NUD but not for me - Wagas ukues from the Philippines - carved out, not built up

[baconsalad]

I was really curious about these Philippines-made ukes. They are carved out of a block, not built and glued up. https://wagasukuleles.com/ . Not crazy-expensive, except for shipping to Canada/USA. I work for a multi-national and a team of people in the Philippines really got me out of a jam recently, and put dollars directly in to my pocket - so I bought them a couple for their break room. There's a couple guitar players there who should be able to give me a full review soon.

 

[ploverwing]

That is a really nice thank you! What a thoughtful thing. Looking forward to hearing what they think about them.

 

[rhiggie]

Wish a uke player could review them. My guess is they sound muddy but the top must be a separate piece so maybe not. I know the round back Mele that I have up for sale has a huge voice and it's back is also carved.

 

[Kenn2018]

I'm glad they could help you and it's terrific that you remembered and sent these as a gesture of thanks.

I think Wagas had some of their ukes on Facebook a few years ago. Intriguing designs.

 

[necessaryrooster]

Wish a uke player could review them. My guess is they sound muddy but the top must be a separate piece so maybe not. I know the round back Mele that I have up for sale has a huge voice and it's back is also carved.

There's a couple videos on Youtube.
Thinline: (this guy also has a longer vid where he unboxes and talks specs)
Multiple:

 

[Jerryc41]

I was really curious about these Philippines-made ukes. They are carved out of a block, not built and glued up. https://wagasukuleles.com/ . Not crazy-expensive, except for shipping to Canada/USA. I work for a multi-national and a team of people in the Philippines really got me out of a jam recently, and put dollars directly in to my pocket - so I bought them a couple for their break room. There's a couple guitar players there who should be able to give me a full review soon.

View attachment 150900

Yes, I've seen these before. Clever.

Bonanza Ukuleles does something similar, but he hollows out one piece for the top and one for the bottom and joins them. A man on YouTube made a uke the same way.

Wow! I remembered the name - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bespoke+creations

 

[Jerryc41]

Currency conversion - https://wise.com/us/currency-converter/php-to-usd-rate

 

[Jerryc41]

Currency conversion - https://wise.com/us/currency-converter/php-to-usd-rate

It costs $90 to ship a uke that costs $36. Too bad.

EDIT: I just checked, and flying there is out.

 

[Jerryc41]

It seems that the $90 shipping cost stays the same for at least three travel ukes. Of course, the exchange rate varies all the time. Three of them would cost about $210 delivered, for about $70 each.

 

[Jerryc41]

I put five ukes in my cart, and the shipping cost stayed the same - $90, which averages out to about $58 each.

 

[ploverwing]

I put five ukes in my cart, and the shipping cost stayed the same - $90, which averages out to about $58 each.

So worth the effort for a bulk purchase.

 

[Jerryc41]

So worth the effort for a bulk purchase.

Yes, I think so. I asked the local groups if anyone wants to do this.

 

[Jerryc41]

Yes, I think so. I asked the local groups if anyone wants to do this.

We have three takers, so far. Two more, and I'll place an order.