Best folk & world instrument accessories according to redditors
We found 138 Reddit comments discussing the best folk & world instrument accessories. We ranked the 85 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 138 Reddit comments discussing the best folk & world instrument accessories. We ranked the 85 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
http://www.amazon.com/Aquila-AQ-4-Soprano-Regular-Ukulele/dp/B00MXUJ394
http://www.amazon.com/Snark-SN6-Clip-On-Ukulele-Tuner/dp/B004Z17008/
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+restring+ukulele&oq=how+to+restring+ukulele
Good luck!
I use a Kyser Banjo capo! It's lasted me years and fits pretty nicely since it's made for an instrument with a similar sized neck to a ukulele.
This is the one: http://www.amazon.com/Kyser-Banjo-Mand-Capo-Blk/dp/B0002CZVWS
And here it is sitting on my Koyama tenor: https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/s720x720/547985_3524614034716_1344819432_n.jpg
Hope that helps!
They have some that are not metal wound now and they’re spectacular. I personally use these ones and used the Aquila Nyglut Reds in the past (the Low G from that set was peculiar, almost felt like it was made from paper)
If you follow this simple regimen, you will be prepared to play ukulele in no time at all:
You are now ready to play.
If you don't want to drill, there are other options. https://www.amazon.com/Black-Adjustable-Lohanu-Requires-Drilling/dp/B010CI6M88/
Search amazon for more examples & sizes.
I first tried Aquila New Nylgut AQ-15 Tenor Ukulele Strings - Wound Low G but I didn't like the tone of the wounded low G. After that i got a set of D'Addario EJ99TLG Pro-Arté Carbon which I'm currently using and prefer. I have yet to try the Aquila red's that everyone is recommending. Reds supposedly the best of the best but have a short life. For now I have have no plans to switch the D'addario set, it's just fine for my needs. I'm a causal player so take it with a grain of salt. Reds look fire tho.
I'd like to suggest the Oscar Schmidt OU5LCE, it's a concert but it plays pretty loudly and deep for it's smaller size. Unlike its OU5 counterpart, this one has an electric pickup (which sounds great), and a long, tenor-sized neck for bigger fingers.
It's a pretty instrument and in my opinion is a good cross between sounding like a "cheerful" Soprano and a deeper tenor. It holds a tune great after the first week or so and seems pretty sturdy.
Also, if you do get it and get a case afterwards, make sure the case is a tenor because the long neck won't fit in anything smaller.
If you really want a tenor, I think the Kala KA-GAT is a good one. It's surprisingly light weight and comfortable and definitely sounds a lot deeper than any concert. Though when you pick instead of strum, they all sound the same. It's beautiful, but closer to three hundred than two.
Also get a tenor case for this one.
Personally I'd recommend the first one, as it's cheaper and a better starting place. I think most people hear "lighter" sounding ukuleles in popular music, so if you're going for something to make you sound like the guy from Hey Soul Sister, go with a concert or Soprano. Also, no matter what you do, unless there's one built into the uke, buy this tuner, it's awesome (And it works for both tenor and baritone, which has different tuning).
Ukulele! A one-time purchase of a decent, cheap ukulele, strings, and a tuner. From there on, the internet is FULL of free online lessons and music sheets. I can't tell you how much my ukulele has brought me joy in the year and a half or so that I have been playing it!
If you want to turn it into something social, you might even have a ukulele jam session in your area. I have been shocked to find easily a half-dozen within a 30-45 minute drive of me, and that's with a casual search. I have attended some in sun-lit parks in the summertime, in bars, in community centers, you name it. Ages are mixed, backgrounds are mixed, music spans the gamut, all really friendly and fun people. But that's just if you want to try a group, which is by no means necessary.
Edited to add: My recommended beginner ukulele is the [Kala Makala Dolphin](http://www.amazon.com/Makala-Dolphin-Bridge-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B002ZSE9ES} (there is also a Shark line that is pretty much the same, but different styling). Comes in tons of fun colors and is a good setup for a beginner price point. Get Aquila strings, and a tuner and you're set for a long time. There are some sets which include a tuner, basics video, and the uke, you just need to buy the strings separately. I get no kickback or anything from these suggestions. It's just what I started with and what I have bought friends as gifts, and been really happy with it.
