KalaKA-MK-P Makala Pineapple-Style Soprano Ukulele

Let's start by saying I'm not a uke expert at all - only 3 weeks in at this point. I decided I wanted to re-establish a new musical foundation for myself after a few years of musical atrophy and began my search for the perfect cheapo uke (classically trained on viola, self taught drums & analog synth). For 50 smackers I wanted something that was going to last and sound good enough to encourage me to play. This bad boy fits the bill, with the added bonus that I don't have to hear comments like "what is that a mini guitar?" The fret board seems well made so far and the action height seems adequate, or perhaps on the low side. The low-ish action makes it easier to hit the right fingerings but also easier to create string buzz when I play really hard. I was surprised at how stylish and sturdy the wood looks and feels - big bonus. The faux ivory parts are all cheap plastic, some of which have those plastic break off nubs from when they were cast, making those parts look and feel cheap (as expected). I got a chance to play a blonde Lanikai soprano uke recently (martin strings) and could tell that it was probably worth its price at 3x the cost of this, but if you're just starting out or need a beater this pineapple can't be beat.I don't normally plug other products in reviews but I feel that these two form the essential uke starter kit:1) Don't waste your time with the mystery strings shipped with this instrument. If you're going to take the time to tune up properly then get some strings that can keep up. It took me about 3 hours of tuning, playing, and working the strings to get it to hold a solid tune, and I'm glad that when the process was over that I had good sounding strings at the end of it as a payoff. Aquila, Martin, or D'Addario: Aquila Premium Ukulele Strings - Soprano2) I highly recommend the Ukulele for Dummies book for the first timer. Have a gander at the reviews... Since I'm no expert at this instrument I will usually take the book around with me if I'm taking the uke. They're travel buddies, especially if I'll be jamming or playing with a friend. Add a few chord family printouts and you're good to go.Ukulele For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback))** I tune up with a pitch pipe from a viola & I recommend this as a good way to stay mobile and in tune in all weather and in all modes of dress!

My new Makala pineapple uke, a copy of Ukulele for Dummies, Aquila strings (as promised, after a few weeks they have stretched and stay in tune and sound good), Snark SN-2 tuner and some patience have made this a really fun addition to the other things I do. And all for less than $100 thanks to Amazon. I am moving forward s-l-o-w-l-y but surely and doing what the book says to do -- I consider the book an indispensable purchase. I was going to get a uke case right away, but just leaving it lying on top of surfaces around my house and work makes me pick it up for just a few minutes at a time, strum a few chords, dabble with a little note finger picking, then put it down and do the other things I have to do. If I had it in a case I would not be using it as much as I do, and for me to use it a lot in short bursts is keeping it in tune and getting a little better every day. I can see this is something I will be doing and enjoying for a long time. I have gotten a lot of inspiration, knowledge and ideas by also watching some of the many YouTube uke teaching and performance videos. If you have not yet looked, go to YouTube and search for Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill videos. And to see incredibly beautiful ukes go to ukemaker.com

I purchased this uke as an Amazon Warehouse deal. It was listed as “like new.” Well, it arrived with a broken string, so it’s not exactly like new. ☺️ But hey, I only paid $35, so it’s a great bargain anyway. Everything seems well-finished and well-made for this price point, even if I’d paid full price. I have a bunch of sets of Aquila strings, so this broken string is no problem.This is my ninth ukulele. All are sopranos, except for one concert sized uke. I love lower end, good ukuleles. Almost all of mine are Kalas/Makalas. I also have a Magic Fluke Co. Flea (soprano), which I love. This Makala is my first true pineapple shape. I look forward to playing it (after I replace the broken string). I’ve heard the that the pineapple shape has a fuller sound.Bottom line is that Kala/Makala ukes are awesome high value instruments. Perfect for beginners or anyone else. The cost won’t break the bank either. Highly recommended! 👍

The liner wood on the inside that should be notched isn't. The Makala dolphin ukulele (You know, the plastic one that's like $40? With the dolphin bridge...) has notched liner wood. It has great reviews from private blogs and people who know what their talking about. I wouldn't recommend it to a friend