First uke advise?

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csbdr

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Hello! I am looking at my forst uke and looking for advise on 2 I've found and any other suggestions. I guess firstly I am leaning toward a tenor but also considering a standard/soprano. That said I am in the $300-500 range on what I want to spend and have been looking at the Oscar Schmidt OU7T Spalted Maple tenor. I have also seen a couple very nice Big Island ukes at MIMS on ebay and was wondering about them?

For instance
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170885649010?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180938302661?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180971547962?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

I like that the Big Island is solid tonewoods rather than laminate, and MIMS will set up. Any other suggestions in my price range? Opinions about the Oscar Schmidt? I know they are more of a "music emporium" brand but wondering about actual quality when you get into the more expensive ukes. Thanks!
 
Yes, call these people and talk with them. It will have a full set up done before you get it, and you will end up with a better uke.
http://www.theukulelesite.com
 
Last edited:
I really like the first one. You're looking at among the best options in your price range. I'm a huge fan of Oscar Schmidts for inexpensive instruments, but not at your price level. The Big Islands are very nice in the mid range.
 
If you don't mind the look, a Flea or a Fluke would be a great place to start. Because of the molded fretboard and zero fret construction they have good intonation and action (that is, they're easy to play and sound good on). They have a pretty good tone despite being made of plastic and laminate and are more or less bombproof. Looks tend to be fun rather than beautiful. http://magicfluke.com/

As to size, I wound up buying a tenor and a soprano and playing them both extensively to figure out what worked best for me (it was a concert, with a bias towards wider fretboards).
 
Call mim get a big island. OS are great ukes but they are not BI. the fit and finish on BI ukes are second to none.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions! Especially calling MIM. I hadnt thought of the ebay fee angle.

BTW, who is MGM? Ive read they are recommended but I had trouble searching that seller on ebay. Anyone have a link?

Im leaning toward the BI ukes but some of your suggestions have me thinking. I will probably stay away from the flukes and fleas. I know from experience I do better buying up a little bit. I'm happier in the long run
 
MGM is mike. he works with theukulelesite.com ( aka hawaii music supply) i havnt dealt with them but i hear good things. i would contact mike and just give him your budget and i believe he will guide you from there.

csbdr said:
Thanks for all the suggestions! Especially calling MIM. I hadnt thought of the ebay fee angle.

BTW, who is MGM? Ive read they are recommended but I had trouble searching that seller on ebay. Anyone have a link?

Im leaning toward the BI ukes but some of your suggestions have me thinking. I will probably stay away from the flukes and fleas. I know from experience I do better buying up a little bit. I'm happier in the long run
Click to expand...
 
in that price range i wouldnt look at Oscar Schmidt. there are many ukes out there in that price that are much better.
 
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