Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Do I need to assemble the ukulele? Why is your product called a KIT?

  A: Ukuleles featured in our kits are NOT make-it-yourself instruments. Nor are they instruments that have been hanging in a retail shop. The FLEA ukulele in each kit is brand new, fully assembled and ready to play.

  The term KIT is used to signify that our product is an all-inclusive starter system that delivers a superb instrument PLUS the essential gear to help you quickly and independently build your musician skills.

• Q: Who makes the FLEA instrument? Is it a “real” ukulele?

  A: The Magic Fluke Company in New Hartford, CT has sold over 35,000 of their innovative FLEA and FLUKE brand ukuleles since the late 1990’s. They stand behind their quality workmanship and provide a 3 year warranty (starting from date of manufacture) to the original purchaser.

  FLEA instruments are every bit a true ukulele in terms of design, tuning, playing style and distinctive aural beauty of ukulele. High quality materials and features impart exceptional tone, tuning stability, durability and ease of play.

  NOTE: True Joy Acoustics distributes genuine FLEA ukuleles sourced directly from the manufacturer. Some or all instruments bear the name “True Joy Acoustics” on the inside label (applied by The Magic Fluke Co.), signifying our special community mission. The body is embossed with the FLEA brand name. Every instrument comes with a FLEA hang tag, serial number marking, genuine FLEA craftsmanship and original manufacturer warranty.

• Q: I’ve seen ukuleles priced under $100 … are these kits worth paying more?

  A: Our kits inspire rapid mastery of basic chord and strum techniques, and overcome common pitfalls associated with learning a stringed instrument. We believe that results in excellent value for the money.

  Ukulele proficiency starts with the quality of the instrument itself. A ukulele (or guitar for that matter) that you fight to stay in tune, fails to emit crisp tones no matter how precisely you fret the strings, or has the musical capacity of a toy instrument becomes a short-lived novelty versus motivating the beginner to practice and learn. Durability counts, too.

  Having a convenient means to check and adjust tuning is essential, especially when strings are new. It’s easy to discredit your abilities for “off pitch” sounds when it’s more a matter of keeping the instrument properly tuned.

  Music options are virtually endless. Many allure beginners with artistic covers and contemporary song titles that prove difficult. We've selected materials to inspire learning without overwhelming or under-challenging beginners.

• Q: How much does a FLEA ukulele cost … am I paying a lot more for the kit?

  A: Concert size FLEA ukuleles list for $195 to $365 if purchased alone. Gig bags, instructional media, instrument add-on's and accessories cost extra. Our kits feature popular models plus essential gear to play your best, anywhere ... all at a fraction of the price versus shopping it separately. They ensure beginners learn and fully enjoy their ukulele.

• Q: I am left handed. Can I learn to play ukulele LEFT HANDED?

  A: FLEA ukuleles and Musician Maker Kits are set up for traditional right-handed strumming. Learning to play in that fashion is one option, keeping music choices wide open. However, it may dampen your abilities and enjoyment.

  Strumming in true left-handed fashion is another option. Just tune the strings in reverse order and flip the ukulele around. For more precision, replace the strings in reverse order. You will need to envision mirror images of chord finger positions shown in the materials, or use chord charts written specifically for left-handed play (not included). The overall lessons and strumming patterns remain the same. We address this subject on our blog site Playing Uke Left-Handed with links to helpful resources.

  If confident that you want to learn and play ukulele left-handed (versus try it right-handed first), we would be happy to restring your FLEA ukulele(s) purchased from us with new strings at no extra charge. This qualifies as a "Special Order" on our Contact Us page. Email us with your request and we will use PayPal for secure order processing. Your ukulele(s) will be restrung and ship per the same policy as Amazon and eBay listings.

• Q: Can I purchase a Musician Maker Kit in stores?

  A: No. Our exclusive kits are available for purchase online. On more limited basis, we sell kits at expositions (e.g., music therapists, educators) as well as the Clovernook assembly site in Cincinnati on a ’will call’ pickup basis.

  Selling through eBay and Amazon helps us keep prices low and provides the well established security and convenience of their checkout systems ... especially if you already have an account. If not, signing up is fast, easy and equips you with added buyer protection and shopping convenience.

• Q: How do I link to individual listings on the Amazon.com store page?

  A: Click on any of the Amazon links displayed on this website. A page showing all instrument and kit offerings will appear. When you select a particular model, the Amazon system will bring up a note: ’This item is not available for purchase from this store.’ Click on the line directly below which reads: ’Click here to go to Amazon to see other purchasing options.’ The individual listing appears. Proceed to secure Amazon checkout from that page.

  This is a confusing glitch in the Amazon system. Such messages appear because we fulfill kit orders independently. Be assured that all Amazon kit orders are relayed quickly to Clovernook. Kits normally ship within 1-2 business days. Payment will not be processed by Amazon until we confirm that shipment is underway.

• Q: Why do you feature a CONCERT size ukulele?

  A: Ukuleles come in four sizes: (1) Soprano, (2) Concert, (3) Tenor and (4) Baritone. Soprano is the original, smallest and usually the lowest priced model (other features equal versus larger counterparts). Soprano ukuleles have the shortest scale length (13 inches), fingerboards with 12 frets and common tuning (GCEA).

  On the other end of the spectrum, Baritone ukuleles approach the size of a small guitar, having a scale length of 19 inches and tuning that matches the first 4 strings on a guitar. Larger ukuleles pack more volume and deeper tone.

  Concert FLEA ukuleles cost a bit more than their Soprano counterpart. We believe they provide the best features to enable learning plus a range of playing styles. A 15.5 inch scale and 15 frets on the fingerboard are ready when you are to stretch up to beautiful high note melodies and chords! Slightly larger spacing between frets makes it easier to form clear notes and chords versus the somewhat cramped spacing on a Soprano. Common GCEA tuning makes it easy to find a broad assortment of music.