Great! You can buy Aquila Reds on Amazon.
I have also heard good things about the Aquila Super Nylgut.
If you want to test out fluorocarbons, I'd give Worth clears a go. [Worth browns](https://www.t
heukulelesite.com/worth-strings-bm-brown-soprano-concert.html) are a little warmer and softer and might be even better to try first, actually!
Also, D'Addario makes great strings too, though the suggestion you got below to put tenor strings on is probably not a good choice (unless the string set specifically says it is for all sizes).
I think the key here though is that like bazmaz is saying, you'll need to be willing to try a few things until you get what you like. That's the fun (and challenging) part about strings. Challenging, because sometimes, you may end up putting something on and not liking it, and having to do another change soon. Fun, because once you find what works best for you, your instrument now feels a lot more custom- you made a creative choice to have it sound that way.
I have one of these: ChromaCast CC-TN-BAG Tenor Ukulele Padded Bag.
It's not bad. The pockets are more useful than what you get on some bags. I wouldn't count on it for protection against anything dramatic -- it's more for carrying.
I keep all of my stuff in the Stanley Click n Connect, but the SSD is just way too huge to fit in any reasonably sized carrying case. We were looking for a solution for a while until our group stumbled upon This ukulele case. It fits the SSD perfectly. You can keep dials and other accessories in the front pocket. It's great.
It's this model on Thingiverse, instructions aren't really necessary. Print all parts, glue them together, get tuners and strings (those are the ones I got). Fair warning: those tuners are not long enough to fully stick out at the top of the headstock. It's enough to string the uke, but could probably do with some longer tuners.
I did my very first string change not too long ago. There's going to be all kinds of opinions on what strings to get. I bought these Aquila strings. They're regular soprano strings (gCEA, with the high g string). I found the string-changing tutorial on Got a Ukulele to be helpful.
As for how to get started playing, I suggest checking out Cynthia Lin's tutorials, as I have found them to be the most friendly and they go slow. Read through the playlist rather than just blindly going in order. Like the chord-changing video actually is fit for if you need further help with lesson 1.
Do you have a tuner? They are really rather helpful, though you can try starting out with a phone app. The clip-on tuners will be more accurate than an app, but it's better than nothing. New strings take time to finish stretching out, so you will find yourself tuning often at first and for a little while.
I love this one, for how quick and easy it is to add/remove: Kyser Quick-Change Capo for banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins - Black
I use these strings.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WFTKGS/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I put them on a tenor, I know it may not be 'proper' but there it is. Its a low G with a wound G and a wound C. I like to play a lot of blues and jazz tho, and they just sound so right on my unique ukulele.
I've never encountered distance limitations, not within the already-accepted distance limitations of CAT5.
If you are just checking unshielded phone lines, any tool will do the job. If you are also looking to check ethernet, you may need one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Eclipse-Tools-900-244-ProsKit-Adapter/dp/B00OSLCZ6O/
If the other end of the cable is plugged into a live switch, you won't get any tone over the wire when you are sending a tone down a pair (typically the blue pair). This adapter lets you instead connect your tone generator to two different unpaired wires, which lets you tone properly.
I bought this one on Amazon and it works great. TSA threw it around pretty hard on my way to work last time. Tore the vinyl in a couple of places and I had to tighten one of the tuners when I got here but the banjo itself survived fine. If you ever check it with your luggage, remember to slack the strings. I gate check it whenever possible, too.
Low fretwire (9.50)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AX9TUG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Two bridges. I used the bone from the 2nd bridge as the nut. I cut grooves in it and sanded it lower. (7)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0116TFMM4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Tenor Uke strings (8.30)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K3EGWI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Tuning pegs (7.20)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077FW1XNK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Total is $32
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Wood is from Habitat for Humanity restore. Locust was $18 for 5/4 9bf. I used mahogany scraps from a friend at the community workshop I use (college student, $25/month. normal ppl pay $50/month).
