ISO durable inexpensive mando or uke

[mandofiddle]

Okay, here's a question I never thought I'd be asking http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I'm looking for either a uke or a 4 string mando that is fairly inexpensive, but durable enough to be dragged around the house by a 2 year old. Obviously tone and whatnot are not important, as the instrument will be for my 2 year old. Maybe something made of plastic or bakelite? With nylon strings?

I figure it will be a good way to get him familiar and comfortable with an instrument, but I wouldn't have to worry about it's eminent destruction. I already let him pick on my mando while I hold it and he sits on my lap (which he loves), but I'd like him to be able to have one of his own that he can play with whenever...

Any ideas?

[Jim M.]

If you really don't care about the tone, Toys 'R Us has plenty of cheap little things that will fit the bill. My daughter had one with some Disney motif. It had mono-filament strings that could almost stay in some sort of tune, and I could pick Twinkle Twinkle on it and other kid's stuff.

If, however, you want one that can be played, these go for about $129 with gigbag, a little less without. Pretty indestructible and they sound pretty good too.

Fluke Flea (http://www.gryphonstrings.com/gazette/gazsummer03/)

The small Weber Sweet Pea and the MidMo Kid Mo both sound pretty good, but I wouldn't want a kid dragging them around.

Or there's the Ovation mando-paddle. Full size but plastic. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[garyblanchard]

I'd second Jim M's suggestion for a toys-r-us plastic uke. I had a bunch of these when I was a kid - I think that stayed with me and encouraged me to get the real thing when I was older.

[John Flynn]

If you really wanted a mando, there are some plywood specials online for as low as $70 each. I even saw a package deal for 3 mandos for $129! If you wanted just 4 strings you could take half of them off!

[mandofiddle]

LOL Mandojohny. I wonder how long it would take for him to destroy 3 mandos http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I looked around at toysRus.com and couldn't find anything as mentioned above. I'm seeing all kinds of cheap ukes elsewhere online, but all are made of wood. I don't know how much of a beating they could take. For $30 though, it wouldn't be much of a loss...

[peterbc]

Don't worry, they're not made of solid wood, just plywood. Should be more durable since it won't want to crack.

Peter

[peterbc]

Oh, and I have a cousin who is almost three and has a plywood guitar. He's had it since Christmas and it's still in one peice.

Peter

[Jim M.]

Here's one for $12.95; buy several

Toy Ukulele (http://store.pccgifts.com/ukulele.html)

Also, there's a guy on E-bay who has a bunch for under $20

[Ted Eschliman]

Hilo (#2650) Soprano Uke, $26.95. Plywood body, plastic fretboard, but it actually sounds like an instrument (in as much as a Uke can...)
I bought one for my 3 year old, and 3 years later, she still picks it up once in a while.
I know a music store owner who sells these, if you can't find one locally. Email me offline.

[mandofiddle]

Thanks for the tip Mandohack. I found a few of those Hilo's Here (http://www.musiciansstorehouse.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AC76&Category_Code=FI3)

Okay, second question... I found a tuning chart online that shows a soprano uke tuned as A-E-C-G. Has anyone tunes one of these to EADG successfully? Or is the string tension too different? Not that my 2-year old would notice anyways http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Dan Adams]

I bought an 'Antares' online for about $60.00 for one of my kids. It has a Cherry sunburst that is actually stunning. Looks like an old A-4 body from a distance. Plywood top and sides, but the real winner was the Nato neck. At least if it was dropped, the neck would never break. Well, the kid never played, now it will probably get donated to Swallow Hill or the local elementary school.

Intoduction of mandolin to the suburban masses. What a noble effort. Dan

Intro of mando

[mandofiddle]

Hey Plinker8. Are you in Colorado? I ask because of the Swallow Hill reference... I'm in Longmont.

[Bill Snyder]

Tuning uke strings on a soprano uke to mandolin pitch does not work well. I have a cheap one I decided to tune to GDAE and it has uke strings for the D and A but I used a guitar string for the G and fishing line for the E.

[mandroid]

Martin baritone strings for the low 3 and the lighter one (of 2) out of a soprano set.
Tune: F C G D improves string lifespan.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[Dan Adams]

Mandofiddle:

Live in Aurora. #I saw you guys in Bennett this year. #Good luck with the 'child proof' instrument search!

Do they make $20.00 child proof ukes with a scroll? #Dan

[garyblanchard]

Hilo (#2650) Soprano Uke, $26.95. Plywood body, plastic fretboard, but it actually sounds like an instrument (in as much as a Uke can...)
Oh man, first the banjos get knocked, and now my beloved ukulele. Makes me wonder how ya'll feel about the kazoo...

well at least I do play the mandolin, so I guess ya'll will let me stay around. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mandofiddle]

Hey Plinker8, I remember you now...

Thanks for the tips everyone.

[John Flynn]

Oh man, first the banjos get knocked, and now my beloved ukulele. Makes me wonder how ya'll feel about the kazoo...
Gary: You need to take up the accordian. You would really have the "trifecta" for instrument jokes then!

[MrSrubas]

"Fluke Uke"s are pretty cheap for a pretty good uke, and they had that ad of the guy playing one half in a fish tank. I would guess that implies "durability".

[garyblanchard]

Oh man, first the banjos get knocked, and now my beloved ukulele. Makes me wonder how ya'll feel about the kazoo...
Gary: You need to take up the accordian. You would really have the "trifecta" for instrument jokes then!
Oh, gee...I have been thinking about a concertina lately. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Blind_Cowboy]

I've got a two year old also. I bought him a cheap uke. Tuning is GCEA. The G is a soprano to the string tuning. (In pitch : G - High, C - Lowest, E - Low, A - Highest.) If that makes sense.

But, i'm not too worried about my 2yo mapping out chord patterns as of yet. He's busy standing on the bridge and slapping the strings.

Modifications done to the Uke to "kid proof" it:

1. I removed the friction pegs and installed geared tuners from an E-Bay auction. ($4.50)

2. I filed the Fret edges to remove any burrs and such. Round and smooth.

3. I measured the inside distance from the back to the top and cut a 1"x2". I installed the 1x2 directly under the bridge and glued in place. I mean, really. Am I worried about affecting the tone?!? Just keeping it together.

4. Installed a 1/4" dowel at the neck and body joint.

Sad thing is, I ended up learning how to play the uke, and he just brings it to me and asks me to play it. And I really enjoy playing it...