Just remember if you are a complete newbie like me than be prepared to be frustrated first, followed by uke satisfaction. But now that it’s tuned and I’ve been playing it, it’s really a nice instrument. While I read this is normal, it seemed way too much. “I wasn’t too happy with my OU2 at first, it took a long time to keep the strings in tune. These OU2’s are perfect for first time players, or as gifts to see if a student takes an interest before spending a fortune.
If you are looking to upgrade to a better ukulele than you should keep looking. Most ukuleles on the cheaper side are made of laminated mahogany so it will have that same bright and warm sound. It is a concert size and in a pineapple shape, some players like this, others may find it ugly. It doesn’t have any extras like tuners or gig bags, so every penny is going to ukulele quality. It is made from laminated mahogany, rosewood fretboard, and has a satin finish. This is not the best Oscar Schmidt concert ukulele it is definitely one of the lower end models. Below are just a few other models on the lower end of the Washburn brand, perhaps one will catch your eye. We have past articles on Oscar Schmidt ukulele reviews, they include some of the best Oscar Schmidt ukuleles available.
If you must stick to the original size, then of course there some great Oscar Schmidt soprano ukuleles. If you are a complete beginner than your best bet is to try one of the concerts or tenors out, that way you get the little extra space and sound projection. The Oscar Schmidt concert ukulele the OU5 is one of the most popular models, for the price it sounds incredible. They also manufacture pineapple models, lefty ukes, 8 strings, and some models come in acoustic-electric. Oscar Schmidt makes ukuleles in all sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. Rosewood back and sides and abalone rosette with gloss finishĪbalone binding and rosette with a gloss finish Laminated mahogany pineapple shaped concert If you want the best Oscar Schmidt ukulele out there, then save up more for a better budget.
As usual if you want better quality it will cost more. Washburn is the same as every single other ukulele company in that they produce low end laminate models and higher end solid wood ukes. They use spruce a lot in their soundboard, especially on the deeper sounding models like the baritone. If you are a new customer, why not buy from an established company? The woods used in their ukes are basswood, spruce, mahogany, koa, spalted mango, spalted maple, and of course composite materials when necessary (remember composites are materials made of multiple items like carbon fibers or space age plastics). Which you see on the headstocks these days and is kind of clunky.ĭespite the large name on the ukulele they still have a large customer base due to brand recognition and making a great product. If you do buy from this company, it will be an Oscar Schmidt by Washburn ukulele. It is another easy to play and bright sounding instrument, and while that may seem like odd advice out of nowhere, we promise you will like it as much as the uke! Over the years Oscar Schmidt has changed hands a few times and they technically are now known as Washburn International. In fact, if you already own and enjoy the ukulele, give the autoharp a try. Besides ukuleles they make banjos, mandolins, acoustic and electric guitars, and of course they are well known for their zithers and autoharps. Oscar Schmidt is by far the oldest instrument manufacturer we have discussed so far, starting way back in 1871.