The MOST Reviewed Ukulele on Amazon...and 4 Others That Are Better! | Cory Teaches Music

[@mewmewmew9436]

Hey, I just wanted to pop up here real quick. When I was first buying a ukulele, I knew absolutely nothing about ukuleles. I bought a Stagg US-RED ukulele and I wanted to recommend it for all the confused people out there. I have seen plenty of cheap ukuleles in my life, but this one is the bet one yet. It's really cheap, you can get it for as little as 35 euro in lots of places. It is well-made, definitely does not look like it would break when playing a little harder. It looks clean, sounds amazing, it has pretty soft strings, so it's perfect for people that have never played a string instrument before. It's tiny and handy. I have it for 2 years now, no defects, looks almost like new. This is my full honest opinion, and it is not biased or influenced in any way. I highly recommend this ukulele and i hope I helped :)

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

That’s great! I’m glad it’s serving you well :)

[@Sysipha]

While I’ve seen some Stagg accessories for sale in N. America (and what I’ve seen is of very good quality, like their gig bags!), I have yet to see any actual Stagg instruments for sale here. There are many other appealing uke freely reviewed on UK/EU KZbin channels that we yanks can’t try out, which is quite frustrating! I suppose this is why (excepting Amazon 1st. purchasers), early-to-intermediate uke players here end up with Kalas with astonishing regularity!

[@cobbler88]

Personally, I think the concert size is the most ideal. I have a Makala dolphin soprano size that I currently use as my travel uke, and was interested in the Enya carbonfiber model ... until I saw that the jump from soprano to concert is currently $40. I think we take for granted that we can expect that type of jump up to a tenor, but that seems a bit steep for a beginner concert. I actually was lucky enough to somehow get notified when Donner reduced the price for its electric/acoustic tenor from $90 to $50 about a month ago. It's not the tenor I've always had my eye on, but that one has only gotten MORE expensive every year ($280 now) so I jumped on it and have been pleased. The gig bag is also one that won't require replacement, which this vid pointed out can add value. If you have to spend $30 for a replacement bag for a $30 ukulele, you're spending $60 on that package.

[@angelalee7012]

My first ukulele was a Monterey, which is a cheap uku I got from a record store for probably $30 USD. I deliberately chose a super cheap one as I have a habit of hobby jumping, and I needed to know I'd see it through before investing in something else. Now I have a Tanglewood TWT6B Concert, a Makala Pineapple and an 1880 Ukulele Co 200 Series Soprano. The pineapple is of course the most affordable as it is part of the Makala range, and it has a nice, if soft sound. The Tanglewood and 1880 are a huge step up (and at least double the price), but I regularly use all three.

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

I’ve like the Makala ones a lot. They sound good and look super cute! I used mine shark one almost exclusively at school, but I recently loaned it to a friend so I didn’t have it for the video-also loaned my KA-15S to my mom too lol so I’ve got ones all over the place

[@cobbler88]

My first ukulele was an Oscar Schmidt concert size. It's still my only concert, as I've expanded my collection by adding different sizes rather than moving up within the same size. I've got a purple Makala dolphin and a Donner electric/acoustic tenor that was (might still be) a steal, marked down from $90 to $50 with a bag that won't have to be replaced.

[@AnitaLife27]

The Donner ukes are excellent ! I had one and was proud to pass it along to a friend.

[@nadinegarcia8238]

I got this same ukulele however when I tune my A string it doesn’t sound right at all :((

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

Are you using an electric tuner? Or if it’s brand new, I found that I needed to work it a bit before I’d stay in tune for long periods of time. Make sure you tune before playing every time you play!

[@disneygal8]

I bought the Aklot 23” Soprano Mahogany Ukelele from Amazon about 2 weeks ago. I’m left handed, but it still works well. I bought Aquila super nylgut strings and had them replace the strings that came with the ukelele. Thanks in part to you and your videos, I’ve been able to learn a few of the easy songs. I’m still working on the strumming pattern, but I’m ok with just playing the chord changes for right now. Thank you!!!

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

Yay! Love your username! I’m a big Disney fan!

[@johnhipp604]

​@@CoryTeachesMusicCory can I ask you something yes or no

[@cesarequevedo8943]

I bought me about 5 years ago a KALA Solid (just the TOP is the Solid part) Spruce Mahogany Long Neck Soprano (Model: KA-SSLNG). This is excellent because it has the classic Soprano sound but a concert long neck that allows you to play more notes. Amazing little Uke!

[@PhaethonCrafts]

I’m using the Enya Nova U Concert AcousticPlus in pastel pink, it’s really nice.

