It happens to nearly everyone who takes up the uke and sticks with it. One leads to another, and another.
And as time passes, seemingly overnight, you've got 10, 15, 20 ukuleles or more. Different sizes, woods, colors, and styles. And while you can justify most of them, there will nearly always be the 3 or 4 that weren't quite what you hoped they'd be. Usually these are the ones you purchased online because you loved how it looked or the price was amazing.
Some of my purchases were made due to listening to vlogs by other ukulele lovers. One individual, who will remain nameless, did a vlog stating Caramel ukes were going out of business. So I went on Amazon and picked up two. Well, over two years later and Caramel is still making ukuleles. These particular ukes turned out to be "B" models, in my opinion. Playable, but not top notch set ups or quality.
So what to do with those "so so" ukes? Well, there are options. You could sell them, providing that they're decent for beginners who will be strumming first position chords on them for the most part. You could, if moved to do so, donate them to kids in the neighborhood or even your local library. (Some libraries have check out a uke programs, no kidding!) Perhaps a senior retirement home has some residents that would love to play them. There's also programs for children in hospitals in which they get a ukulele to pass the time while staying at the hospital.
Now, I do believe in keeping one or two of these ukes, providing that you like the way they play, for those instances when you want to take one with you somewhere that you don't have to worry about it getting dinged or handled by others. Perhaps the beach, to a park, a gathering, playing for kids, etc. You get the idea. A uke that figuratively speaking, you'd attempt roller skating and playing at the same time. (wear a helmet and knee pads!)
I'll tell you now, that just because you thin out some of your collection doesn't mean you'll never buy another ukulele. I can attest to that personally. It does mean, however, that as you grow in your playing the instruments you pick up will be of better quality.
And as time passes, seemingly overnight, you've got 10, 15, 20 ukuleles or more. Different sizes, woods, colors, and styles. And while you can justify most of them, there will nearly always be the 3 or 4 that weren't quite what you hoped they'd be. Usually these are the ones you purchased online because you loved how it looked or the price was amazing.
Some of my purchases were made due to listening to vlogs by other ukulele lovers. One individual, who will remain nameless, did a vlog stating Caramel ukes were going out of business. So I went on Amazon and picked up two. Well, over two years later and Caramel is still making ukuleles. These particular ukes turned out to be "B" models, in my opinion. Playable, but not top notch set ups or quality.
So what to do with those "so so" ukes? Well, there are options. You could sell them, providing that they're decent for beginners who will be strumming first position chords on them for the most part. You could, if moved to do so, donate them to kids in the neighborhood or even your local library. (Some libraries have check out a uke programs, no kidding!) Perhaps a senior retirement home has some residents that would love to play them. There's also programs for children in hospitals in which they get a ukulele to pass the time while staying at the hospital.
Now, I do believe in keeping one or two of these ukes, providing that you like the way they play, for those instances when you want to take one with you somewhere that you don't have to worry about it getting dinged or handled by others. Perhaps the beach, to a park, a gathering, playing for kids, etc. You get the idea. A uke that figuratively speaking, you'd attempt roller skating and playing at the same time. (wear a helmet and knee pads!)
I'll tell you now, that just because you thin out some of your collection doesn't mean you'll never buy another ukulele. I can attest to that personally. It does mean, however, that as you grow in your playing the instruments you pick up will be of better quality.
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