Souvenir and Toy Ukuleles (Smurf?!)
Let's face it, if you are interested in ukuleles then you are probably (even if it's just a little bit) weird. Ukulele players are like the Shriners of the music world. We have these tiny little instruments and we like to have fun and maybe goof off a little bit.
Well, maybe you embody all of those characteristics but you don't actually know how to play ukulele. Maybe you'd like to just play the part a little bit? Or, maybe you are a competent player and you want the challenge of a novelty or toy ukulele? I mean, some toy ukuleles can be almost unplayable, but therein lies the challenge, right? I mean, what if you are able to pull off some hot "Tiptoe Through the Tulip" licks on a plastic smurf ukulele? That's pretty much a trophy-worthy feat, if you ask me.
So, for you goofballs out there, here's some pretty hilarious toy and souvenir ukuleles that are on ebay right now.
Smurf Soprano Ukulele
The Strummin Smurf! Ahhh yeah! Solid.. um... plastic with a blue finish (duh!). It features Smurfette and whatever the name was of the smurf who played the Lute. If you are (or were) the "weird kid" in high school, then you need this uke. Just think of how great it will go with your trench coat. 
When I was wearing my undertaker's suit coat and doing yo-yo tricks in 11th grade, I would have killed for this instrument.
HAWAIIAN POLYNESIAN LUAU COCONUT UKULELE
HAWAIIAN POLYNESIAN LUAU COCONUT UKULELE
That's right, folks! A Ukulele made out of a coconut. Although, I think it might be more of a decoration than anything. I mean, look at that action! The freaking strings are almost a half inch off of the neck. Still, just think how bad-ass you'd look if you could actually play this beast. Heh.
LEOLANI SPRUCE HIBISCUS FLOWER SOUVENIR UKULELE
LEOLANI SPRUCE HIBISCUS FLOWER SOUVENIR UKULELE
Alright... I live in Montana. So, to me, Hawaii is a magical fantasy land where you don't freeze to death and you don't worry about bears destroying your compost pile. Ahh.. heaven. I've never been to Hawaii but something tells me that the first thing you see in the hotel gift shop is a plastic ukulele resembling the one above. Heck, I bet your aunt and uncle have one of these in their closet already. In fact, it's how I got started on ukulele. My mother-in-law had a very similar souvenir ukulele that I spent hours on, trying to figure out why I couldn't play it correctly. Turns out, it was impossible to tune. But, if you want to just look the part, then this little guy is adequate.
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Hi Ukelele Guy …
I really dig on your site, and the way you write. I agree that Ukelele players are (kool) nerds… kinda like the mini accordion (I have one of those too *shame spiral* )
I’ve been lucky enough to see Hawaii, and I’ve been obsessed with all things Hawaii since. I came across an ad today that had a Leolani for $45 no strings. From trawling around the net it seems to be a ‘souvenir’ and is listed at most, $30 new. This has the touristy flowers and has HAWAII printed on the front. I don’t think that sounds like a good deal. I feel inspired now though. Can you suggest the cheapest & best ukelele for an absolute beginner?
Uhhhh.. dunno what CommentLuv is … but I’m going for it!
Thanks UG
werd
Howdy Ginger!
I would say the best starter ukuleles are Lanikai and Mahalo. Check out these links to find some great deals:
http://ukuleleguy.com/lanikai-ukuleles
http://ukuleleguy.com/mahalo-ukuleles