Buying help - thoughts on different woods

jduke

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Hi - I'm looking for a good concert-sized uke that my daughter can have her whole life. Nothing too expensive, but something she won't want to replace unless she gets very serious about the instrument. So I'm thinking I'll need at least a solid top, if not total solid body.

I've found some good deals, but now I need your advice, as I'm totally new to the uke world (but not to stringed instruments in general).

All-solid monkeypod from Lanikai?
All-solid acacia from Asmus?
All-solid mahogany from Lanikai?
All-solid mahogany from Lucky Penny?
Solid-top spruce w/mahog back/sides from Lanikai?
Solid-top spruce w/ash back/sides from Lanikai?
Solid-top spruce w/mahog back/sides from Lucky Penny?


General thoughts on these woods/brands would be helpful, even if you don't know the particular instrument. I'm really at a loss, here! If there's anything in this kind of range that I should also be looking at, please share.

Thanks very, very much.

John
 
That is a great gift!! What is your budget? I ask cause there are lots of choices to look at and your budget will really help to try to narrow the selection down. Also, does she play now? lol...you will soon see that there are tons of ukes to choose from!!
 
Thanks! No, she doesn't play yet. My budget is somewhat flexible, but I'm looking mostly at used and slightly blemished instruments to get the most bang for it.
 
A few random thoughts. Either of these would be set up.

http://shop.mainlandukuleles.com/product.sc?productId=9

http://www.theukulelesite.com/review/product/list/id/191/

Mim's ukes also sets up her ukes and she is very nice with different price ranges. You could ask her what she recommends.
http://mimsukes.com/

If you are looking for used or slightly blemished. Since you stated you aren't new to stringed instruments. Hope you get it set up if you buy used so she can really have a good shot at enjoying it. Hope this helps. All the best on your search.
 
Thanks, everyone.

Any thoughts specifically as to Asmus, or mahogany vs. monkeypod vs. acacia?
 
I've read good reviews on Asmus ukuleles! They're apparently from the same factory as Pili koko ukuleles and sound awesome except a little quiet.

Mahogany is a great all-rounder, it's tough to find someone who doesn't like the sound of mahogany. It's very warm sounding.

Monkeypod is kind of warm sounding like mahogany but it has its own voice.

The most important thing is strings though, they can change the tone drastically as I've experienced.
 
Thanks, Bao. How would you compare the sound of monkeypod to mahogany? I'm actually not crazy about the soft warmth of mahogany on guitars, and I'd guess that ukes might increase that understated tone, no?
 
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