Music stores and luthiers
Here are some local music stores and luthiers where you can find ukuleles, accessories, and/or repair. Here's a primer on how to choose a ukulele. Strap buttons should be installed by a knowledgeable and skilled luthier. Not all ukes are built to accommodate strap buttons. A knowledgeable luthier should be aware of this.
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CAT FOX 9 Hochelaga Road, South Hero, VT (802) 922-6162 (call first). Cat is a luthier who has worked on instruments for performers like the Everly Brothers, Bill Frisell, John Gorka, Danny O'Keefe, Annie Wilson of Heart, Cris Williamson, Del Rey, and ... Ukulele Clare! Fabulous craftsmanship.
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RANDOLIN Thomas Rd., Shelburne, VT, (802) 865-3890. If you want work done (strap installed, buzzes killed, etc.), call first to make sure owner Nowa Randall is in. He also has strings, straps, capos, tuners, and a sweet herd of ukuleles to play with while he’s working on yours. Strap button installation on the spot (call first!).
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RECYCLED READING in Bristol, VT, has a fabulous selection of ukes and accessories. Melissa, the owner, works with a luthier, so you’ll have to leave your uke with her for a few days if you want a strap button installed.
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ONLINE There are many online sources, but the only place I recommend for getting a ukulele online, especially for beginners, is Mim's Ukes. On her website, you can see exactly which uke you're getting, plus she makes sure they're all set up properly before they go out the door. There are many badly made ukes out in the world that can take the ease and fun out of learning and playing. Give yourself the best chance at getting a good uke by trying local first and, if your ukulele hasn't found you yet, then try Mim's.
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Jake Wildwood, Country Guitar Doctor Rochester, VT (802) 230-8161 (CALL FIRST!) Jake has a magic touch with repair and acquisition of current and vintage instruments. He usually has some amazing ukuleles on hand and his shop is always filled with fabulous stringed instruments of all kinds.