After viewing the Dublin Reel posted here a few days ago, and viewing many dozens more uke-tubes, I’m seriously considering buying one. I’ve got my eye on a few of the less expensive ones and wondered if anybody here has experience with them. I’m looking for a concert size, under $100. Is it possible to get a good one for that price? Or would I just be buying a toy? Specifically, I’m looking at the Makala MK-C, or the Lanakai LU-21c. Also, I’ve been given to understand that the quality of strings can make a big difference. Opinions? Advice? TIA!
I just came across another $100 uke…Cordoba. It’s very pretty and all three are in stock at a big box guitar store not too far away. I think I should go and play them. I’ve played mandolin for a very long time, so I would like to have a quality instrument, if that can be found at this price.
Hi-- Uke is a LOT of fun and you can definitely find very nice ones for under $100. Lanikai and Makala are good, and so is Kala. I don’t know about Cordoba.
Head over to http://ukuleleunderground.com/ which is the Chiff and Fipple of the Uke world. Take a look at the forums and you’ll find tons of good information for newbies. Folks are very friendly there too. I mean, how grouchy can you be while playing a ukulele? 
Thanks, BP, I will follow that link (although I think I have been there already 
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And the anti-grouchness of ukes is definitely an attraction!
I have a Makala tenor and I think it’s an excellent choice for a starter uke. It doesn’t have the resonance of a solid-bodied instrument, but it sounds good, is well built, and stays in tune well. I replaced the factory strings with Aquilas and it made a noticeable difference as well.
Makala is the low-end of the Kala line. There is a low-end Kala that sells for ~$20-30 more but from what I can tell the only difference is in the appearance.
I also second Paul’s advice to check out ukuleleunderground.com - you can ask for help deciding or just read the forums, as many before you have posted looking for similar advice.
Definitely make your presence known at the Underground. Great resource!
For a concert size under $100, it’s a little harder, but not impossible. If you can increase your budget by another $50 or $100 a LOT of great options open up. Remember too that ukuleles, like every other instrument, benefit from a set-up by competent hands. A $100 uke with a good set up plays better than a $200 uke out of the box. Getting good strings is important too. I also like the Aquila brand. A bit more money, but well worth it.
[You know, just writing about a ukulele makes me feel better already! ]
Even if you don’t buy from them, this site is a great resource for seeing what’s out there.
If you get a concert size, as opposed to a soprano, make sure it’s got 14 frets on the neck. I see so many advertized as concert, but they only have 12 on the neck. Aquila strings are well worth it too.
Well, there are 12 and 14 fret concert ukuleles just as there are 17 and 19 fret tenor banjos, but I too recomend a 14 fret instrument. Whatever, get the scale length you want. ‘Concert’ refers to body size and relative fret spacing. There are even long-scale ukes.
I had a Lanikai tenor uke that was great. I regret ever selling it, but I needed the money at the time to buy a tenor banjo.
Ironically, I’m looking to sell a tenor banjo now (not the same tenor) to fund either a new uke or a 5-string banjo.
I may live to regret asking, but could you send me info on that tenor?