Here is the problem that I have with the concept of a relatively low price ceiling people seem to apply to ukuleles (well, they are "just" ukuleles after all)...
When I say "relatively low price ceiling", I am thinking of other small instruments that can cost a lot more than $10,000. Violins, are a good example. I have played guitar for many years. For a long time, most people among the general population (outside a relatively few guitar aficionados), it would be considered the epitome of stupidity for anyone to pay even $1,000 for a guitar. Yet, when it comes to violins, it is perfectly acceptable for a professional instrument to cost in excess of $100,000. Musicians who play such instruments typically have a "sponsor" purchase for that musician's use. With the baby boomers becoming a significant portion of this market, for whom the guitar has long been the voice of a generation, it has become acceptable to pay $5,000 to MAYBE $10,000 for a decent hand made custom instrument.
I recently got into learning to play the recorder. I bought an inexpensive set of 4 that are plastic but still good quality. However, I was surprised to discover that a person can pay in excess of $8,000 for a fine professional wood instrument.
When are ukuleles going to get their due as "real" instruments worthy of craftsmanship that comes with a price?
Granted, the 100th anniversary Kamaka may be "jacked up" a bit because of its specific marketing value to some collectors, but I can still see a decent instrument costing serious money. That doesn't mean that in order to get a good ukulele, one must pay big money, just as their are many excellent guitars that are very affordable. However, there must be some aspect of building that would attract a craftsperson willing to spend the time to excel at it the way that Ervin Somogyi or Jim Olson do with their guitars.
Just my thoughts on this...
Tony
I suppose that depends on how you define "nice" - while I've definitely paid more for other ukes, my "nicest" sounding and playing one is a Kamaka I bought second hand on Craigslist for $500; it was a complete impulse buy, I had not been actively uke-shopping, but it happened at a time when I had a bit of mad money saved up. I'm convinced that eventually you'll find your nice uke - or more accurately, it will find you!
