My sister was going to Belize for vacation, so I was having a good sulk (because I was not in Belize on vacation). I responded by purchasing a $55 ukulele with accessories. In life, one must adjust. My background: I know how to read music, but I've never been able to play a guitar. When I tried in the past, my fingers just weren't strong enough to fret properly.
I'd read that ukes were much easier to fret because the strings are soft and the tunings are slack. Also I liked the idea of learning some simple songs, and having a hobby that does not involve screen time. So I took 2 days reading about ukes and researching my options on Amazon. Yes, I wanted to purchase on Amazon because I would not be out any money if the Great Experiment didn't work out (free returns).
Could it be possible? $55 for a whole setup for a musical instrument that isn't a toy? The reviews were good and the accompanying photos looked likewise, so . . . 3 days later I get a ukulele in the mail. It was neatly boxed with a case and an accessories bag that included everything you need to get started. I plunked away that whole first day. My wrist hurt. My hands hurt. My ribs hurt! (I'm 60, with high mileage.) Tendons that hadn't been stretched in years were stretching.
But I persevered; watched some youtube instruction videos; worked on holding the uke properly. Eventually bought a couple of things to help my journey along: A rubber doughnut hand strengthener. A better strap (the nylon one included irritated my neck). Burt Casey's Ukulele Primer on Kindle. Here's what I think about this specific ukulele:
It's great. It looks very nice -- I love the clean look of the open head and buttons (?) that anchor the strings at the bottom. I like the faux abalone ring around the sound hole. It tunes nicely. I'm pretty sure the koa is laminate, but it doesn't look cheap and the color of the wood is not too light or too dark (I was after a traditional uke look).
After about 10 days, it needed very little tuning or adjustment when I practiced. It sounds lovely. The tuner works great and is very easy to use. Some have said they didn't like the strings that came with this uke, but I have had zero problems with them. I had heard that the first week or so would require frequent tuning until the strings "settled," and that's exactly how it went.
I'm enjoying adding a new chord every few days, and strumming and practicing throughout the day. My hands are still sore, but I'm gaining hand strength and flexibility. That little rubber donut things is great for hand workouts (they sell these on Amazon). For practice I work my way through my chord progressions, play simple songs, and follow the lesson plan in my book. My one piece of advice: Use the strap. It's so helpful as a beginner to not have to worry about ukulele hugging technique when you're trying to focus on your ukulele fretting technique.
So the experiment was a success. My sister's back from Belize with sunburn and tales to tell. And I've got 6 cords, the truth and a ukulele : )
Vangoa Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit 21 Inch Mahogany Acoustic Hawaiian Ukulele Uke Bundle for Kids Starters Students with Fas
4.6 | 272 ratings
Price: 49.95
Last update: 12-31-2024
About this item
✅[Fine Workmenship] Selected smooth AAA African mahogany body brings the soprano ukulele a bright and warm sound. Open style finish with 9-cycle grinding and polishing process gives the soprano ukulele outstanding effects on resonance and sustain. Inlaied pearl shell in soundhole make the soprano uke unique and stylish. Well polished fingerboard with neat fret wire and classical walnut bridge provide you a comfortable playing experience
✅[Bright and Crispy Sound] As the smallest size in ukuleles, soprano ukulele produces more crispy and brighter sound than other size ukuleles, which is perfect for strumming, singing and traveling. Arched back provides the 21 inch ukulele a better resonance for music expression in depth, sound brighter, more crispy
✅[Precise Tuning] Quality tuning pegs guarantee smoother and more accurate tuning. Chrome-plated sealed design is anti-dust and durable. Superior nylon strings add a greater tuning stability
✅[Considerate Design] Low action deducts string pressure to make it feel comfortable when pressing strings under the fingers, thus the soprano ukulele quite suitable for kids and beginners. Type C shaped neck sports a comfortable contour for a smoother practice. 12 brass frets with fret position marks at 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th frets on neck and top of fingerboard
✅[Practical Beginner Kit] Vangoa sorpano mahogany ukulele prepares guide book for getting started, extra strings with number label for string changing easily, picks with different thickness to meet different needs, exquisite packaging, adjustable straps for stand up performance, multifunctional clip-on tuner for accurate tuning and padded bag for comfy carrying, perfect for teaching, learning, gift giving and traveling
✅[Bright and Crispy Sound] As the smallest size in ukuleles, soprano ukulele produces more crispy and brighter sound than other size ukuleles, which is perfect for strumming, singing and traveling. Arched back provides the 21 inch ukulele a better resonance for music expression in depth, sound brighter, more crispy
✅[Precise Tuning] Quality tuning pegs guarantee smoother and more accurate tuning. Chrome-plated sealed design is anti-dust and durable. Superior nylon strings add a greater tuning stability
✅[Considerate Design] Low action deducts string pressure to make it feel comfortable when pressing strings under the fingers, thus the soprano ukulele quite suitable for kids and beginners. Type C shaped neck sports a comfortable contour for a smoother practice. 12 brass frets with fret position marks at 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th frets on neck and top of fingerboard
