Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Let me start this review by saying I know NOTHING about playing an instrument besides the tambourine. Back in my teens a friend taught me how to play 2 very basic songs in the guitar and then I gave up. The guitar seemed complicated and big and inconvenient. Fast forward 20 years later, I am a 37 year old mother of 2 and had a realization, what’s stopping me from learning how to play an instrument AND teach my homeschooled children? I figured the ukulele would be closest to a guitar in a simpler way, I love the fact that it’s small and you only have to deal with 4 strings and not 6! Now, make no mistake, I did not purchase this ukulele completely blinded. My husband is a seasoned musician, he has been playing drums, guitar and a little bit of piano since he was 8; our garage is full of guitars and amps and what not, so I asked for his guidance in choosing a decent ukulele and after days or research the Donner seemed to be the best we found for the price. He suggested I get the concert and not the soprano, and that was a good choice as the soprano might have been a little too small. I gotta say I am super impressed with the craftsmanship and the quality of it, the body is a beautiful mahogany, even to the inexperienced eye it looks like a high end instrument. This is not a toy like I may have thought in the back of my head! Upon arrival, all I knew about ukuleles was pretty much how to hold it (duh! Who doesn’t right?) but my husband wasn’t home to help me tune it so I was left to my own devices. Thank heavens for YouTube! The tuner included is SUPER helpful and EASY to use! When I say easy I’m talking, EASY! Even when you’ve never touched a tuner in your life! *raises hand*. (Btw pay no attention to the negative reviews saying it doesn’t stay in tune, my husband explained to me that this is normal for ANY new string instrument and the strings need to be stretched and get used to being played so it may take a few days). So, as soon as my ukulele was tuned properly I resorted back to YouTube to learn 2 basics: chords and strumming. Within a couple hours I was playing this song (video), I mean, why wouldn’t I start with “Somewhere over the rainbow”?. Not perfect but this was day ONE, the same day I unboxed an instrument I had NEVER player before, ever. My husband came home and was super impressed with not just the ukulele and its sound, but also the extras! The case and the strap are actually really nice and his musician self approves of the tuner as well. The ukulele is also easy for my 7 year old daughter to handle, and she’s practicing her strumming as I type this. Overall, this has already been one of the best purchases I’ve ever made, and I’m determined to keep practicing and mastering my favorite songs! Day 2 - I’m able to play a song with a few simple chords AND SING! at the same time!!! All in all I highly recommend the Donner Concert Ukulele (DUC-1) to anyone who really wants to learn! A great first instrument for beginners, young and old! UPDATE: 7 months playing DAILY I’m officially a campfire player. The uke turned into a serious hobby, one that I eagerly practice every single day and even bring with me when I go out of town and even to the park on a beautiful day. I now know quite a few songs by memory, I’m completely comfortable playing my Donner uke, and it’s quality and sound have lived up to my standards. I can also fingerpick a few songs which I never thought I’d be able to do! Love my Donner uke!