Which of these baritone-tuned ukes do you like best ? (21" 20" 17" scales)

Doc_J

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Which of these baritone-tuned ukes do you like best ? (21" 20" 17" scales)

I've got 3 ukes in standard baritone tuning. Two are baritones, one is a tenor.

Each is quite different and sounds excellent to me. Which uke's sound do you prefer? The tenor can be the quieter of the 3 when picked, but has some nice brightness to the sound. It is an excellent strummer, and an easy player. The real baritones have bit richer/broader (guitar-like) tone.

1) Pono EBSH-PC spruce/ebony, Martin FC strings. 20-inch scale
https://app.box.com/s/65r98dgz1hwcvic0kzcsyer5fb3ktyeq

2) Talsma Honduran mahogany, Aquila Lava strings, 21 inch scale
https://app.box.com/s/zfejm32jqbex95jmpyr2zp5slyxhecut

3) Boat Paddle ML cedar/narra, SouthCoast Heavy strings, 17-inch scale
https://app.box.com/s/eb5ex807io66wdng0cu0p6sd1nw1vo3f

Here's a pic of the 3 together.
2017-09-02 05.45.11 https://www.flickr.com/photos/150516092@N02/, Flickr
 
Another fun one, Hodge. I really enjoyed your samples.

They all sound very nice to me. I liked the Talsma the best, even though unsurprisingly due to its all mahogany construction, I would like just a touch more in the upper registers. Still, it sounds really, really wonderful. The Pono sounds absolutely fantastic fingerpicked but something about they way it sounded strummed didn't suit my ears as well. Not sure if it's the strings or what.
 
Interesting comparison, thanks for bringing it.

I've been playing Bari-tenor for a while now and like a re-entrant dGBE so much that I strung my Bari hi d too. I may change that soon as I do change strings a good bit.
 
Another fun one, Hodge. I really enjoyed your samples.

They all sound very nice to me. I liked the Talsma the best, even though unsurprisingly due to its all mahogany construction, I would like just a touch more in the upper registers. Still, it sounds really, really wonderful. The Pono sounds absolutely fantastic fingerpicked but something about they way it sounded strummed didn't suit my ears as well. Not sure if it's the strings or what.

I agree with you Eddie, the Talsma, has the best volume, tone and warmth. Surprisingly the Talsma has smallest body. The Aquila Lava Nylguts on don't have quite the brightness or clarity of the Martin FC on the Pono. I've got Oasis GPX trebles in the mail to replace the two unwound Aquila. Hoping that will get the sound just right.
 
Had to add a sound sample of a new arrival (just arrived yesteday), from Jake Wildwood. This is my new favorite baritone; it has the warmth, resonance, clarity, and volume. Nothing missing from its sound.

Oceana sinker redwood/mahogany baritone, built 2012 with unknown age Martin 630 strings.
https://app.box.com/s/50l7dzmpu9heshn6oqb4b0y5qh0dsxcy

Thanks to OhioBelle for bringing this baritone to my attention.
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?128902-Ever-played-a-scalloped-fretboard

2017-09-03 17.14.54 https://www.flickr.com/photos/150516092@N02/
 
The Oceana sounds great! I like it the best.
 
Had to add a sound sample of a new arrival (just arrived yesteday), from Jake Wildwood. This is my new favorite baritone; it has the warmth, resonance, clarity, and volume. Nothing missing from its sound.

I agree, Hodge. That is a very lovely sounding baritone. Among the best I've heard. Congrats on a super acquisition!
 
Hey Hodge sorry I couldn't listen to the samples and reply sooner. But better late than never and I'm glad the Oceana was included as I just had a listen now. The Talsma and Oceana are both in that rare category of baritone that sound clear and clean. I could definitely be happy with either......or in your case both. Congratulations on jumping on the Oceana when you saw it, a great instrument for sure!!!!
 
I am very impressed with the tone of the Oceana. Never heard of Jake Wildwood before, but that dude's sound sample would have sold me on that instrument sight unseen :) Congrats on what appears to be a really special one Hodge!
 
Had to add a sound sample of a new arrival (just arrived yesteday), from Jake Wildwood. This is my new favorite baritone; it has the warmth, resonance, clarity, and volume. Nothing missing from its sound.

Oceana sinker redwood/mahogany baritone, built 2012 with unknown age Martin 630 strings.
https://app.box.com/s/50l7dzmpu9heshn6oqb4b0y5qh0dsxcy

Thanks to OhioBelle for bringing this baritone to my attention.
http://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?128902-Ever-played-a-scalloped-fretboard

2017-09-03 17.14.54

You're welcome! So glad someone bought the Oceana with the talent to bring it to life. That would NOT have been me, ha ha!

I agree, it has the most gorgeous sound in your gorgeous collection. The last note in your recording is like a stream of light through the rose window of a gothic cathedral. Perfect!
 
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