I’m thinking of buying a relatively inexpensive ukelele and mandolin. They will eventually find their way onto tracks so nothing that’s so poorly made that they will be unusable.
Other than that I know nothing about what I should look for in an entry-level model of both. Advice?
Aloha L,
Lots 'o nice ukes (pronounced ‘ooks’ or ‘ookalele’) here.
If you can wait a day or so I will ask some ‘of the bradahs’.
As with any acoustic stringed instrument you would look for:
1- Tone. If it does not sound good. nothing else really matters.
2-Intonation. Does if play in tune all over the fretboard.
3-Set-up. How easy is it to play?
I have played (and I own) instruments that sound great
but are very difficult to play. (strings way off the fretboard)
Yet on the other hand I have some axes (BC Rich) that are as smooth
as silk to play but sound like pure crap.
I you can give me day or so and I’ll get back to you on this.
Good luck!
{‘-’}
BTW
Do you play? Or are you learning?
I have a mando if you want it. You’ll have to come and get it.
Deal. I don’t know when I’ll be able to make it to West Chester but we’re looooooong overdue for a beer anyway.
Thinking of buying a uke and a mandolin…advice?
Yeah - don’t.
When I first read that topic line I was going to suggest he kill himself, but mandolin is cool! There is still hope! 
OK, so it’s not a mandolin, or a uke, nor is it a banjo, but ya just gotta check it out…
The Pignose Guitar!
You guys have it all wrong.
A uke could be used as a sopranino nylon string guitar, and a mandolin like a soprano 12-string. 
I was thinking more along the lines of a uke being used as a sound effect of a crying baby T-Rex, and a mandolin being used in place of a glass at a Jewish wedding.
We keep smashing some at weddings, so I guess not…
Tough crowd in here tonight.
Better than the opposite!
Oy Vey!
Aloha Larry,
I spoke with several uke players here and here is what I was told:
1-Luna Guitars (they make ukes) Is the name that came up the most.
2-Any model from about $100.00 and up should be suitable
for recording.
Found some of their stuff at ‘Musicians Friend’
Here is a link:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/search.jsp?N=501958+700008&Ntt=Luna&icid=202718
HTH
{‘-’}
Following this with some interest, my sister is looking at buying a new Ukelele as well 
.
This is where you’re headed Larry… it’d be a good look for you too!
Where do you find that stuff, Robin.
Tiny Tim was the master of his art.
He inspired me to take up the kazoo.
ROTFLMAO!!!
Meet him once.
He was nothing like his ‘public image’.
Quiet and a kinda shy guy.
{‘-’}