogue to be less awful.) I would also highly recommend getting a chromatic tuner; you spend quite a bit of time tuning this instrument, and as a beginner, it's really helpful to have one of these. If you have a smartphone, a metronome app would also be a good thing to get; otherwise, there are a million cheap, electronic metronomes on the market.

So the Rogue is a cheap, low-quality instrument -- NOT a good instrument, just the least-bad at the sub-$100 price range -- but it can get you started. I know, because that's how I started. It's designed for bluegrass more than traditional mandolin music, but you can learn the rudiments of any/every style on it.

After that, to just start learning how to play, I recommend Don Julin's book. Yes, it's "for Dummies." It's still an excellent beginner's book. He focuses primarily on American styles, but he also covers other mandolin traditions, and when you're first starting out you really just need to learn the basics no matter what style you favor. He also does some nice intro-level youtube lesson videos. There are lots and lots of other mandolin lessons available on youtube, too, and are a decent way to start out if you can't afford private lessons.

Finally, start saving up some money for a better instrument. Sooner than you can imagine, you will reach the point where the Rogue can no longer keep up with you, and begins to hinder your progress, so you need the upgrade to keep learning. The most common recommendations I see are the Eastman 304 or 305 and the Kentucky KM-140. Both are solid student instruments that will serve you well for a long time, and both can be had with professional set-up and a hard case for ~$450. I have an Eastman 305 myself and I adore it. Or perhaps there's a more traditional bowlback model out there that you'd like better, if you aim to play that way. I know very little about those.

It's a great instrument, and fun to learn. And it's entirely possible to come from zero background with stringed instruments and still make good progress. Good luck!

Edit: Oh, also... certainly it would be a good thing to learn (or re-learn) how to read standard musical notation, but a lot of mandolin music is available in tablature (or tab), which is a much easier system to use and doesn't require the ability to read music. The Julin book I linked to above uses both.

Edit 2: Also, here's a recent thread on the Rogue, just so you can see some other people's opinions.

Have a list

ok, this one comes in a choice of colours

I'm researching ukulele's for a friend's birthday present and this one seems to be very good for the price. Though the general consensus is that it benefits from switching out the strings

Let me suggest the Kala KA-15S. I bought one of these 4 years ago when I was in your shoes (no musical background at all). I currently have 4 ukes, but often pick this one up to this day when I want to jam on a soprano.

I am definitely happy that I used the ukulele as a way to get into music. It has been a fun and rewarding learning experience.

If you're just beginning, I don't think it will really matter too much. I was also very conflicted about what ukulele I should purchase first, but then I saw this video on youtube... and it stuck me that probably the most important thing will be the amount of practice you're willing to put into learning.

I ended up getting a kala pineapple ukulele, and have actually been pretty happy with it. For my level, I definitely didn't need a very expensive one!

Also: do ukuleles cost more in Slovenia? On amazon.com, you can get the makala MK-S for about $50, which is about 47€...

it's on amazon

Ukulele! A one-time purchase of a decent, cheap ukulele, strings, and a tuner. From there on, the internet is FULL of free online lessons and music sheets. I can't tell you how much my ukulele has brought me joy in the year and a half or so that I have been playing it!

If you want to turn it into something social, you might even have a ukulele jam session in your area. I have been shocked to find easily a half-dozen within a 30-45 minute drive of me, and that's with a casual search. I have attended some in sun-lit parks in the summertime, in bars, in community centers, you name it. Ages are mixed, backgrounds are mixed, music spans the gamut, all really friendly and fun people. But that's just if you want to try a group, which is by no means necessary.

Edited to add: My recommended beginner ukulele is the [Kala Makala Dolphin](http://www.amazon.com/Makala-Dolphin-Bridge-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B002ZSE9ES} (there is also a Shark line that is pretty much the same, but different styling). Comes in tons of fun colors and is a good setup for a beginner price point. Get Aquila strings, and a tuner and you're set for a long time. There are some sets which include a tuner, basics video, and the uke, you just need to buy the strings separately. I get no kickback or anything from these suggestions. It's just what I started with and what I have bought friends as gifts, and been really happy with it.

You'd probably do well with something like this in that price range

:)

I would also recommend going with the Goodtime. They're a bit cheaper on Amazon, and they're really, really worth it, quality-wise. A lot of the low-end banjos made overseas are cheaply put together and have problems with the action (distance of strings from the fretboard) or crappy tuners, and won't sound very good either, whereas my Goodtime's been played for almost a decade, I've abused the hell out of it for the past year (playing several hours a day, lugging it around on the bus, regularly changing the tuning), and it's escaped with only a couple minor scratches and nicks. Still totally playable and sounds fine. It is a little bit quieter than other banjos will be at jams, but I get along pretty well.

http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Mandolin-A-Style-Holes-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Worth. Every. Penny.

I bought this ukulele about a month ago and I'm really happy with it. It has a nice bright sound and it was the perfect price. With Amazon Prime it's $26 (even less expensive than when I bought it). And just last night my Aquila Nyglut strings came in and they just made it sound so much better. With those two (provided you have Amazon Prime) it's just over $35. It's certainly not the best ukulele out there, but I'm definitely going to be happy with her until I save up for a nicer soprano or maybe a tenor uke. I think you will be too.

Honestly, [I bought a rogue off amazon for my niece and nephew] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002H0KG0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and was amazed at how solid an instrument it was for the price.