If you want to start, I recommend just buying an instrument that you really like that happens to be broken, and repair it. You'll have to do a lot of research and learning along the way.
There are a lot of good books on the topic, and a million internet resources.
Another good way is to buy a little inexpensive 'kit' instrument and build it.
Dad got it for me for Christmas, I'm about to start one of THESE.
See how in the photo, the 1st fret is missing? It must be a common problem with this kit. I called Grizzly and they sent me a whole new kit - free - no questions asked. So now I have two but one's missing a fret. Buy one of those. You may get lucky and end up with two!
A lot of it is like auto mechanics. Confidence in yourself that you can do it, and do it right is almost as important as the know-how.
Today I'm grateful for having such wonderful friends. Chatted last night with my besties boyfriend (who is also a longtime friend) and offhandedly bitched about how me and my boyfriend's apartment only has the stand-up shower, meaning no tub and no bubble baths, which are my favorite especially when I'm stressed. They are out of town today and need me to feed their cats and he offered to let me take a bath at their place tonight, and apparently even got their bubble bath mix out for me. And this is just one example of my friends being awesome! It's such a small thing but really is sweet. They know I've been really stressed lately and it's just nice to know that there are people who have my back, even for the little things. It's especially nice to have such a gesture when I really needed it. I'm sad because these two are moving out of town soon, but I know our friendships will last. I feel like my current friends and friend group are going to be my friends for a very long time, and as someone who's had some difficulty in that department it's just such a wonderful feeling! Sometimes people are pretty okay, hehe.
$15 item and $10 item. Thanks for the contest! I love reading about such happy things for everyone :)
Trust me on this. Get this (mandolin) capo or one like it
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000EENH5W/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1373860086&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX112_SY192
Cheap, very effective, and the best part is it doesn't have the handle that you squeeze to adjust it that I find gets in the way of playing chords. This is your best bet.
Good luck!
Hm, well if you want to perform with it, you're not likely to find anything that sounds pro-quality for $30-40 dollars. The biggest problem you'll run into with these cheaper ukes is poor quality control. So maybe some frets are a little too high and that will create buzzing. Or it's not constructed quite right and the sound is muted and dead. Or it doesn't stay in tune up the neck. Fine for someone learning, but not ideal for performing.
But, in that price range I recommend checking out the lower end Kala ukuleles. Amazon link. The dolphin / shark ukes are plastic and look like toys but are actually really good beater ukes. Even though I have much nicer ukes, I still use my Makala Dolphin when I go camping or to the beach or whatever. You also don't have to worry about leaving them in a hot car. They have a surprisingly full sound and are SUPER durable, and cost about $45. If you don't like the look of the colorful plastic ukes, a laminate wood Kala like this is fine too, but may not be as tolerant of heat or excessive moisture.
Being a bigger guy with (I assume) larger-than-average hands, you'll likely be most comfortable on a Tenor sized ukulele, but those may be out of your price range for a half-decent one. (The ones I linked above are Soprano, the smallest size, which you may find cramped). But here's a $99 tenor you might be interested in. And here are some performance-quality tenors starting at $184.
Whatever you choose, you absolutely must replace the stock stings with decent ones – it makes a big difference on these cheap ukes. I recommend Aquila strings. Make sure you buy the right size (i.e. Soprano or Tenor).
I'm not sure about the left-handed aspect. It seems to me that it'd be easier to just play it in the normal style (fretting with your left hand, strumming with your right). Otherwise you'll have to flip your strings and all chord charts and tabs will be backwards for you. And on some ukes (likely not $40 ones though) you'd have to flip the bridge to get the strings to lie right. Seems like a pain. Or I guess you can just play it upside-down, but all your down-strums would sound like up-strums. But I'm right-handed so take with a pinch of salt!
As an alternative, you could consider a strap like this that clips to the sound hole and wraps around the underside. I've never used one myself to speak to their comfort level or effectiveness, but it solves your problem of no button.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010CI6M88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TwezybD01304Y
I just stumbled across Aquila's string set for Concert ukes
SouthCoast has a cool write up about it, too. They sell a whole bunch of weird/cool string sets.
