Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele

by Lanikai

Product Features

• Soprano Size
• Limited Lifetime Warrnty
• Easy Playablilty
• Has 12 Frets

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 21 x 6.6 x 2.4 inches ; 14.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001EL6I8W
• Item model number: LU-21
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (141 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #1 in Musical Instruments > Folk & World Instruments > Stringed Instruments > Ukuleles

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Celebrate a place where heaven meets the ocean when you strum on this soprano ukulele (model LU-21) from Lanikai's LU series--one of its most popular and affordable ukuleles. Offering a classic, sweet island sound, it's a great choice for first-time players or for acoustic multi-instrumentalists looking to expand their tonal palette.

The LU-21 uses nato wood for top, back and side construction and rosewood for its fret board. Reddish nato wood, also known as eastern mahogany, is often used in more affordable guitars and ukuleles and offers many of the same acoustic properties as mahogany. This package includes an instruction booklet that will guide into a lifelong enjoyment of this instrument.

Specifications

• Size: Standard
• Scale length: 14 inches
• Width at nut: 1.375 inches
• Top construction: Nato
• Back/side construction: Nato
• Fret board construction: Rosewood
• Frets: 12
• Machines: Chrome/ivoroid geared
• Binding: White

Ukulele History

The Ukulele is actually the descendant of a four-stringed musical instrument known as the machête or, less accurately, the braguinha from the Portuguese island of Madeira. There are many theories about how the ukulele got its name. The two most-circulated stories include one about an English army officer, Edward Purvis, who became quite adept at playing the machête. Because he was small and sprightly (as opposed to the markedly larger frames of the Hawaiians), he was nicknamed "Ukulele," which in Hawaiian means "jumping flea" (also translated as "bouncing Flea" or "leaping flea"). A more literal theory likens the fingers of an accomplished player flying nimbly up and down the fretboard of the machête to the movement of "jumping fleas."

Product Description

Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great starter, June 15, 2009

By 

koba22 "koba22" (Meadow Vista, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele (Electronics)

Experienced ukulele players like to bag on the Lanikai, but it's been a great starter ukulele for me. The stock strings (aquila) have excellent play and once you get past the initial couple of days, hold it in tune very well.

It has a classic ukulele sound, but does have a full textured sound (it doesn't sound like a tinny toy).

This is a production model, so there won't be much of a sense of individuality. Every Lanikai LU-21 is the same, and since the solid wood top is made from a wood that lacks much grain, that sense is increased (you better put your name on it if you know you're going to be around other beginners).

The one thing that I don't like much is the tuning pegs. There's a bit of play in them which can get wearisome when you're close to being tuned but are making some fine adjustments.

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful., August 13, 2009

By 

rogelyosep - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele (Electronics)

I was skeptical on what ukulele I should get as my first, and I consulted plenty of things: uke owners, reviews and various other things. After plenty of searching, I came to the conclusion of getting this one because it was recommended by uke owners and its reviews were good. It was definitely a good choice. The strings are great, but in the beginning it takes a bit to get the strings to stay in tune. It's such a wonderful tone, and the size is just about right. If you're getting your first uke, I recommend this one.

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Soprano Uke, April 18, 2009

By 

Scott Kitchen (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lanikai LU-21 Soprano Ukulele (Electronics)

After spending two days using a brandless ukulele from a music store, this little baby came in the mail, much to my delight. With Aquila strings, low action, and beautiful craftsmanship, the quality of this product is apparent before even the first strum.

If you're looking to start playing ukulele or are switching from a larger uke, this is the way to go. Love this uke!