[@kaylamorton6751]

I currently have an Everjoys rainbow soprano ukulele and watching this video it seems like the downgraded on things like the gig bag and accessory bag. My gig bag did not look like the picture like you brought up but was made with a more durable fabric. The accessory bag was a smaller black fabric drawstring bag. Mine also came with I think more than one extra string. I've had this ukulele for about 2 years now but only been playing with it recently. It sounds plucky but I'm doing my best with it to learn the basics and then maybe invest in another instrument.

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

That might be true. I’m glad it’s served you well. The one I got definitely didn’t seem like the best quality. I also could have gotten a dud too. At the end of the day, if it works for you that is what is important! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@billyjames9315]

I just bought a rockjam soprano for my first ukele. Came with a carry bag with strap, extra chords, tuner, and chord book. It cost me $29 tax and all. It has excellent reviews and videos in Amazon. It will be here in 2 days. Can't wait to learn my new hobby 🙏👋 Subbed and liked 💕

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

That’s so exciting!!

[@AnitaLife27]

Just make sure it says « free returns ». I’ve had great luck with some amazing ukes from Amazon, but I had a couple of duds from Mila (now out of the Uke biz). But mila ended up giving a free Uke, which still had problems, but was usable. Kalas are excellent. And I’m happy with the Donner ukes. Got a « batking » baritone and it’s great. Under $150!

[@billycrows]

I got the Everjoys for my daughter a couple of years ago. She’s moved on to another instrument, so I picked it up and have been playing it for a few months. The extras that come with it are junk. The tuner stopped working after a few uses. The uke itself is ok. The action is decent. Tuning machines are not great but they hold. The E is very fidgety to tune. Sound is ok, but it has a slight overtone that I don’t really like. It’s not a terrible starter instrument, but it’s not what I would have picked in hindsight.

[@cobbler88]

I like my Makala Dolphin as a soprano/travel uke. But when I bought it a few years ago, it was a $30 uke. It's $60 now! The Shark one is the same price, making me wonder if it's basically the Dolphin with a different animal and the plain paint job the Dolphin used to have. It's kind of like they're giving up the chance to own the $30-$40 price point with a quality product. Kala does now have the Waterman at $45, with a 4.3/5.0 rating on Amazon.

[@craftlover9702]

I love Ohana ukulele's. They offer an SK-10 or SK-14 Soprano ukulele's which are both great beginner ukulele's. Well worth a few extra dollars for a better quality ukulele.

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

Yes! This one isn’t the greatest and I don’t think it’s worth it when you can pay a little more and get a much better instrument.

[@dogkiddnapper3773]

My parents got me the first ukulele for Christmas its good for a starter maybe for a year the a string broke a month of having it so we fixed it with the extra string and now that string sounds off and has a bunch of weird buzzing noise that wasn’t there before my strings are in a different order my a string is yellow im looking for a new ukulele and a capo! Hope I can get one of these

[@sammyb.3748]

I have the Makala Shark Soprano, it used to be my sisters for about 3 years and now she has gave it to me. I think that its a great beginner ukulele and it serves me very well.

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

I LOVED my shark Makala. I still have it though I lent it to a friend to learn on. It’s awesome!

[@desktopkitty]

I got a Donner concert ukulele that's being sold for $80, but I got it with a coupon which made my final total cost just under $50.

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

Nice!

[@tracyparsons3340]

Thank you for your advise x Really helpful ♥️

[@katrinalyvers]

I ordered this everjoy rainbow ukulele last week. And when I got it; I tried it out for two hours and during that time I kept having to keep the A string tuned every 5 mins. I'm not the most musical talent when it comes to instruments but I'm fairly certain that an instrument isn't supposed to go out of tune that fast. Needless to say, it went back to amazon and I'm looking to purchase another ukulele. The one I'm looking into is a Kala or a flight ukulele. Kala ukulele was recommended by a friend. There's another KZbinr I've been watching that plays the ukulele and they play a flight ukulele which seems like a fairly decent ukulele.

[@altviooltom]

Hello Katrina, i hope you found a nice ukulele. If you found other ukuleles with the same problem of having to tune the strings a lot: that's very normal. A new string has to do a lot of stretching. There's a few techniques to speed up the process, and some strings are less stretchy than others but generally it's to be expected when playing on an instrument with new strings.

[@katrinalyvers]

@@altviooltom I did find another ukulele. I got a flight ukulele and been playing it since the end of January. It stays in tune. I didn’t have the problems like I did with the everjoy rainbow ukulele.