I just bought my first Uke(soprano) a few months ago and did a lot of research looking for just the right type of look and quality for a good price. I ended up settling on the Kala-SEM Exotic Mahogany
http://www.amazon.com/Kala-Exotic-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele/dp/B003M4S670
It looks beautiful, sounds great, isn't too expensive, and is great to first learn the instrument. I also purchased the Gig Bag just for travel purposes and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend also getting this Kyser Capo for Uke/Banjo
http://www.amazon.com/Kyser-Banjo-Mand-Capo-Blk/dp/B0002CZVWS/ref=pd_sim_MI_12?ie=UTF8&refRID=0TRJSEMRJA3F6GXY9QXA
It will fit the instrument, and all ukes, perfectly and is a tremendous asset when learning songs in a different key that you don't yet have the capability of doing absurd fingerings for. No matter what you settle on, trust me, get that capo and it will be the best purchase. Best of luck to you on your learning!
Edit: Forget to mention the Kala will also come with Aquila strings already on it, so you save the money there. After about a week of playing it quite a lot every day to let them settle it stays in tune great now
My favorite birthday was my eighteenth!! The week of my birthday four of my favorite bands happened to be coming to town. I managed to get tickets to all four between birthday gifts/birthday money! They were all spectacular concerts.
Thing.
By the way, Happy Birthday Marzipan86!!
I have a baritone ukulele and use this capo. It is large enough to cover the four strings but not too large that it weighs down the neck.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002CZVWS/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1526878683&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Mandolin+capo&dpPl=1&dpID=41E8hwOD6VL&ref=plSrch
I don't have a better pic of the instrument itself rn. I got it recently from a relative, and had to fix up the body a little, and wanted to oirder strings today while I'm at work if possible, but I just want to make sure I'm getting the right size. Would these work? https://www.amazon.com/Aquila-armoniche-Ukulele-Soprano-Regular/dp/B003UYY05O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1506350793&sr=8-5&keywords=ukulele+strings
Could send me it if you want :D If not, you could get this tuner. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cherub-WST-550U-Clip-On-Ukulele-Tuner/dp/B000WEH44Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377010268&sr=8-1&keywords=ukulele+tuner
Very cheap and easy to use.
I just put this set on my 8-string Luna High Tide and am very happy with them.
https://www.amazon.com/DAddario-Nyltech-Ukulele-8-String-EJ88T-6/dp/B07CVLS3P6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Daddario+8+string+ukulele&qid=1569936761&sr=8-1
Where did you find/get an 8-string banjolele?
[This] (http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Dunlop-7828-Russell-Banjo/dp/B000EENH5W/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2TDGJE6IM8HDP&coliid=I1C52BH8DKMKKC) is the only add-on I have on my list!
Today will be a good day because /u/Matronix bought me a scone for breakfast!
edit: forgot to link
I've really benefitted from having a capo, other than that, extra strings is all you really need. On that note, since you have a guitar already, I'm hoping you have one of these as well? If not, I would highly encourage it.
Here is the mobile version of your link
I have bought some "String Swing" wall hangers for a few guitars and even a Ukulele (I know they are much lighter) and they seem very well built. The wood is good quality and it comes with drywall hangers. Sans hanging on them with your own body weight, they would hold just about anything.
I got this from Amazon after I decided to learn the ukulele. No regrets at all, it sounds great. I even bought Aquila Super Nylgut strings to restring it but I think the ukulele I got already have those and it sounds great. You also should pick up something like this to help you tune your ukulele, kind of hard to tune it by ear as a beginner. Well, not hard but much easier to use electronic tuner.
I think you're fine buying it from Amazon, when you get good at it and know you're going to stick with it THEN make plans to buy a renown ukulele in a store or online. I hear good things even about those $30 soprano ukuleles on Amazon. Whatever you decide to buy, it's just to help get your foot into the door!
D'Addario EJ99TLG Pro-Arté Carbon Ukulele Strings, Tenor Low G, sorry if the link doesn't work, I'm on mobile. I'm mad because I just wasted 10 bucks on strings that don't fit my uke! That aside, they felt very nice, and the ones that did fit had a great sound.
