I thought that this combo would be sturdy enough for the annual Christmas 'Toys for Tots' donation drive, and sure enough, it was. Good value for money, and hopefully soothing for a child dealing with poverty in Covidland.
The ukulele is relatively tunable with a little help. Since the four strings are not four strings, but two strings that loop under the edge of the bridge (the opposite end of the strings from the tuning pegs), it becomes necessary to lock the bridge end of the strings to make them tunable. While it might not be possible to get perfect pitch while tuning, it should be possible to get the top string to have a low pitch when plucked, the bottom string to have a higher pitch, and the two strings in between to have evenly spaced pitch between the two outside strings, which would then teach little ones that this is how a stringed instrument should be set up.
This modification is easy to accomplish as follows:
First, loosen the all of the strings so that they all make a low-pitched sound when plucked. Mix and apply a little clear epoxy with a toothpick where the strings loop around under the bridge to lock the strings to the bridge so that they don't slide back and forth while tuning later. Let the epoxied ukulele sit face down (I put it head down in a plastic bucket and leaned the face against the side) for a full 24 hours for the epoxy to completely cure. Then you can tune the strings relative to each other and have the tune hold for a longer time than if you did not secure the strings at the bottom. Since this is a toy instrument, it is safe to epoxy the strings, since you would not be replacing them on a toy anyway.
If you're unfamiliar with how to tune a string instrument, once the ukulele has finished curing, simply pluck the top string until it makes a pleasing, low sound (or carefully match it to a note from a pitch pipe, if desired and possible), and then hold the top string down between the first and second frets down from the neck of the ukulele and tighten/loosen the peg for the second string until it sounds just like the top string when the top string is held down and the second string is not. Then repeat this procedure with the second and third strings, and finally the third and fourth (bottom) strings. Anyone familiar with string instruments recognizes this technique as being similar to the technique for tuning the top four strings of a six-string guitar. Finally strum all four strings and see if you are pleased with the result.
I figure the effort to lock and tune the strings is worth the trouble for a donated instrument, since this might be a child's first experience with a musical instrument, and it would help to make sure that the relationship between the tune of the strings was representative of the relationship between the strings of a serious musical instrument, so that the child learns from the start that the low-pitched string is on top and gets a sense of the relationship between the pitch of the strings.
The harmonica was just fine, as is. In fact, it can be used as a pitch pipe to tune the ukulele. Bonus indeed!
Enjoy!
Kids Guitar Musical Toy Ukulele Classical Instrument(Brown), Wooden Play Guitar for Kids Aged 3 4 5 6 7 8 Year Old
4.2 | 5,939 ratings
Price: 9.99
Last update: 01-08-2025
About this item
Toy Guitar: This Ukulele toy can stimulate children through every stage of development and help cultivate their sense of music, learn basic notes and rhythmic patterns, Encourages children to develop auditory and creativity skills. Great introduction to teach kids about the world of music.
Light-Weighted and Simple Musical Instrument: Small size & easy to carry, your little one can carry his/her own instrument around. Adjustable Strings & Easily Tunable: Young Kids learn about the Tone, Rhythm, Strumming, Chords, Tuning and Other Techniques from this Simplified 4-String Design. This best-selling Ukulele is the great size for younger children to begin developing their musical aptitude
Safe Ukulele toy for kids: made from environmental friendly ABS plastic material. Strings of nylon material is flexible, soft and smooth tactility, not easy to break, coating surface design prevents fingers being hurt, does no harm to little kids’ body.
Wonderful Gifts for Children: Nice gifts for children on birthday, and for party. Vibrant Sounds and Realistic Strings make kids enjoy beautiful music. Great for kids or beginners who are learning to play a guitar.
Amazing Gifts: Buy Kids Toy Classical Ukulele Guitar Musical Instrument, free 16-hole kids harmonica. The 16-hole kids harmonica smooth edge, safe enough for children to use. Give children a different pleasure.
Light-Weighted and Simple Musical Instrument: Small size & easy to carry, your little one can carry his/her own instrument around. Adjustable Strings & Easily Tunable: Young Kids learn about the Tone, Rhythm, Strumming, Chords, Tuning and Other Techniques from this Simplified 4-String Design. This best-selling Ukulele is the great size for younger children to begin developing their musical aptitude
Safe Ukulele toy for kids: made from environmental friendly ABS plastic material. Strings of nylon material is flexible, soft and smooth tactility, not easy to break, coating surface design prevents fingers being hurt, does no harm to little kids’ body.
Wonderful Gifts for Children: Nice gifts for children on birthday, and for party. Vibrant Sounds and Realistic Strings make kids enjoy beautiful music. Great for kids or beginners who are learning to play a guitar.
Amazing Gifts: Buy Kids Toy Classical Ukulele Guitar Musical Instrument, free 16-hole kids harmonica. The 16-hole kids harmonica smooth edge, safe enough for children to use. Give children a different pleasure.
Product information
| Package Dimensions | 17.1 x 6.2 x 2.2 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 9.6 ounces |
| ASIN | B07X49S7SR |
| Item model number | HS-UKLL01 |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 3 years and up |
| Best Sellers Rank | #7,933 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games) #6 in Kids' Guitars & Strings |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
5,846 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Department | unisex-child |
| Manufacturer | hhobby stars |
Top reviews from the United States
Netbook User
Sturdy enough for 'Toys for Tots'. Tunable with a little effort.
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022
Mamasaurus
2 Year Old Loves It!
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024Critically.Cree
It is small and very plastic
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2023Ana Moreno
Perfect size for my toddler
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023Melissa Basta
Adorable guitar and harmonica
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2023James Paice
Huh
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024MrsDoRIGHTman
Great value
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2024Brian Wesselman
For the price, it's a nice toy.
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024