stevepetergal
Well-known member
What's the difference between a good uke and a great uke?
How much you like it.
How much you like it.
What's the difference between a good uke and a great uke?
How much you like it.
The person who plays it.
Having said that, any luthier's (or artist's in my case) hourly wage is already obscenely low.
If you are getting a quality hand made anything for a very low price, thank the maker, it was a labor of love.
"There must be a cut of point (price) where a luthier could make a very good instrument for very little money."
Speaking as a professional wood turner, the only way to do that is to devalue your labor and your skills.
Having said that, any luthier's (or artist's in my case) hourly wage is already obscenely low.
If you are getting a quality hand made anything for a very low price, thank the maker, it was a labor of love.
:agree:
There's a big difference between mass-produced commodity goods and those made by individual (or small teams of) craftsmen. If the difference is unimportant to you then buy the commodity version & enjoy the savings. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford an artisan's creation then you will not only get a superior product, but also something that transcends mere commerce.
I already have a mass produced one. The custom one is only going to cost a little more.
a great uke is any uke you personally love, while good ukes are all the others.
I have never played an "expensive" uke, but Mainlands really sound nice. For me the low action does make a difference,too. As to which/what is a "really great uke", I have no idea or even how to find out.... about $1,000....
So what is your question: The difference between a good and a great uke or the best uke you can purchase for $200 to $250? I personally favor the mellow woods with Mahagony being my favorite. I think safe brand names are Kala, Ohana, Mainland. My preference is Mainland. And purchase from a reputable dealer who does a professional set up. That is my two cents, for what it is worth.
Where is "addicted2myuke" ?? A question has been asked. There are many answers. No acknowledgement. I guess I am old fashioned. I trust you are in good health and spirits and are still saving your money in preparation for the big decision.Obviously the price, but I am looking to round out my collection with a soprano. I currently have a concert Ibanez (my first uke) and a tenor Kala. The Kala is clearly the better sounding uke, but I do enjoy the Ibanez too. My budget is around $200-$250 right now. There are so many brands out there, that it is a little overwhelming. What should I be looking for? I want that typical uke sound that you would expect from a sorpano ,but not tinny sounding. I have no problem ordering online if the shop will do a set up for me. Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.
When you say reputable dealer who does a pro set up what does the set up involve? Is it just quality check? Doesn't the company run set up and quality check themselves? (Don't have a uke yet so just wondering) Any idea of reputable ones? I've been reading around and came across "the ukulele site" by Hawaiin Music Supply - Any idea about them?
When you say reputable dealer who does a pro set up what does the set up involve? Is it just quality check? Doesn't the company run set up and quality check themselves? (Don't have a uke yet so just wondering) I have no uke providers anywhere close to where I live that I can access so I'm going to have to go with an online dealer. Any idea of reputable ones? I've been reading around and came across "the ukulele site" by Hawaiin Music Supply - Any idea about them?
Also Just to add to the topic, so far from my research it seems the cheap ukes get out of tune more rapidly, their sound harsher and brighter I feel, and they have a slight offtune sound at time and experience more "buzz" / dead spots. I've been trying to find a few videos of ukes I've been interested in and for the most part they seem to sound good with warmer, fuller sounds, but their prices have been quite variable. I was wondering instead of saying whats the dif between good and best - what's the diff between say a $200+ (ish) uke that already seem to look and sound fairly good and one that goes for $300ish. I know its hard to say exactly due to variations in brand but what I'm trying to see is, is the difference big enough to be worth getting one at that higher price? I'm guessing often times quality is the main divide but I'm interested in getting a uke that has a decently warm and nice sound (not too bright) that I can take outdoors too. If lasting quality and sound is a big step then its worth it but if its fairly similar then perhaps not.
Thanks