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Bondi Ukulele Starter Kit Review – Everything You Need to Master the Uke!

From our archive. This review was published on GuitarFella and has not been re-tested. Specifications describe the model as it shipped then — check the maker's current range before you buy.

Aside from a player-friendly ukulele and good value, most beginners are looking for a convenient way to get started on their new instrument. This ukulele starter kit from Bondi Ukuleles combines all these elements to deliver a bundle with true value to any ukulele beginner. With lots of content – both accessories and tuition – on offer, there’s plenty to discuss, so let’s get started! Bondi-Ukulele-Starter-Kit-body

Body & Neck

Most importantly, we begin with the ukulele, which is a Bondi MA-C. This cute little instrument has a full-size concert ukulele body (around 23” in total), which is nicely spaced for adult beginners first learning their way around the fretboard. The design is quite simple, with a naturally-finished body made entirely from laminated sapele, featuring an attractive engraved soundhole rosette. On the neck sits a rosewood fretboard with 18 frets (14 in the clear), which are marked by little triangle inlays. Overall it feels easy to play and, with full-size concert features and a slightly wider nut width, offers plenty of room to develop as a player. The main question we ask is whether the ukulele would be worth the hundred-dollar asking price without all the accessories. Perhaps not quite, but if the uke was all you got you wouldn’t really feel ripped off. Bondi-Ukulele-Starter-Kit-neck

Hardware

However, the instrument is in no way the only thing you get – as you may have guessed from the pictures. The ukulele itself features chrome die-cast tuning machines, which is pretty standard for a uke in this price range, but a good addition. It also comes strung with a set of Aquila Nylgut strings, which are some of the best uke strings around. Another highlight is the gig bag that comes in the bundle. This is very well-padded, with ‘compression sponge’ and feels like a quality item – a world away from some of the cheap nylon bags you see in this market. A choice of eye-catching designs is also a bonus. This bundle also arrives with an instructional video course and a Skype lesson with a pro, as well as some other tuitional material. You also get some quality accessories such as a clip-on digital tuner, felt plectrums, a neck strap, a good capo, and even some other guitar gifts including a gold-plated bookmark! Quite the haul, and all feel genuinely useful.

Sound

In addition to looking and playing nicely, the Bondi ukulele has a very nice sound that’s great for beginners, while more experienced players would also enjoy the richness on offer. It doesn’t provide some of the complexities you’d find on a higher-end uke, but the concert body gives a slightly better projection than some other beginner-targeted ukuleles, so – like the build and design – it gives you room to grow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASk3akxN8BQ

Conclusion

Bondi Ukuleles have developed a bundle that really impresses. The ukulele alone is worth considering, but throw in the accessories and tuition material, and you have a very interesting prospect. Bondi boast that buying each individual item separately would cost over $400. We’re not so sure how accurate that is, but the value you get for under $100 is incredible. For more info about the Bondi Ukulele Starter Kit, click here. For more Best Ukulele For Beginners you might like, click here.

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