I am a guitar player who is taking a trip to Alaska for 2 weeks and couldn't imagine not having any of my guitars to play - however, with all the airline restrictions bringing one of my guitars was not an option - so after considering what to do I decided to look at a ukulele - picked this up for $30 and bought some Aquila strings as recommended from other reviews and I can't believe how much fun I am having with this little instrument - the strings made all the difference - being a guitar player the crossover was no big thing for me - it was just a matter of learning the chords on the uke - totally love the fact that i was able to choose a color - having a ball with this ukulele - can't beat it for the price - loved it so much that I just ordered a Concert ukulele which is slightly bigger and with more frets - so if you want something small that you can carry on an airplane in overhead - this was the solution for me - no more withdrawal from not being able to play music while away -

It's a really fun ukulele. The strings are just thick fishing string. I replaced the strings with actual ukulele stings D'Addario EJ88S Nyltech Ukulele Strings, Soprano These strings brought the cheap ukulele to life. The real strings make it sound so much better.

Standard Ukulele Tuning Method

This is also known as "relative" tuning, why? Well, because you will tune the four strings relative to each other. This is a perfect method if you are playing on your own and you want to have all your strings sound good together, but it isn't that accurate. This will cause issues though if you are playing with other people. I will guide you through the steps.

1. You will use the first string (A) as a reference to tune the other three strings, this is why this method isn't that accurate. You won't notice it if you play alone though, but you will if you play along with songs or friends.

2. Place your finger just behind the fifth fret on the E string (second string). That's an A note. Now when you pick the first string (A), it should sound the same. You can adjust the the second string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until they sound the same.

ukulele tuning step 2

3. Place your finger just behind the fourth fret on the C string (third string). That's an E note. Now when you pick the second string (E), it should sound the same. You can adjust the the third string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until they sound the same.

ukulele tuning step 3

4a. Most ukulele come standard with a High G string. Place your finger just behind the second fret on the G string (fourth string). That's an A note. Now when you pick the first string (A), it should sound the same. You can adjust the fourth string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until they sound the same.

ukulele tuning step 4a

4b. If you've chosen to use a Low G string on your ukulele you can use this method. Place your finger just behind the fifth fret on the G string (fourth string). That's a C note. Now when you pick the third string (A), it should sound the same. You can adjust the the fourth string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until they sound the same.

ukulele tuning step 4b

This might take some practice to train your ear, but it's an easy way to quickly tune your ukulele. If you know your notes on the fretboard you could also come up with other combinations.

Piano Tuning

ukulele notes on the piano

You can also use a piano to tune your ukulele. You can see the keys af the piano above, match the notes of the piano with that of your ukulele by ear, this can also take some practice. As you can see G C E A = sol do mi la.

I bought this for my daughter who's started playing in an kids' (tweens) church group (Christian Uke!?!? -- as long as she's with good friends & off the streets, I'm happy.)
This is good enough for her purposes.
I did what some other reviewer suggested and changed out the factory strings for Aquila New Nylgut AQ-4 Soprano Ukulele Strings - High G - Set of 4 . Whoa! Wasn't bad before, but sure is louder now; perhaps even a better sound.

As an experienced amateur musician (brass, nothing with strings,) changing out the strings confirmed for me this: this model is *not* for anyone past -- perhaps even *at* -- an intermediate skill level.
- quality of construction & assembly seems good all around
- frets & body-end of string hardware all seem fine.
- tuning pins are t.r.o.u.b.l.e. Each one's got it's own idiosyncratic behavior. 2 of them are mostly good; the other 2 have something elliptical (instead of circular) in how their components were formed. They've got some very uneven tensioning behavior.
With the price of these things, I'm sure it would be better to upgrade than to replace the tuning pins.

I've heard China has a "Button City," where most of the world's buttons are made. I think they must have a "Ukulele Village," too. My daughter received loaner uke of a different brand (same price range, avail on Amazon) until the one I bought arrived. While both instruments were in the house, I compared them and -- aside from paint differences -- found only cosmetic differences in the shape of the head. Otherwise were very similar. I wager all other ukes in this price range compare similarly.

Very happy with this Uke! Great sound, great color, perfect for my Music Class!

Have you ever felt the burning desire to give today's popular songs a mellow twist that would make Bob Marley himself want to be you, or sat endlessly in front of a computer watching YouTube tutorials, yearning for the opportunity to try them out for yourself? Then yearn no more, because today you're buying a Diamond Head DU-108 ukulele.

Whether you're looking to start your own ukulele cover- band, or just looking for a new way to fit in better at a party hosted by Zoëy Deschanel, this is the instrument for you. With its comfortable grip and blister-inducing strings, Diamond Head ukuleles are perfect for those who are just learning to play, or interested in pursuing a career in music that will grant you fame and fortune. The sleek face and sound quality (provided you tune it correctly) are exactly what you're paying for.

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So, whether you're out to rock the faces off of fellow musicians everywhere, or just ready to meet a nice hipster to share your life with, this ukulele does it all. For only $29.19 you can be the owner of this magnificent object. It might not be the most proactive way to spend your money, but I can give you my personal guarantee that it will be the least proactive way to spend your money. So what are you waiting for? This little guy is calling your name, random internet shopper! Don't make him wait any longer!