The action is set very low, so it's easy to play, and it projected pretty well. I would definitely give it a go. I play an Eastman MD515, and while it's obviously a much nicer instrument, it's not like it's night and day.

I am very VERY much a beginner, but I'm still happy with my cheap Amazon (Jameson Guitars) Banjo. It stays in tune, and sounds like a banjo. I'm sure something 10x-20x more money sounds much better, but for me this has been a nice inexpensive intro.

https://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1484096293&sr=1-1&keywords=banjo+jameson

(1) What is(are) your first uke(s) of choice?

Luna Honu Soprano


(2) How much did it cost?

$85 shipped.

(3) What are 3 things you like about it?

1. It's adorable. The turtle inlay is really cute, and the sharktooth fret markers are a nice touch. 2. It never slips out of tune- I've tuned it twice in a month of daily playing (1-2 hours on average), the second time because my child turned a few pegs when we introduced her to it. 3. and most importantly, it sounds great. I played a few high end ukes at Guitar Center in the months before my Luna purchase- and I've played the low end stuff as well, some cheapo's my friends have impulse-bought and never played. This baby can roll with the best of 'em.
   
   (4) What are 3 things that you wish could be better?
   
   
2. Weight distribution. It's just really heavy in the neck, which is more a ukulele thing than an issue with this specific uke, but it has been something I had to adjust to. 2. It's plywood, and I would love if it were solid wood. I feel like it would improve on this already awesome instrument. 3. I really can't think of a third gripe, it's really a great instrument.

I've got this guy and he's pretty nice, with almost universally good reviews on amazon. Plus the resonator is detachable, so you can play either style. Personally I think the tone is better without the resonator so I practice without it, even though I'm working on bluegrass finger picking. It's nice to have the choice.

You must play with picks to get that characteristic bluegrass plucking sound. The clawhammer style is actually playing with the back of your index or middle finger nail. Dixieland and/or Irish banjo uses a guitar pick. I've never heard of any other banjo style that's played with your finger tips alone, like you would with a base.

based on what I read on this sub , this is the one I ordered:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LU1SFO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=26C96DFDBGGLY&coliid=IF40PQS9GKIFR&psc=1

what do you think?

Makala Dolphin. The internet agrees its the best cheap uke out there, even better if you can have it properly "setup" or buy it form someone who sets them up.

Other best bet rom my personal internet research, --> Kala. Reliable. Super reliable. Again, find someone who will set it up for you.

http://www.amazon.com/Makala-Dolphin-Bridge-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B002ZSE9ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395195442&sr=8-1&keywords=makala+dolphin

or

http://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B001LU1SFO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395195469&sr=8-1&keywords=kala+soprano+ukulele

banjo i always wanted one someday ill get it when ever i have extra money

http://www.amazon.com/Kala-Soprano-Ukulele-Instructional-Polishing/dp/B005ETZEJO?ie=UTF8&colid=3LQYE5FLIK70U&coliid=I1Z83SYUC8KDA2&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

I personally like this red burst ukulele with the subtle dolphin bridge. Really brings it all together for me. Then I also stumbled upon this tropical treasure.. All this talk of ukes make me think of Stitch so here is a video.

Oh and an add on under $5 I've been really wanting.

Mahalo!

[Just Bought this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Mandolin--Style-Holes-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1302032932&sr=8-2) and I love it.

I would just go for it, I bought one on impulse purchase at a folk music store about a year ago and its fun to play around with when ever I get on a Bluegrass stint and want a sound that my guitars just won't give me. Plus you can get a decent starter one for around 50 like this one which seems like a popular starter one and decently rated one. I'm sure someone else will link a better starter one.

I went with this one, it was only 55 bucks, and I absolutely love it. Plus, if it gets beat up from camping and travelling, I'm only out 55 bucks. It sounds and plays rather well too. http://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Schmidt-OU2-Concert-Ukulele/dp/B0002GLMEK/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1301584587&sr=1-1

Just so I know, have you ever played any other stringed instruments? (Guitar, bass, etc.)

A lot of cheap ukuleles aren't great, yes. But this uke is pretty cheap, and it's fantastic. It's my first uke, I have it sitting next to me right now :) I've had it for about a year and a half now, and I've never had any problems regarding it getting scratched, dented, or any pieces coming loose or anything. This is fantastic, considering I definitely don't treat it as gently as I should.

Now, that's a soprano ukulele, so if you want a deeper richer tone, or if your body/hands are bigger (which isn't really a problem, though some people like a uke to match their size), you can go with a concert or tenor. Bass gets really deep, so unless you're looking for that specific sound I wouldn't look for a bass.

I have yet to find any cheap concerts that are decent quality. I'm probably going to be getting a concert as my second uke, so I've been looking into them a lot. If you want a nice concert, it's going to be upwards of 100, probably 200. You could probably get one cheaper, but the quality wouldn't really be worth it. Not only will the build be worse, but the sound is most of the concern. (This is the concert I want to buy. If you can afford any ukes from luna, I highly recommend them. Beautiful instruments)

Like most stringed instruments, you want to try to get a solid top. They sound much richer and the solid wood reverberates sounds much nicer. Some people like linoleum top, but the general consensus is solid tops are better. The Kala I linked to above is a solid top, to my knowledge.

