How Do I Choose A Ukulele For My Grandson?

[Stargazer]

He is 10 (11 in June) and I would like to know how to choose one i.e. tenor, soprano etc. I want an actual musical instrument rather than a "toy". Any advice welcome.

[Atheist]

I'm not an expert, but I would recommend one with decent machine heads; i.e. cog wheels, not just friction. Machine heads are the mechanism for tuning the tension of the strings. Friction heads usually slip and lose tuning; cogs don't do that. I don't think that tenor, soprano etc are too important. Best wishes.

[JimF]

Does he specifically want a ukulele? Maybe he'd prefer a guitar instead. How big are his hands?

[melv16]

I'm a uke player and I looked at online reviews. Eventually I chose a Moselele, which are made out of bamboo.
A soprano uke should suit his hand size, more importantly you should buy a good set of strings as they tend to be softer and sound better.

[The Builder]

Melv would know more about this than I do, but I would suggest a good music shop for advice.

You'd probably have to go to a city or large town to find one, but they might well supply to schools. The ukelele is by far the most popular instrument for school kids these days.

[melv16]

//The ukelele is by far the most popular instrument for school kids these days.//
Thankfully. The descant recorder is the spawn of the devil:-)

[Stargazer]

Thank you for your response. I was hoping to get one on Ebay so I will heed your recommendations.