I started on a Top Value (or was it Green Stamps) 'ukulele about 1969-70. I got into guitar and bass and was gigging by 1972.
School band was a help, both in terms of technique and connections.
I have the same instrument branded "Stadium". It's a great sound and quite the bang-for-the-buck.
It's a one-trick pony but it does that one sounds SO well.....