[@it405]

Thank you Cory, you have saved me so much time. Mahaloz!

[@m3g4n.w]

Hello! I bought the ukulele around 7 months ago and I've only gotten it out now, Its generally hard to use and I've rage quit MANY times- I'm unable to buy a new one since my dad thinks "I'm just wasting it" which is true Could you maybe show a video on how to use it well? I know nothing about ukulele's and I'm under 18 so I can't really buy one when I want- Thank you! xx

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

Start with my Let’s Play Ukulele series. It’s in my playlists!

[@m3g4n.w]

@@CoryTeachesMusic okay thank you!! :)

[@Zornat89]

You had great diction, thanks for thr video

[@Snowbearkay]

I hate to admit this but my 1st ukulele was a Everjoys brand and frankly, I would not recommend that brand to even a fresh beginner. I had such bad luck with it.. I am more happy with my Kmise Concert and my Enya Nova ukes.

[@roul4842]

I have that exact same tuner but under the Donner brand. I got it as a part of a $200 beginner guitar and kit set.

[@Cold_nugget]

Currently I have a Winzz ukulele, I only started playing on Wednesday. Would you recommend a different one to start with that is better quality?

[@idekwt]

I've got the makala shark and it's really has a nice sound and i don't regret buying it so if you can't decide better go for makala shark. But if your willing to spend a few more bucks then i say go for the Kala Ka-15s though it's a little quiter but has a nice tone but comparing the two makala brands. I'd still go for makala shark because the difference isn't that much.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

Or even the Kala Ukadelic, which is now $20 cheaper than the Makala Dolphin (currently $59). If you want a Ukadelic with a design on it, rather than a solid color, it's still only $49.

[@jennab990]

Got my sister the same uke but in the red not rainbow is very disappointed because the strings will not tune the c did but the others will not tune at all I've tried the electric tuner and apps and websites but it all says it's wrong and sounds wrong. I am an acoustic guitar player so I have experience and I'm not sure what to do because I cant tune it ?

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

That is super frustrating. I’m sorry that you had that experience. I also found that the strings weren’t great. It could be that they are just not keeping tune well and need to be stretched. You can carefully stretch the ukulele strings and that will help. How long have you had the instrument/has this issue been going on?

[@jennab990]

@@CoryTeachesMusic we got it today but we kept tuning it and they are good now they keep untuning but we can re tune them just fine now thankyou for helping though

[@altviooltom]

thanks for the video...it's quite usefull! ( i could tell you made a lot of takes /cuts to make it shorter! thanks for all that hard work)

[@TheMrprez]

I bought the Kaiser concert mahogany uke. So far so good.

[@steverson5053]

I got this ukelele for Christmas as my first ever this year, i was super upset cus I realized amazon is trash when it comes to instruments. I havent finished the video ill edit when i do but as a beginner never have had ever held a string instrument. I thought it sounded so bad and got really upset.

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

I think a major problem is the $50 price point. You can get a Kala/Makala solid color ($39) or designed cover ($49) Ukadelic in that ballpark. I would agree with the recommendation that people not get too wrapped up in the rest of the stuff in the bundle. You're going to replace the dust cover with a decent bag almost immediately anyway, and the only other thing really useful is the tuner which, again, will likely be replaced with a Snark before too long. You'll likely never use the cloth or the picks and a set of good strings is pretty cheap. And, just a heads up, the Donner elec/acoustic tenor is about to go on sale for $49.99 once they have inventory. I wouldn't recommend more than a concert size for a beginner, though.

[@alexisandlayla4411]

Do you recommend soprano or concert ukuleles for beginners?

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

It depends. I personally LOVE concert and think it is totally fine for a beginner but soprano can be easier for some.

[@st4rZ.7s]

I just got it I wasn’t expecting it to come early So I had to look on online

[@stanmuneoka8117]

A string is the thinnest and wears out the fastest. It's probably cheap strings that wears out and going off tune

[@Bob-gn8ph]

Thanks 😊 ❤John 3,16 ❤

[@marsquidward]

My mom got me this for Christmas-.- I’m greatful but I wish she would of got me a guitar or better uke.

[@BOBANDVEG]

Best ukulele under $75 ???

[@anony249]

I’m planning on buying the Donner Soprano Ukulele Beginner Kit one, but idk if im going to have enough money, so I wanted to know if you do happen to remember the full price of that ukulele plus tax??

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

The price always changes so I think you’ll just to check it out on Amazon. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!

[@anony249]

@@CoryTeachesMusic the price is $59.99 now, not that much of an increase, but I was wondering if you knew like how much the tax of it was?? Or what it was around !!