Best case scenario, try to find a music store nearby that has a wide range of ukuleles and test some out. They should be able to provide you with a tuner if you know how to tune a ukulele (GCEA), of they can tune it for you so you can test it out. Before you go, I would try to memorize a few basic chords (C, G, Am, and F are good ones) so you can see how they sound. Once you find one you like, buy it online. The markup price in stores is ridiculous.

If you can't go into a nearby store, just buy online, and try to find a youtube vid of it being played before you purchase :)

I'd be happy to answer any more question you have about anything regarding ukes, or you can hop on over to /r/ukulele !

5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033P1O6S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

This is the one I started with. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it/had any skill before buying a nice one. It will do the job, but if you can find a better beginner banjo used in a store it is Much better as these from amazon really need set up work. But overall, it works, you can learn on it. Happy picking.

I'd go with the Cordoba 15CM for that budget. It's $99 on Amazon

I got my Kala K-15s about 3 years ago. Best starter ukelele I could find back then for my price range (I think it was more expensive then). And the mahogany finish is very nice. I still play with it today, it has been through a lot and has been my companion in hard times.

https://kalabrand.com/collections/ka-15-series/products/ka-15s

Lone $55

https://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B001LU1SFO

Bundle $75

https://www.amazon.com/Kala-Ukulele-Mahogany-Soprano-Polishing/dp/B077KLP9XH/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_267_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=0FNS5F5ZW713X7KJZNBE

This is my first banjo. Seems alright to learn the basics on, and about spending too much scratch in case you don't like it.

It's not too hard, but I've also been playing guitar for 20 years so for me the transition to learning new chord formations was the main challenge.

Honestly, I would give it a go. Here's the bundle I picked up: Concert Uke, case, tuner, capo, spare strings and a couple picks for $120 Canadian. Great little bundle that didn't break the bank and I'm very happy with the quality and sound.

In terms of learning to play, my advice is this: choose songs you already know and love. I could be the best teacher in the world and you could be a great student, but if your heart isn't into the music you're just not going to want to play it. Youtube Uke covers is also a great source of songs, inspiration and instruction.

A great place to start is by browsing the top tabs on Ukutabs.com. If any of the songs stand out to you, print them out (or write out the lyrics/chords) and start there!

I started with Soon Forget by Pearl Jam (big fan) and I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab. The fact that I already knew and loved these songs made learning the chords that much easier.

You'll need to keep at it every day; it will be hard on the tips of your fingers at first but eventually you develop callouses which help tremendously.

I say if it's something you've always wanted to do then go for it! The Uke is also small enough that's it's not taking up a ton of space and makes it super portable. I can't wait to take it camping and play it on the beach or by a campfire!

Best of luck!

I don't know what you're level of musical experience is, but ukuleles are easy to learn! (Not that you can't take them to incredible extremes beginners can only dream of!)

Workable starter ukes can be had for as little as $20, although if you can afford a bit more you can get something that will last you a long time . . . still for well under a hundred dollars! I started with one of these, and even though I now also own a tenor with an amp pickup I use this concert all the time. It has a fantastic sound!

Hm, well if you want to perform with it, you're not likely to find anything that sounds pro-quality for $30-40 dollars. The biggest problem you'll run into with these cheaper ukes is poor quality control. So maybe some frets are a little too high and that will create buzzing. Or it's not constructed quite right and the sound is muted and dead. Or it doesn't stay in tune up the neck. Fine for someone learning, but not ideal for performing.

But, in that price range I recommend checking out the lower end Kala ukuleles. Amazon link. The dolphin / shark ukes are plastic and look like toys but are actually really good beater ukes. Even though I have much nicer ukes, I still use my Makala Dolphin when I go camping or to the beach or whatever. You also don't have to worry about leaving them in a hot car. They have a surprisingly full sound and are SUPER durable, and cost about $45. If you don't like the look of the colorful plastic ukes, a laminate wood Kala like this is fine too, but may not be as tolerant of heat or excessive moisture.

Being a bigger guy with (I assume) larger-than-average hands, you'll likely be most comfortable on a Tenor sized ukulele, but those may be out of your price range for a half-decent one. (The ones I linked above are Soprano, the smallest size, which you may find cramped). But here's a $99 tenor you might be interested in. And here are some performance-quality tenors starting at $184.

Whatever you choose, you absolutely must replace the stock stings with decent ones – it makes a big difference on these cheap ukes. I recommend Aquila strings. Make sure you buy the right size (i.e. Soprano or Tenor).

I'm not sure about the left-handed aspect. It seems to me that it'd be easier to just play it in the normal style (fretting with your left hand, strumming with your right). Otherwise you'll have to flip your strings and all chord charts and tabs will be backwards for you. And on some ukes (likely not $40 ones though) you'd have to flip the bridge to get the strings to lie right. Seems like a pain. Or I guess you can just play it upside-down, but all your down-strums would sound like up-strums. But I'm right-handed so take with a pinch of salt!

Kala KA-15S

• $54 has some slight engrave around the sound hole. Sounds pretty good.
  
  Makala MK-S
  
  
• $50 - No engraves and sounds decent.
  
  Firebrand Ukulele. A whole starter kit though
  
  
• $121 - It is concert sized and I think it sounds great for what it is

oh my god, you HAVE HAVE HAVE to buy one. they are suppperrrr simple and sooo addicting. i got mine last week and cant help but play seriously between 6-12 hours EVERYDAY. like im having trouble sleeping or even redditing or watching tv or doing anything bc its so addicting and so much fun and all i can think about! haha i love it and have never played any musical instrument besides a harmonica before.

