David's Pick of the Week – Lanikai Ukuleles

With ukulele master, author and Youtube legend Steven Sproat visiting the Portsmouth store this week (see below), what better time to blog about my favourite affordable soprano ukuleles from Lanikai.
Ukuleles have been enjoying a renaissance over the past few years, offering an inexpensive route into playing an instrument. Ukulele groups have been springing up across the country, and this little Hawaiian marvel has even replaced the ubiquitous recorder in some schools!
Whilst our bestselling ukuleles will always be the cheap, cheerful and colourful(!) options from the likes of Mahalo and Makala, those who are after a superior quality instrument need look no further than Lanikai. The LU series draw on the expertise of a company who specialise in making high-end, high quality instruments, but offer the benefit of this expertise in an affordable package.
Needless to say reliable build quality and finish are guaranteed, but to fully appreciate these ukes they need to be seen and heard in person. Unlike some of the cheaper options, the sound is full and clear – accurate intonation and solid tuning stability ensure they always sound their best. Lanikai also offer a far greater ‘playability’ than their cheaper competitors – a result of careful quality control and much finer tolerances. You will be a better ukulele-ist (is that a word? Probably not!) as soon as you first pick one up.
The LU-11 model retails at less than £50 – a steal for such a great quality instrument – and the attractive LU-21 with white banding and rosewood fingerboard comes in under £70. These ukes might just represent the most fun per pound of any instrument on sale!
Take time this half term to drop into the Musicroom Portsmouth store on Thursday 24th Feb to see Steven do his stuff, pick up some tips and see our selection of ukuleles for yourself. Workshops are running from 11am-3pm and all ages and abilities are welcome. Just drop in for however long you can spare. We look forward to seeing you there!