H
Hippie Dribble
Guest
Aloha, Stan! I can enjoy almost any uke too; it makes me happy, really happy. I appreciate a really well made great sounding ukulele and I also respond to those unassuming gems which, apart from imperfections sparkle with personality.
Yeah, Jon - the only disappointing thing about the Collings ukes I've played are the strings. I don't dislike Aquila strings at all, they are great on some ukuleles, but on the Collings...well, I wanted to rip them off and put on some fluorocarbons. I didn't do that, but when the store clerk at the first place I saw them wasn't looking, I did stick my hand inside and felt around the bracing. As I've been building ukuleles, I was really invested in scrutinizing the construction of the Collings ukes and, like I (and the OP) opined, they really have all the details covered.
Most people hate the stock strings Kamaka uses. They are certainly unique, and if one is listening for volume and sustain, they are bound to disappoint. Honestly, though, they are starting to grow on me. They were fantastic with low G on that Ohta san. I think they probably fall into the same category as the Pyramid strings Bruko uses - they don't sound like other strings. So, if you start out with expectations that you should compare them to other strings, you probably won't like them.
Hey Howard, I found that flourocarbons on the Collings give the uke more air to breath. Better note clarity and sweeter sustain...kind of like like loosening your belt buckle a couple of notches!