I got mine for 30$ on amazon its baby blue and then ordered some quality strings for 9$ and the sound quality is pretty great. Also they come in all of these really cute bright colors which is just a bonus coolness. two of my friends have already ordered their own just after playing mine cuz its so easy and the strings arent as painful as guitar strings on your fingers. Seriously please go buy one, its hands down the best investment ive made for a long time. also getting high and trying to figure out my favorite shins songs on it is just a blast :D


heres me high and having a ball http://i.imgur.com/rpFbQ.jpg


and heres an amazon link just to help you out bc i know you'll love it! i dont know how anyone couldnt love it!

http://www.amazon.com/Mahalo-U-30LB-Painted-Economy-Soprano/dp/B001SN7R54/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1341969253&sr=8-14&keywords=ukulele

I have an Oscar Schmidt concert uke, which I quite like, although I've seen a comment or two on reddit calling it cheap. It is actually under a hundred dollars, though. This seems to be mostly the same but even a little cheaper, but I can't vouch for the quality.

Obviously I haven't played every uke out there, but for under a hundred dollars I think the Oscar Schmidt concert uke is a quality instrument, and great to start out on.

I got a $60 mandolin for christmas and I've been practicing every day since. It's been serving me very well as training wheels! I also recommend getting a snark tuner, it makes tuning a breeze and with a cheap mandolin that goes out of tune pretty quickly its worth it. Here's the link, hope this is helpful! http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-RM-100A-A-Style-Mandolin-Black/dp/B003LHV1X4/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1451520688&sr=8-12&keywords=mandolin It sounds great to me.

Btw, there are tons of websites and youtube videos to learn with. I jump around but I really enjoyed MandoLessons,com.
Good luck!

I can tell you a bit about the ukuleles I've owned. My first ukulele was this Kala soprano ukulele, which was a laminate model. My second ukulele was this Kala concert ukulele, which was solid spruce. Now, I definitely prefer the sound of solid wood to laminate, but the difference is pretty subtle.

By the way, it might be hard to find a ukulele in that particular price range. I've found that laminate ukes are generally around $50-70 and solid wood goes up to $200.

I second the ukulele option! You can get a decent uke for under $100. I got this Cordoba one when I started. Also can't go wrong with the beginner Kala brand ones either.

Another creative option is something called "Diamond Dotz." My mom used to like adult coloring books but this is next level! It's actually pretty calming.

pigfarts are dirty

I would use the gift card towards a new ukelele for my husband. Unfortunately, I accidentally broke his other one and would really like to purchase him a new one. This is the one I hope to someday get him.

Thanks!

Thank you.

https://www.amazon.com/Luna-Mahogany-Honu-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B002SSUR3M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478917661&sr=8-3&keywords=luna+soprano+ukulele

You're going to get this, so we can jam. That item looks mighty fine.

That item looks mighty fine.

I think that you are going to get the banjo!

I think you're going to get this because then you will play us all music. That item looks mighty fine.

I started with this ukulele and I love it. It's pretty inexpensive, the sound is great for a beginner uke (though, I'm no expert), and it comes with a soft case. I got this uke, a tuner that can clip on, and a beginers book for around 70.00.

If you really want to buy from Amazon this is better for not much more https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LU1SFO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469747858&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=kala&dpPl=1&dpID=41LxikpFbcL&ref=plSrch I have two different Kalas and love them, although I didn't buy them from Amazon so they would have been checked before I ever even saw them.

I picked up [this banjo] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0033P1O6S?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) earlier this week. I've been picking at it just about daily off and on for a good few hours and I love it. Great sound, good quality construction. Very happy with it thus far. And certainly didn't break the bank if my conviction to learning how to play peeters out.

So I bought this Ukulele, which is seemingly forever on sale for $30.

I'm very happy with it, sounds great, holds a tune for a long time, highly recommend it if you're looking for something cheap but still good.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008277N80/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Makala MK-S was my first uke and it still serves me well. It also fits your budget. The strings it comes with are OK, but if you want some better ones, go for these Aquila strings. This Snark Tuner is also a nice thing to have.

I bet it’s these cheap translucent “take in the water” ones I’ve seen at the shop but not sure:

https://www.amazon.com/Kala-Waterman-Composite-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B00TUMK0CM

Just weighed mine because I was curious:

• pink dolphin composite makala 17.5oz (my beater camping uke)
  
  
• Kala Ka-15s $40 fancy wood uke- 13oz- better sound than the dolphin but more fragile so it usually stays in the house on the wall.

I will recommend the Makala Soprano. I bought one last year when I was in college for around $50. It sounds great for the price! (the sound isn't quite as twangy as some of the other cheaper uke models that I have played)

I sell a lot of ukes - mostly vintage. What kind of price range are you looking in?

If you want to go inexpensive, there are a lot of different versions of this uke:

http://www.amazon.com/Kala-MK-S-Makala-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B00172UVG8/

It's a great deal for $50. I got my sister one for her birthday. It has a dolphin-shaped bridge. She likes dolphins.

