Every year, I receive a handful of questions from incoming students regarding how to find a good ukulele for a GREAT price. So, I thought I’d put together a few tips for those of you looking to purchase your first ukulele!
While I always advise supporting our local businesses, like San Pedro’s very own Guitar Safari (which DOES have great deals on ukuleles), sometimes a Black Friday Sale or a gift card for a big box retailer is what can really bring a new ukulele within the budget!
If you are interested in picking up a new uke from one of these retailers, here are a few of Mr Greg’s tips.
Like anything in the corporate world of instrument sales, the price you see is usually NOT the best price you can get from big box retailers such as Guitar Center or Sam Ash, etc. So, here are a few of Mr Greg’s tips to getting a good ukulele for a GREAT price!
- Always ask “Is this the best price you can offer?” – after all, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Many retailers will honor student, senior, or military discounts if asked. And if it makes you feel any better, please consider that big box retailers often markup their instruments quite a bit from what they pay to purchase them from the manufacturer. This is what allows these companies to offer Black Friday pricing!
- If it is the best price, always ask if they could PLEASE check if they have any “pre-owned”, “b-stock”, or “blemished models”. These models are typically perfectly functioning instruments that have usually only suffered some minor cosmetic damage or have a slight flaw from the factory. I like suggesting these because one, it usually isn’t all that long until our brand-new ukulele gets a ding anyway and two, for younger students who tend to be a little rough with their possessions; if we can save a buck, why not!
- If you are planning on learning ukulele with a friend, remember that “two is better than one” and bring your friend along! A salesperson may be more able to swing a deal when they are moving twice the inventory.
- Regardless of whether a used, b-stock, or blemished model can be found or if a better price can be granted, keep in mind that these bigger retailers will often include accessories such as tuners or cases that a first-time buyer may initially overlook, but ultimately decide to purchase later on. I mention this because the salespeople at these larger retailers, if asked, will often include these accessories at heavily discounted prices or for free as an added incentive to purchase from them.
- Finally, please go out of your way to be nice and courteous to the salespeople you encounter. These people work hard at their jobs the entire year, especially during the holidays, and whether being nice helps get you a better deal on a new ukulele or not, a meaningful “please” and “thank you” can make all the difference in someone’s day.
If you have any questions for me, please do feel free to email me at SanPedroUkulele@Gmal.com.
Mahalo,
~ Mr Greg
Beginning Ukulele Classes Start February!!! 