The Makala MK-S was my first uke and it still serves me well. It also fits your budget. The strings it comes with are OK, but if you want some better ones, go for these Aquila strings. This Snark Tuner is also a nice thing to have.
I would go to r/atheism and actually read through the entire front page (shivers at notion).
My dad works for coke but what the hell "diet pepsi"
THIS!
Or if you also deal with RJ45 jacks, they have a banjo for that: https://www.amazon.com/Eclipse-Tools-900-244-ProsKit-Adapter/dp/B00OSLCZ6O/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=rj45+banjo&qid=1567130992&s=hi&sr=1-1
I've not used this one, but it's the first one that came up when i searched for rj45 banjo. You can still plug in a 4 pin or 6 pin cord into it and it'll still work... pin 4 and 5 is still the center pair for tip/ring for line 1, etc
I play a Bushman Jenny Concert that's pretty crispy sounding! They also make a soprano size. Whatever uke you end up with, I'd suggest seeking out a solid wood one, not laminate, and using Aquila strings.
When I started, I had a friend teach me some chords, but I also found this youtube channel to be quite useful. He has a playlist on getting started. https://www.youtube.com/user/TheUkuleleTeacher
In terms of tuning i bought a cheap clip on tuner, it works really well and i still use it sometimes! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cherub-WST-550U-Clip-On-Ukulele-Tuner/dp/B000WEH44Y
expensive but good. You don't have to buy from amazon, i'm only using that to show you.
have fun!
Do you mean the nylgut set that has a wound G string? I'm pretty sure they aren't actual gut, and as far as I know Aquila only makes a non-wound G in a different material in the Red series. They kind of feel like sandpaper.
There aren't many non-wound G string sets. Living Water Strings and Worth make them.
You could use fishing line. /u/bazmaz would know what kind is best.
Item I wanted for Christmas but didn't get: Return to Oz movie.
Item that's useful to me: a Clip-on Ukulele Tuner (I started performing with my ukulele! But I need a tuner that can handle tuning when there is other noise around.!!!)
Thanks for the contest!
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
A Makala Dolphin plus a New Set of Stringswill cost you about 50$ but is probably the best option. It has a good build and is a great beginners uke, also remember that you will need a case + tuner + capo (if your into that) in order to use it properly. The Dolphin also becomes a great travel uke once you get a nicer one.
If you really want a wooden uke (doesn't make to much of a difference at a budget imho) than go with something like a Kala MK-S Bundle
You can get away with that for a little while if you have a good ear. Good clip-on tuners are less than $10, though...
Ukulele. The Makala Dolphin is a really great ukulele for the $45 price tag (especially if you blow the budget by $2 for some Aquila Nylgut strings) and there are tons of places to get tabs of all skill levels. I got my first uke for Christmas a year ago, and haven't stopped playing since.
Granted, it gets real expensive once you start buying more ukes and more accessories for those ukes, but none of that is actually necessary.
Dude, it's just like, my opinion but man The Big Lebowski is one of the best movies ever, not just a hilarious stoner flick. Also Pineapple Express has some top shelf quotable moments.
​
If you picked me, I really could use this little wall mount for my ukulele! I don't have any kind of stand, and I want to be able to put it up somewhere my cat couldn't get it, and this one has a locking mechanism:
https://www.amazon.com/Ukulele-Hanger-Hangers-Violin-Mandolin/dp/B07Q1WYX4L/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=6S0G6870V1AE&keywords=ukulele+wall+mount&qid=1555686707&s=gateway&sprefix=ukulele+wall%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
No problem, if you're in the market for a case this one fits perfectly and is pretty good quality for the price. Happy picking!
If you're using guitar strings, why not use the actual g string? It will probably work but won't sound as good as a ukulele string, since the tension will be not as strong. Try to find D'Addario pro arté strings or aquila red series in low g for tenor on Amazon. Both have unwound g strings.
Edit: links
Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!
Here are your smile-ified links:
ChromaCast CC-TN-BAG Tenor Ukulele Padded Bag
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