I'm a singer and I have always wanted to learn how to accompany myself with some sort of instrument. The ukulele is one of the few instruments I don't think will drive my neighbors crazy from my one bedroom apartment. xD

Be sure to check any uke out for build quality before you purchase. We stock the little $30 Hamano ukes in the shop I work at and they don't hold their tuning for more than a few hours. It's worth the extra money not to have to deal with retuning it multiple times per playing session, especially at your level.

Edit: I can wholly recommend the Mitchell line of ukes. I've had the concert size for years, it has held up!

I'm looking at the Kalas right now! This one looks nice: https://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B001LU1SFO/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1467851917&sr=1-4&keywords=kala+ukulele

I’m a beginner and purchased this Jameson banjo last year. It’s been really great. Nice sound and inexpensive.

I was looking at this one. I have no idea if I will be able to learn how to play and I’ve never tried before.
https://www.amazon.com/Official-Kala-Ukulele-Soprano-Mahogany/dp/B01F543PAW

What do you think about this?
http://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394748648&sr=8-1&keywords=banjo

Is yours this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diamond-Head-DU-150-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B008277N80/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1510684224&sr=1-3&keywords=diamond+head&dpID=418y1VQWePL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

or this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diamond-Head-DU-108-Rainbow-Soprano/dp/B00467PIHS/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1510684224&sr=1-1&keywords=diamond+head&dpID=41aMkORmdzL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

This, for college. <3

I need something to do on the quad.

I really want a ukelele. I've been considering getting myself one, but I am too cheap to shell out for it (I don't like to spend money on myself). It's not a must have item, but one I've been lusting over for quite a while.

I chose my screen name because it was what my mom nicknamed me as a child. It's and amalgamation of my first and middle names. I've just always liked it.

A Makala ukulele sounds right up your alley!

Here is the desktop version of your link

https://www.amazon.com/Kala-Soprano-Ukulele-Instructional-Polishing/dp/B005ETZEJO/ref=sr_1_15?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1467742458&sr=1-15

Do you think i'm fine buying this? Comes with the bag and tuner.

Should i get a pack of strings too?

Mine was from Amazon.ca but here's the .com link

I was planning on getting [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001SN7R54/ref=twister_B00J2R705K) but I really also like [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Mahalo-U-40CN-Ukulele/dp/B004U48V62/ref=pd_sim_MI_13?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RQYA8AZFMKG3BZT0XE2).

wanna help me pick one?

Get a cheap ukulele.

and become as cool as this kid

Thanks all for the great suggestions, i really appreciate all the responses!!!

i browsed around fruther on Reddit, and have been eyeballing this:
Deering Goodtime, 5 string, openback at Amazon

I think for the price, that would be a great starter... i am leaning towards bluegrass, but will have to consider alot through the learning process...
I doubt that i would sell any equipment i purchase, as i really like having equipment available to have spontanious jam sessions, and i also am a terrible musical Pack Rat... Quite the flaw.

Ok great, thanks! Think I should go for this Deering or save almost $200 and go for the Dirty Thirties?

I'm also a beginner, and was in the same boat as you about a week ago. I considered buying used, but quickly got frustrated looking for a good deal. I also have a history of quickly dropping new hobbies, so I wanted to pay as little as possible for a playable banjo.

Based on the endorsement here, and the reviews on amazon, I ended up pulling the trigger on the 5 String Jameson Guitars Banjo.

It does have a resonator, but it's easily removed with a Phillips-head screwdriver. For under $200 I got the banjo, an introductory book, and a few sets of strings to play around with. So far I'm very pleased with the banjo, my only complaint is that the string action is rather low, and there's no bridge cut out like you see in many of the open backed banjos.

Also take a look at this thread, they have a couple recommendations for other places to look.

The coolest thing on my wishlist is a Turtle Ukulele... I love George Harrison and he once said that everyone should play a ukulele so I've wanted to learn to play one ever since! Also I love turtles and tortoises! <3 I have a few different spiritual connections with them. If anyone is interested in that kind of thing, one involves a Jungian kind of therapy called Sand Tray therapy, but it's hard to explain.

It's very expensive and right now it's even higher than usual, and Luna makes such beautiful instruments so I put a few up in case the price gets more reasonable on one of them lol. They're all gorgeous. But anyway here it is.

Tortoise gif?


Ha, this guy knows what's up

I got a ukulele for Christmas, and I love it! It was super easy to learn using YouTube videos, although I already had music experience with piano.

I would recommend the Kala KA-15S if you're looking for a soprano uke. The Kala Makala is a little cheaper, but I think the extra dollars in the Kala KA-15S are worth its better quality. Ukes are one of the cheapest instruments out there anyway.

I went with a soprano uke bc my hands are pretty small, but you could go for a concert size if you prefer a deeper tone.

Super not an expert, so please don't take this as gospel or anything.. but personally, I ended up going w/this:

https://www.amazon.com/Rogue-RM-100A-A-Style-Mandolin-Black/dp/B003LHV1X4

It's definitely on the cheap end (at $70) but sounded totally ok out of the box. I've been "seriously" playing guitar for around ~3-4 years now and decided I wanted to experiment with a new sound, but couldn't commit a whole lot of cash.

I really enjoy picking it up and kinda noodling around here or there, and it adds a pretty cool texture to songs. Ultimately I don't think it's my fave instrument to play, but I ran it by my guitar teacher anyway just in case - he commended the good bargain, and let me know it was a good intro instrument.