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

@@anony249 I don't remember the tax, I'm sorry. But tax differs based on where you buy from, but it was maybe $3?

[@kellyruiz9097]

I LOVE Luna Guitar's ukuleles, it is such nice quality, but it is a bit more expensive.

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

They are great! I used to have a pineapple one but gave it to a student!

[@kellyruiz9097]

@@CoryTeachesMusic yeah! I really want the bamboo one for christmas!

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

I didn’t know they’d come out with one too. Bamboo is such a popular material for ukuleles right now! If you get it let me know how it is!

[@kellyruiz9097]

@@CoryTeachesMusic ok, I definetely will!

[@RondelayAOK]

Go with the Kala KA-15

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

That was my first ever ukulele. Love it. Still do!

[@bartolomeu2923]

ugh i wish i did research on what to buy

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

Did you buy this uke? Ultimately if it’s working for you then it’s working!

[@bartolomeu2923]

@@CoryTeachesMusic it's working

[@CoryTeachesMusic]

Good! That’s all that matters! If you are looking for an upgrade any of the ones I suggested are great or really any review videos I’ve done I recommend the ukulele. If you need suggestions though let me know :)

[@bartolomeu2923]

@@CoryTeachesMusic Thank you!

[@Doublereeder2]

Ohana!

[@Jeremya74]

You only get 1 string? 😂..just keep it..ive been playing elec/acu guitar for 20+yrs so im not familar with how often strings break on uk's but it can be very often..prob why they offer strings for life

[@patrickkerns2022]

Carmel,kmise ,you always hear people that try to justify why you should buy them .the fact is they are cheap not that good and inconsistent in quality I have bought these cheap ukes and it's funny people listen to guys that claim they know when in fact they know nothing it's just opinion.dont listen to someone that tells you you don't need expensive ukuleles that's the stupidest thing you will hear .the saying you get what you pay for is more true that's why they say it for a 100 years .these cheap Chinese ukulele come out if factories by the thousands and they are not checked out thrown in a box and sent to guys that tell you you don't need a better ukulele don't listen to them some are reselling cheap junk and making a profit on you .so many reviews mislead people but many who own these cheap ukes have no idea what a good one plays or sounds like they are satisfied with them the enya and kala are about the limit if you like it you will upgrade but if it's junk you won't want to play the uke .kala or enya is a good starter then you can upgrade .if you love the ukulele you will want more expensive ukuleles which can be very high quality and much better sounding .if someone says you don't need expensive ukulele chances are they have poor hearing possibly tone deaf or just foolish

[@patrickkerns2022]

@CSI yes beware of guys that tell you you dont need expensive ukuleles thats is the biggest lie you will hear .chances are they want to sell you one .just be sure you like the ukulele and you are going to stick with it then buy what you want cost is no option if you have the money .with ukuleles cheap is not so good however you can get good deal .gotaukulele is the best sorce barry isnt trying to sell you a ukulele .he calls it like it is .he says also kmise carmeldonner ect are not good and stamed out by the thousands from chinese factories inconsistent and you gamble when you buy one .he has hundreds of reviews .thanks for the reply

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

I cringe every time I hear “I got it off Amazon”!

[@jasonmason8053]

Good lord, it's a $50 ukelele SET relax lmao

[@Damon9]

It’s a review. Relax lmao

[@emmaabdul-jabbar3458]

Frl- I just came here to make sure my $45 was well spent and now I’m even more uncertain😂 Oh well

[@iesa9556]

Now 99% of ukulele r made in China, so forget about quality, because our country has outsourced it to China, so we'll recd guaranteed shit.

[@tre4993]

Buy cheap shit, you get cheap shit. China makes all your smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs but do you consider those "shit?" I highly doubt it. After all, you pay a premium price for those items so it makes sense they're not "shit."

[@cruzmalibu4361]

@@tre4993 …why would you ever defend “China” ? They censor your internet, force abortions if you have more than one kid and effortlessly slaughter you if you disagree with the government… …did you even know any of that ?…and so much more ?

[@tre4993]

@@cruzmalibu4361 Did you know everything you just said is completely wrong and fake news? Have you even step foot in China? Or you just absorb whatever the western propaganda machine throws at you?

[@cruzmalibu4361]

@@tre4993 …yes, been to China many times. If you are Chinese, apologies to you if you are defending your homeland, but you know that China is the MOST corrupt country in the world, partnered with the multi national companies to keep slave labor flourishing and by defending China, you are part of the problem…