✅[Practical Beginner Kit] Vangoa sorpano mahogany ukulele prepares guide book for getting started, extra strings with number label for string changing easily, picks with different thickness to meet different needs, exquisite packaging, adjustable straps for stand up performance, multifunctional clip-on tuner for accurate tuning and padded bag for comfy carrying, perfect for teaching, learning, gift giving and traveling
Product information
| Item Weight | 2.64 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 22.44 x 9.06 x 3.94 inches |
| ASIN | B093K7WJK5 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
209 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #3,633 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #23 in Ukuleles (Musical Instruments) |
| Date First Available | April 27, 2021 |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Color Name | Bright Natural |
| String Material | Nylon |
| Top Material | Walnut, Mahogany |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Size | 21 Inch Soprano |
Top reviews from the United States
robin-m
Couldn't afford Belize; Bought a ukulele instead
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
robin-m
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
I'd read that ukes were much easier to fret because the strings are soft and the tunings are slack. Also I liked the idea of learning some simple songs, and having a hobby that does not involve screen time. So I took 2 days reading about ukes and researching my options on Amazon. Yes, I wanted to purchase on Amazon because I would not be out any money if the Great Experiment didn't work out (free returns).
Could it be possible? $55 for a whole setup for a musical instrument that isn't a toy? The reviews were good and the accompanying photos looked likewise, so . . . 3 days later I get a ukulele in the mail. It was neatly boxed with a case and an accessories bag that included everything you need to get started. I plunked away that whole first day. My wrist hurt. My hands hurt. My ribs hurt! (I'm 60, with high mileage.) Tendons that hadn't been stretched in years were stretching.
But I persevered; watched some youtube instruction videos; worked on holding the uke properly. Eventually bought a couple of things to help my journey along: A rubber doughnut hand strengthener. A better strap (the nylon one included irritated my neck). Burt Casey's Ukulele Primer on Kindle. Here's what I think about this specific ukulele:
It's great. It looks very nice -- I love the clean look of the open head and buttons (?) that anchor the strings at the bottom. I like the faux abalone ring around the sound hole. It tunes nicely. I'm pretty sure the koa is laminate, but it doesn't look cheap and the color of the wood is not too light or too dark (I was after a traditional uke look).
After about 10 days, it needed very little tuning or adjustment when I practiced. It sounds lovely. The tuner works great and is very easy to use. Some have said they didn't like the strings that came with this uke, but I have had zero problems with them. I had heard that the first week or so would require frequent tuning until the strings "settled," and that's exactly how it went.
I'm enjoying adding a new chord every few days, and strumming and practicing throughout the day. My hands are still sore, but I'm gaining hand strength and flexibility. That little rubber donut things is great for hand workouts (they sell these on Amazon). For practice I work my way through my chord progressions, play simple songs, and follow the lesson plan in my book. My one piece of advice: Use the strap. It's so helpful as a beginner to not have to worry about ukulele hugging technique when you're trying to focus on your ukulele fretting technique.
So the experiment was a success. My sister's back from Belize with sunburn and tales to tell. And I've got 6 cords, the truth and a ukulele : )
Images in this review
Kaia
Excellent ukulele~
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
Kaia
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
Images in this review
Xli
Nice quality, best value you could find
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2017
Xli
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2017
For a small kid, you definitely need the strap as they can't really hold the ukulele tightly by their hands. The travel bag looks nice and durable. I also found that there's tutorial book included -- actually it is very well written, with basic infomation, chords, strum pattern and a simple sample song, the book should be fantastic for beginners.
I also uploaded a side by side photo with my Luna concert ukulele, which is over twice of the price, and not having any accessories. The terms of sound, Luna brand is brighter and thicker though.
This is definitely a great value for the price. I've been play it myself for 2 days and love it! Would definitely recommend it.
Images in this review
Fort
Good but not great
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024Lance colleen
Well worth the money
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
Lance colleen
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
Images in this review
Larry Crabtree
Very lite and resonant
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024Yine
Made in China
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Yine
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Images in this review
Dee A. Goh
First time player
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024