This is the one I got. Has a really good sound to it and for $150 it exceeded all my expectations.

Why not both! The theory is the same, it's just the hand skills that are different. You'll probably find yourself gravitating to one or the other which is fine. Practice 30min - 1hour a day and you should pick it up pretty quickly. Tons of online tutorials for both instruments, just make sure you actually play along and do the exercises because just watching isn't good enough. Money wise you could get both a uke and mini keyboard for under $200 total.

​

Kala makes cheap ukuleles that sound pretty damn good. Their more expensive ones are good too, but no need to spend that much yet. Lohanu's are super popular and sound good as well.

Soprano is the more traditional size, Concert is a little bigger with a bit more fret spacing which is nice if you have big hands.

Ukes:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F543PAW

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015XD4YLY

Useful accessories:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JI3XDDK

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QL1EZC

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MC5TMJB

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1N49MC

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RALL

​

Midi Keyboards (Note: these connect to your computer):

Komplete Kontrol M32 (best software bundle by far)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N2VQ1NH

Arturia MiniLab MkII 25

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSNIVKE

Akai MPK Mini MKII

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJ6QAO2

Novation Launchkey Mini 25

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VVNOMGI

​

Too lazy to do useful accessories for this at the moment.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008277N80/
This seems low enough to be shady, is diamond head any good? It has good reviews but a low price so I don't know what to make of it.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FY5O1OC/
This one seems more reasonably priced, but again I have no experience with these different brands so if you have a good brand/uke for a somewhat low price i'd love to hear it.

I bought a Makala MK-S and a set of Aquila strings. I also bought a soft case and Snark tuner. All have served me well for almost two years.

I bought this one when I seen someone else on her asking a question about Uke’s as an entry level. Kala is was very popular in the thread. I was not disappointed. After playing a poorly made cheap uke that was lent to me. This was totally different and boosted my enjoyment and learning.

A Makala Dolphin plus a New Set of Stringswill cost you about 50$ but is probably the best option. It has a good build and is a great beginners uke, also remember that you will need a case + tuner + capo (if your into that) in order to use it properly. The Dolphin also becomes a great travel uke once you get a nicer one.

If you really want a wooden uke (doesn't make to much of a difference at a budget imho) than go with something like a Kala MK-S Bundle

Les Paul Concert uke goes for $150 so it's way over budget. Oscar Schmidt OU2 is going for $86 and it's "fully" acoustic.

Remember that Rogues are the lowest of the low end. Basically they're right above a toy banjo you would buy a little kid for Christmas. $80 is about what I'd pay for any Rogue instrument.

I recommend this one as a starter. For the price it's very, very good.

Ukulele. The Makala Dolphin is a really great ukulele for the $45 price tag (especially if you blow the budget by $2 for some Aquila Nylgut strings) and there are tons of places to get tabs of all skill levels. I got my first uke for Christmas a year ago, and haven't stopped playing since.

Granted, it gets real expensive once you start buying more ukes and more accessories for those ukes, but none of that is actually necessary.

So would This be a bad one to get

Here is is in I believe Cherry Sunburst.

http://www.amazon.com/Epiphone-Paul-Acoustic-Electric-Ukulele/dp/B0053CUHMG

I second /u/joeribraams. If you want a little bit of a nudge, my first was a Mahalo U-30 I got real cheap. I also hear good things about the Dolphins.

Sure, here are some quality concert ukes in the same price range:

Cordoba 15cm

Enya EUC-X1M

Kala LTP-C

Kala KA-C

Keep in mind that even with these, you're buying from the factory if you order from Amazon. That means the music store isn't there as a middleman to send bad ones back to the factory. ALL music instruments require this middleman to keep from occasionally getting duds, even the top brands. It's part of why music stores exist.

So keep your packaging until you're SURE it's a quality instrument. This should be standard practice whenever you buy any musical instrument from a ukulele to a harmonica to a trombone.

According to the amazon page for the 15CM, it shares mahogany wood with the 20 seires, and says "mahogany top, back, and sides" which makes me think it's solid, but down the page when it talks about the 30 series being top of the line "features all solid woods"...so then anything less than a 30 is laminate? I am confused 😝

Info | Details
----|-------
Amazon Product | Cordoba 15CM Concert Ukulele
>Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. By using the link above you get to support a chairty and help keep this bot running through affiliate programs all at zero cost to you.

It's going to be tough to find anyone selling a uke at that price on Reddit and/or Craigslist... If you can scrounge up another 30 or so bucks you can get this: http://www.amazon.com/Kala-MK-S-Makala-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B00172UVG8/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1345579530&sr=1-1&keywords=kala+makala+mk-sd. It's a great beginner's model, cheap, and doesn't feel like a toy.

http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Mandolin-A-Style-Holes-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2A90Q5KKLKHWS&coliid=I251MHVLOCIF9T

I'm not sure if i can live with being a southern stereotype... yes i can...

OK!

Off the get-go, I'm gonna recommend a Kala. I started with a concert, which was a bit out of your price range, but the link I put down for eBay is showing soprano ukes (the smallest uke size) in the 60-80$ range. Kala makes supremely solid instruments; I've still got my concert uke after almost a decade, and although I upgraded to a Mele uke last summer I can pull out the Kala for impromptu jam sessions and have a good time.

