How do I fix my ukulele so that the strings don't play sharp?

Question:I recently bought a cheap ukulele and for now, I am pretty happy with it. I also learnt guitar for a short time but I have got into the ukulele much more than guitar. One problem which is annoying me is the fact that, no matter how perfectly I tune it in, most of the strings become sharp on the first and second fret. Is this something to do with the height of the strings?
Its just really annoying when you're trying to play and it sounds out of tune.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I recently bought a cheap ukulele and for now, I am pretty happy with it. I also learnt guitar for a short time but I have got into the ukulele much more than guitar. One problem which is annoying me is the fact that, no matter how perfectly I tune it in, most of the strings become sharp on the first and second fret. Is this something to do with the height of the strings?
Its just really annoying when you're trying to play and it sounds out of tune.

I don't believe this is a fret problem at all. You are correct in that it is an issue of string height and the cause is the nut which stands higher off the fingerboard than the first fret. This is a problem for guitarists as well. Fortunately there are some "fixes." One is the installation of a zero fret (see a photo here):

http://www.yamamotoguitar.com/pics/zeroF...

and the other is a product called the "e-nut" which you'll find here.

http://www.monteallums.com/enut_tuning.h...

However, since it is a cheap instrument, you might be better off buying a new one, but be sure to PLAY IT before you buy it to be assured that the intonation is correct.

In the meantime, you can try cutting a length of wire, plastic, wood, steel etc, about the height of the first fret, place beneath the strings and slide it all the way up to the nut. Sometimes a round toothpick will work. Then when you press on the string, you'll have the same height fret on either side of the pressure point. This is essentially a home-made zero fret. I made one for one of my "beater" guitars and it works great!

Kabum

It is a cheap ukelele so perhaps it to be expected that the frets are misplaced. If not, perhaps the frets are too high causing the string to stretch when fingered. Could also as you say be the height of the strings and this could be caused by the bridge.

Yes, this is what happens when you buy cheap instruments. It is probably incorrect fret placement.

Take it back and upgrade to something better.