  Concert FLEA ukuleles are not too small, not too big ... they're just right!

• Q: What is the KIT ORGANIZER?

  A: Our exclusive Kit Organizer provides an attractive look and utility of a hard-shell case at a fraction of the cost. Custom printed and varnish coated, it's made from extra stiff corrugated fiber to hold up well with reasonable use. Comes equipped with locking lid tabs, handle and imprinted ID tag to function as an outer case that affords extra instrument protection, or a means to store and tote your growing collection of music books. Keeps it all together.

• Q: What kind of TUNER is provided? Does it come with a CASE?

  A: A QwikTune model QT-12 tuner ($29.95 MSRP plus shipping and/or taxes if purchased separately) is packed in every kit. Batteries included and easy to replace later with 2 AAA batteries. This sturdy tuner makes the process accurate, simple and fast without lots of gadgetry. Tune strings using the digital screen, or match strings to audible "pitch pipe" notes. Great backup tuner if you already own one.

  

  A rugged accessory pouch by Tough Traveler ($13.50 MSRP plus shipping and/or taxes if purchased separately) is included with plenty of room for tuner and picks. Hard to miss with its bright color. Machine washable and lifetime warranty from original manufacturer. Extra wide strap on the back makes it easy to hook onto a belt, and a great handle when opening/closing the velcro flap. Portability (versus being part of the instrument case) makes this pouch super convenient to tote and reach for your tuner/picks anywhere.

• Q: Why do you include FELT PICKS?

  A: Many players strum ukulele with just their fingers. But as you'll discover, the two special picks provided in our kits are fun to explore and generate different tone and volume. It's like getting three-ukuleles-in-one!

  

  Both picks handcrafted in England. The thin blue pick is coated with felt on both sides, enables precise picking and emits a crisp bright tone. The thick green pick is made of 100% pure wool felt, is super easy to hold and emits a much softer mellow tone. They make it fun to explore and play your tunes in a style that best suits you!

• Q: Can I get a lower price deal on Musician Maker Kits?

  A: Kits are featured at an everyday low price via eBay Store and Amazon listings. Those purchasing kits for multiple musicians can save additional money by ordering DUET Combo Packs. Cincinnati area residents and visitors may purchase and pick up kits at Clovernook (see “Contact Us” page), avoiding shipping costs altogether. We also feature our program at specialty expositions where kit prices may be discounted in light of venue efficiencies.

  On occasion, we offer clearance bargains via eBay auction. See "Green Tag Specials" listed on our eBay Store.

• Q: How can visually impaired workers assemble kits with high reliability?

  A: Clovernook is accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), which means they routinely demonstrate accountability and conformance to internationally accepted standards that promote excellence in services. Sighted crew leaders provide direction and quality assurance. Note that Clovernook handles final kit assembly only. Internal components such as the instrument itself, electronic tuner, learning media and protective soft cases are received at Clovernook as finished goods from their manufacturers and distributors.

• Q: Do your instruments and kits come with a return policy?

  A: We offer a 30-day return policy to original purchasers. Refunds pertain to the original purchase price only and are subject to a re-handling fee if returns are not due to product quality nor order fulfillment error on our part. In the very unlikely event of shipment damage or models not matching what was ordered, we are here to expedite resolution. Please see policy details on our “Contact Us” page as well as our eBay Store and Amazon.com listings.

• Q: What time of year is best for buying and learning ukulele?

  A: For traditional school instruments, a new school year and holiday gift budgets often set the timing and means. It’s also hard to make progress on such instruments without private lessons or a professional classroom instructor.

  We encourage ukulele purchases throughout the year with our everyday low pricing. More affordable than traditional band instruments and playable right from the start.

  They make exceptional presents during the winter holiday season. Warmer outdoor seasons also provide ample opportunity to learn and enjoy ukulele: school break enrichment activity, vacation take-along, family & friend get-togethers, time spent with grandparents, workday child care programs, summer camps, church groups and more!

• Q: What if I get “stuck” learning the materials in the kit?

  A: Working through challenges is part of the learning process. We’re here to help and take pride in the kits we sell and donate. Drop us a line at info@truejoyacoustics.com, briefly describe your challenge and we’ll do our best to help. Often this comes down to clarifying a lesson or pointing out a helpful resource on the web.

• Q: Do you sell ukulele supplies and song books? What about other instruments?

  A: We focus on distributing FLEA ukuleles and Musician Maker Kits. We also offer supplies and suggestions to play your best. See our Contact Us page for replacement strings, DVD lesson videos and other items that we sell directly. Our Amazon store helps you explore learning media, song collections and accessories that we regard as "top picks" offered by other vendors. We even include other ukulele models that you may prefer versus a FLEA instrument.

• Q: Who foots the bill for kit donations? Is the kit price inflated to cover this?

  A: Your kit purchases help bring joy to hospitalized children and their families. For every nine kits sold, a 10th kit is donated. We commit a significant share of our proceeds to the cause, while buying components efficiently in bulk and keeping operation costs under tight control. This enables us to support the True Joy Acoustics mission while pricing kits significantly below a fair-market MSRP basis.

• Q: How can I learn more about your community related programs?

  A: Visit our True Joy Acoustics – Community blog site. The more kits we sell, the more we donate to help brighten the lives of children facing difficult challenges. Kit orders also create meaningful work for a skilled yet visually impaired workforce, which is much appreciated in this challenging economy.

• Q: Wow ... do people really ask this many questions about your program?

  A: No. This Q&A list anticipates what may be on your mind. We also recognize that some shoppers have limited experience purchasing a musical instrument over the internet, even though it is growing quite common to do so.