Another good recommendation would be for a Lanikai. This one is also a soprano, selling at about $60. There's another soprano Lanikai being sold at around 70$ on Amazon. I don't know enough about either model to say which is better than the other, but I know that both have gotten pretty good reviews as far as starter ukes go.

One more option that might work is a Cordoba, also sold on Amazon at about 75$. This one is a concert size, so that might work better for you depending on how big your hands are and whatnot. And from what I'm seeing, it's also a total steal- they normally go for 50$ more.

In the end it all comes down to personal preference. Any of the ukes that I linked in this comment should do you fine, but you might enjoy a bigger size uke (concert, tenor) than a smaller one. You will also be paying more for a wooden one than a plastic one. If the ones I linked are still a bit pricey, I'd suggest looking at Kala's more affordable starter line Makala, which will top out at 65$ or so but also come with a bag and tuner.

If I can give one more suggestion, stay away from Luna. They have cute designs etched into the wood but they're not good for much more than kindling.

Happy hunting!

http://www.amazon.com/Deering-GOODTIME-BANJO-GT-Goodtime/dp/B001Q9F34W

This one is great. It feels like a "real" banjo and comes well set up and ready to play. Had it for a year and no issues.

Thank you so much! As far as I know, as long as you can have things delivered from amazon you should be good. Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Luna-Honu-Inch-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B002SSUR3M/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1334085836&sr=1-1

Hello! I am new to banjo and just recently did this whole new banjo thing and purchased one in November for myself. It was pretty inexpensive, yet I got a great quality banjo for myself. I'm learning bluegrass with a resonator. I'm not sure if you're looking for a high quality banjo to start with that large budget, but the one I found was referred to by a handful of different websites as "The best quality banjo you can get for it's price."

Here is the link to the banjo from the company website:
http://jamesonguitars.com/banjos/

I am Canadian but bought mine through the American Amazon for $155 USD:
http://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S

The Canadian Amazon link if you wish to compare price:
http://www.amazon.ca/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S

Price is much cheaper through the American Amazon, although it may not ship to you in Canada as I had to use a friend with an American address to retrieve it.

If you have more questions for someone who has already gone through the whole "I'm new to this, what should I do?!" phase, send me a message :)

[Les Paul]
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053CUHMG/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_.XyLwbGNVMXWT)

I started my daughter on the ukulele at 4 (she's actually still just playing that). The tuning's similar to a guitar at capo 5, though it only has four strings. That makes chords easier. A C chord is just one finger. The transition to guitar should be fairly painless then.

You can get a decent uke on Amazon for about $25. Like this one

If you're buying in store, be sure to ask the people there for help. Guitar Center is really good for buying ukuleles too! If you have the time, learn what GCEA sounds like, because these are the notes you tune a ukulele to. If you can recognize those notes, you'll be able to tell that the ukulele you're inspecting is tuned correctly, try a C note (with the neck in your left hand and the body in your right, press your ring finger on the bottom string on the 3^rd fret and strum all four strings). This will let you know how the sound is, but if it's subpar be sure to ask an employee what's up--the ukulele itself could be constructed poorly or it might just have cheap strings on it--one will cost lots of money to fix, the other about $5 and half an hour.

With a cheaper ukulele, I recommend geared tuners as they're much easier than friction tuners. The little turner things at the top of your ukulele are tuners, and (no duh) they tune the strings. Geared tuners have little gears, or sometimes tiny boxes that conceal the gears (you may or may not think these boxes are ugly, that's a personal choice). Friction tuners are just pegs that the strings are attached to. Friction tuners work by just stretching the string a little bit--I don't think that they affect the life of the strings in any way, but I do know that most people find them more difficult to use than geared tuners, as the movements are more precise. Geared tuners use a system of gears to tighten the string around the peg, and usually make it easier to accurately tune the string.

Obviously, check for any scratches, dings, or dents in the instrument. The fret wires (the metal lines on the board where your fingers go) shouldn't jut out over the edge of the neck, and they should be sanded down so you don't cut yourself when you play. Make sure that all the pieces of the ukulele fit together well--poorly attached pieces will affect the sound and might even fall right off!

If you're buying online, obviously you can't check for most of these things. Do a ton of research (lots of people have already given great resources, GotAUkulele is one of my go-to sources!), or go with one of the standard /r/ukulele favorites:

The Makala Dolphin is an unofficial gold standard for starter ukes. It's relatively cheap and not half bad for its price, and it comes in a lot of colors and has a cute lil dolphin for a saddle!

The Mahalo U-30 is cheaper and uglier than the Dolphins, these ukes are also not bad for the price. This was my first uke, and while the other one I own now is a lot better, I don't regret buying this one for a moment! It's probably the cheapest ukulele I would recommend to a friend--anything cheaper than this is going to be junk. It also comes in a variety of colors.

i don't play it well, but i love the sound of it. it's a rogue rm-100 which after a pro set up plays way better than i expected. i'm just not that handy with a pick, which is why i love ukes and clawhammer banjo.

i've only fiddled around a little with a dulcimer at my local music shop, so i don't really know much about positioning either. it was fun to play though. that's what i'm all about. i'm just a simple hack musician who likes to have some fun.

Concerts have a sound closer to the classic uke sound, which I like better. I've played a Córdoba 15-CM a bit, and it sounds great. It's usually around $100. But it's all about what feels best to you.
Córdoba 15-CM

Ooh, that's great! I hope you're able to get it soon. :D I got this one. It's so pretty, now I just need to learn to play it!

