Finding the right ukulele for you can be quite a difficult quest. Indeed, a lot of choices have to be made when choosing the right ukulele. This ukulele buying guide will explain a few of them. Don’t have the time to do your own ukulele research? Here are the things you need to consider to buy a ukulele in Nepal:
1. The size and shape of ukulele
You need to know which size of ukulele is perfect for you. This is the first thing you need to consider. The available sizes are Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Baritone.
The most popular size in Nepal is the standard soprano size 21 inch with 15 frets. The size of your ukulele can affect the playing capability and tone. If you have a bigger hand, you can go for concert size, baritone or tenor size as they would be comfortable for you to play.
Ukuleles are available in different shapes. The guitar shape, also known as the figure of 8 shape, is the standard shape. The other shapes are boat paddle shape and pineapple shape. In Nepal, guitar shape is the most popular shape.
2. Number of Frets
You need to consider the number of frets while buying a ukulele. The number of frets varies depending on the model. The soprano uke has 12-15 frets.
If you have to choose between 12 and 15 fret, you definitely gonna want to go for 15 frets. More frets means more notes and more notes give more options while you play. The Tenor Uke has 15 frets. Concert Uke has 20 frets and Baritone Uke has 18 frets.
3. Parts of ukulele and accessories
You need to consider the machine head, also known as Tuning Pegs while buying a ukulele. We all know that the pegs significantly influence whether your ukulele stays in tune over extended play or if you’re forced to keep making annoying adjustments. You also want to check the strings. Nylon strings are used in a ukulele. Ukuleles are available in purely acoustic and semi-acoustic options. The semi-acoustic ukulele comes with an equalizer and built-in tuner. An equalizer makes it convenient for you to perform live. Six strings ukuleles are also available in the market.
Last but not the least, you have to consider accessories. A proper carrying bag, a nice pick and a tuner must be thought of before purchasing.
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4. Wood Quality
Ukulele is made out of wood. It is very important to consider the quality of the wood used for the construction. Sound quality depends on the quality of the wood used to make the Top, Back and Side of Ukulele.
Ukuleles made of laminated wood have a low price but they are not durable and do not produce quality sounds. Solid wood, on the other hand, produces quality sound with time. Also, the sound of the solid wood uke changes according to climatic conditions while the sound of laminated wood uke remains constant. You need to consider your budget to decide if you want to go with laminated wood or solid wood.
The shape of the ukulele also affects the sound quality. A ukulele with flat back produces quality sound.
5. Budget
You don’t need to break your bank to buy a ukulele in Nepal. But, we recommend you to invest a handsome amount of money if you love a good sounding uke.
You can get it for around Rs. 2,000. However, price is not everything. You should check out each and every specification like build materials, fret count and many more. The price depends on the size of the Ukulele, quality of the wood, accessories and warranty. Brand is one of the price determining factor.
In Nepali market, you can get Manaslu MUS Soprano Ukulele for Rs. 3000 and Manaslu MUS Concert EQ Ukulele costs Rs. 5000.
6. Warranty on neck and electronics
You should check for the warranty aon the neck and on electronics. The neck of your uke might be bent over time. Look for brands with a minimum of 1 year of warranty on neck and electronics.
Manaslu MUS Soprano Ukulele has 1 year warranty on its neck.
Manaslu MUS Concert EQ Ukulele has 1 year warranty on its neck and electronics.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s all about picking the one that works right for you If you are a beginner, you might want to go for the Soprano size. Have a good time with your ukulele. If you’re struggling to find the right instrument for you, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be more than happy to help you.