The Mahalo U-30 is probably the cheapest Soprano ukulele you can buy - not bad for the price (£16/£18) but it did require some immediate attention to make it playable: I had to file down the slots in the nut to lower the action considerably to cure the terrible intonation - a common problem, quality seems to be variable. I have seen it properly set-up in one music shop. I am still using the original factory strings, mainly because I can't bring myself to spend half the value of the uke on a replacement set.

Others would suggest the slightly more expensive Makala Soprano ukes are a better buy - I haven't tried them.

I find the Soprano slighty too small - it's difficult for me to play some chords. Knowing what I know now, I would probably spend a little more and buy a cheap Concert.

As you can see, I have stripped the paint. I don't think this was worthwhile - it may have made a slight sound improvement but it's difficult to judge. I should have left it green.

Sorry my videos aren't more interesting, I'm shy!

Thanks to Ted and Louise at www.tidalfire.com for use of the iMac.