Vintage style ukuleles

I've played a Martin C1 and hear it every week in my uke group. It was light and easy to play, but nowhere near as loud as my Kiwaya soprano and nowhere near as nicely made. Nowhere near there price, either, though I got mine used. I think the S1 is a nice instrument and because of your affection for Martins, I think you'd like it. Also, used they are a great deal and there are many open box opportunities as well. HPL is quite heavy and doesn't feel like wood, unless you need an expensive bomb proof uke, I'd steer clear of their X series, the Kiwaya eco series is a much better deal.
 
Thanks for the share and info, Ziret. I have been seeing some S1's used on for pretty good prices. Too many choices.... :)
 
I can endorse the Brueko ukuleles. I have three, a "custom" soprano in pearwood which sounds great in either C or D tuning, a Rosewood custom concert and a standard No. 9 tenor. If you want an instrument that has plenty of "zing" Brueko ukuleles will deliver in spades. They are incredible value, quality instruments at affordable prices.

Barry Maz on his Got a Ukukele Blog has reviewed Brueko and Kiwaya ukuleles. Take a look. http://www.gotaukulele.com The first link on the page is to Reviews
 
I can endorse the Brueko ukuleles. I have three, a "custom" soprano in pearwood which sounds great in either C or D tuning, a Rosewood custom concert and a standard No. 9 tenor. If you want an instrument that has plenty of "zing" Brueko ukuleles will deliver in spades. They are incredible value, quality instruments at affordable prices.

Barry Maz on his Got a Ukukele Blog has reviewed Brueko and Kiwaya ukuleles. Take a look. http://www.gotaukulele.com The first link on the page is to Reviews

Thanks for your recommendation, Geoff! I am considering the #6 and #2 models currently at Uke Republic. I've been in conversations with Mike. He seems like a great person. I did see the Bruko reviews and videos on Barry's site and YouTube. Actually, it's his videos that are selling me on the Bruko's and the S1.

Another note - I recently came across a used Loprinzi mahogany vintage style model in very nice shape that I am considering as well. Just trying to find out more info on it at the moment.
 
The Loprinzi would be an excellent choice as well. Geoff's suggestion about looking at Barry's videos is a great idea. Bruko is a fun instrument, with a distinctive sound.
 
Favilla vintage sopranos can still be had via ebay at attractive prices.
I was amazed how good the one we bought sounded.
We need another because my wife like it so much that she has claimed it for herself.
Some say that Favillas are the equal of vintage Martins, but I couldn't say as I can't afford Martins.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...villa.TRS0&_nkw=favilla+ukulele&_sacat=119025

Stumbled across this just yesterday - they have a mid 50's Favilla soprano a couple ukes down (also a few other vintage sopranos in the bunch):

http://www.vintage-instruments.com/navigate/catidx8.htm

I also found this mid 30's Regal at Gryphon:

https://shop.gryphonstrings.com/products/-c-1935-soprano-regal-ukulele-standard-approved-46692-

Either of these two seem to be a good deal, or something to stay away from?
 
That Favilla looks great, very clean. I've tried about 10 different sopranos, including a vintage 50's Kamaka, 40's Martin 0, a modern Martin S1, Kiwaya KTS-4, and a Timms 0. My 40's Favilla U-2 is still my favorite. It has a full, rich woody tone, great volume, more midrange, not plinky or banjo-like, as some sopranos can sound, at least to my ears. IMO, based on the one example I have, they are the best deal around on vintage mahogany sopranos. If I were looking at a mahogany vintage soprano, I'd grab that one, which is priced fairly, and you'll know it has been checked out and adjusted by a pro.
 
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Favillas can be terrific instruments. I have heard some folks refer to them as the poor man's Martin. While you will see some at highly inflated prices, often you can see a good bargain.

Vintage-instruments is a very reputable shop. I bought something from them a few years back and they gave terrific service.
 
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Thanks for the confirmation, gang! I may contact the shop and get some more information on it. If anyone else is interested in it, have at it!!
 
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