DaveY
Well-known member
I’ll second Phil’s recommendation of the Islander MST (if/when available), and UkeEddie’s of Cordobas (which have spruce, mahogany, or acacia options), and the Pono recs, too. The Cordoba 30 series models are coming with a case (from theukulelesite.com), where shipping is free for $400+ orders, maybe $20 otherwise. Islanders and some Cordobas have the 1.5” nut width, as noted by . . . someone. Ponos are 1.375” at the nut, and the neck is thick (apparently to accommodate the truss rod) and relatively heavy. I’m about to sell a Pono Mahogany Tenor Deluxe (in order to buy another Cordoba tenor) that has a Pono passive pickup, and a case (see http://www.theukulelesite.com/pono-mtd-mahogany-tenor-deluxe.html for specs, etc.), at at least close to your price limit.
But then there are other ukuleles (Mainland, others) that I’ve never played, and that seem to be good candidates, too. Because you can’t play one before buying, a decent return policy would help in case you don’t like what you’re getting sound-unseen.
But then there are other ukuleles (Mainland, others) that I’ve never played, and that seem to be good candidates, too. Because you can’t play one before buying, a decent return policy would help in case you don’t like what you’re getting sound-unseen.