Go Ben!

This ukulele looks awesome!!! ROCK OUT!

Thanks for the contest! Hope you're feeling better!<3

Go Ben!

I think you should get the blue ukulele because it is blue, has a dolphin bridge, and would just be cool. I have always wanted to learn to play the ukulele...

Either that or buy this because breakfast is by far the best meal of the day and I have heard the most important! Plus then you could save the rest for something big!

This to make your laptopping more pleasent and still have money to get adorable Ukulele!

You'll still have $12.12 to get yourself something of your high priority list or whatever you've really had your eye on! If I gifted someone a gift card, I would just want them to really treat themselves!

I did some research, and I decided on a Makala Dolphin. It's a soprano, the smallest kind, which is recommended for beginners, and everywhere I look talks about how it produces a great sound for being such a "cheap" instrument. Not sure why, but I'm only being charged $25 for it even though it retails for $40 everywhere else. Hooray for local music stores? I also started looking around /r/ukulele for their recommendations and resources. I'll be sure to let you know how I like it in my inexperienced opinion!

When I bought it it was $15 less than it is now listed, but it does look better than the product image.

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LHV1X4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TxuQCbM7VTZ1F

Above is what I have, and so far it’s been great to learn on! Also available:

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Sunburst https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZyuQCb8VEN2TD

Savannah SA-100-BK A-Model Mandolin, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WDQ5GE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.zuQCbG11VF2C

I know it's expensive and all (If I win, pick whatever you want from the wishlist, it really doesn't matter), but nobody I know likes the banjo, so I guess that makes it unique.

I really like a wide cast of characters. Not just main ones, but little side characters that show up throughout the story. Like, if there was an old guy who was camping and met the protagonists out in the forest, and they meet again awhile later but in a completely different setting, but again it's only in passing. It makes it seem like there's a huge world surrounding the main storyline.

I did a lot of research a few months ago when I was in the exact same position. I didn't want to spend to much but I wanted a decent instrument. I bought this Oscar Schmidt OU2 Ukelele from Amazon and I love it. It was perfect for me as a beginner from a cost/quality perspective -- it's only about $60 USD and pretty good quality (it's made by Washburn). I also liked that it was a concert ukelele, which is a few inches larger than a standard uke.

Oh boy!!

This

Or This

But they're really just on there to show people what kind of person I am. I know very well It'll never happen and I'd feel so guilty if it did because they're ridiculously expensive

Late on this thread...

But is this the mandolin you have?

http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-RM-100A-A-Style-Mandolin-Sunburst/dp/B0002H0KG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427687597&sr=8-1&keywords=rogue+mandolin

I'm trying to search for a good one to start on to see if I really get into it like I have with guitar. I also just like exploring instruments and seeing what all is out there. It would also be cool if I could get a mandolin and play with some people that have banjos and guitars and stuff like that!

I'm just worried that I will get it and not be able to set it up correctly. Did you have any problems with this?

New myself and was just browsing Amazon. Would something like this be at all recommended or a decent beginner option?

Link

Here is the mobile version of your link

I am also a beginner and considering buying this $50 one: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001LU1SFO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1396315571&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

It has a lot of positive reviews despite being 'cheap'. But I dont know anything about music instruments, so I am not sure yet. People here tell I should spend at least $100. Maybe I'll buy the $50 one. If it turns out I cant keep myself motivated enough to play, I will not have wasted that much money. But then again, maybe the cheap one will sound bad enough for me to think it is my playing that is bad. Oh well.

I just got myself one of these

It needed a fair bit of set up, but if you follow the directions in the "step by step to pro banjo setup" link in the side bar it sounds pretty good once set up. The main issue I had was the head was not properly tensioned.

The hardware on it is decent. All geared tuners, even the fifth string, and a Remo weatherking head. The external finish is very nice... the insides are not all that polished, but it does sound good...

The resonator comes off with four thumb screws and the banjo is built so that you won't get torn up by the tension brackets, so you can play it with the resonator attached for bluegrass and take it off if you prefer for clawhammer.

Edit: I just noticed the price has gone up $42 since I ordered it, but even at $189 it's still a pretty good deal IMO.

I have a concert!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015XD4YLY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am also in the market for a new banjo but don't have those type of funds to work with as OP. Would this be a good starter? I know nothing about stringed instruments( I played brass my whole life) so any suggestions would be helpful. I have like a 200 dollar budget

Looks an awful lot like a Jameson but with a different logo on it. Sorry dude!

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I cant say anything re: parlor guitar, but I bought this jameson 5 string resonator banjo for SUPER CHEAP to teach my self how to play and it has been absolutely outstanding value.

It has 5 stars over 228 reviews on amazon - seriously the best deal ever on an instrument.

I know that $135 is over your $100 budget, but you just arent going to get a banjo for less than that - even an open backed one.

This would be a good starter one.

This one is a bit more money, but I've heard good things about it too. It also comes with everything but the kitchen sink, and the gig bag is supposedly rather good.

Grab a tuner too. Yes, apps work. A tuner is really really handy though!

At the price you're willing to pay, I'd honestly avoid a solid wood top.

Kala KA-15S. $53 and it's pretty good quality as well. Try looking for second hand if you want a cheaper one

http://www.amazon.com/Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B001LU1SFO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422599679&sr=8-1&keywords=kala