Please validate my ukulele choice (or offer some alternatives).

cptdean

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2015
Messages
104
Reaction score
0
Location
Hendersonville, TN
Hi, everyone!

Background...

I've been playing guitar for about 25 years, and I do well enough to entertain myself, friends, and family, but I'm no performer. I also don't play regularly. I'll get on short kicks here and there, but my guitar spends most of its time in its case, sometimes waiting months for me to remember I still have it.

That said, I do enjoy playing, and I really appreciate quality instruments. I've been lucky enough to own mid-high range guitars from Martin, Taylor, Ovation, Seagull, Fender, Gibson, Larrivee, and Breedlove, but I always end up selling them off because I decide they're "too nice" for the limited playing I give them. My current sole guitar is a Carvin C250S. I bought it because it's built with quality components, has a clean even tone, and has excellent fit and finish. And every time I pull it out of its case after months of neglect, its tuning is never more than a half step off (or less).

I've owned one ukulele in my life...a $20 model I picked up from a local shop about 20 years ago. It was never very fun to play, and I don't remember it holding its tune for more than a few minutes, so it didn't last long. I gave it away pretty quickly.

Now...

I've been hankering for a Ukulele again, and have been cramming all the info I can find online. There's LOADS of it! So far, I think I've got an excellent handle on what I'm looking for, summarized here:

- Tenor size
- Price $200-$300
- Best materials and build quality I can get for the price
- I like non-traditional appearance
- High durability with low maintenance
- Going to play it for my kids at home

My search has led me pretty quickly to the Fender Nohea, and (for me) it has become the one to beat. In fact, I'm having trouble finding anything else I'd rather have, and that has me wondering if missing something critical. There are just too many brands and models out there, and I haven't seen everything yet.

So, based on my background and requirements, can the hive offer any validation or alternatives? I'd love to hear personal experiences, especially if they compare and contrast the Nohea with better instruments you've owned.

(I should also point out that I'm perfectly okay with mail order. I'm not the kind to scour local shops, playing individual instruments for hours until one speaks to me. I trust that there's an inherent quality in quality items, and returning an occasional dud doesn't bother me at all.)

Thanks for your feedback!

Dean
 
Last edited:
I have only played one at Guitar Center. (the one that isn't supposed to be koa) It didn't make me do cartwheels but I bid on one recently on e-bay and lost when the 'koa' one went for about $150 last week one went for $113 ('koa') and I was a little sad I didn't bid. (until I saw it had $30 shipping that could have been half of that) I noticed them showing up for auction from pawn shops fairly often these days. (three different ones in the last three weeks) - I am the resident cheapskate.

I don't know if this helps or hurts. I would like more alternative looking ukes in the $200-300 range.

There is also a Les Paul uke you might like. But it is rather heavy. There are 2 of them one aimed at kids but looks a little better imo, and one marketed to everyone. The difference is about $20 between them. There are also a few Ibanez that may or may not have a warp in the neck.
 
Last edited:
Have you considered a Fluke?

Definitely non traditional shape. Quality finish with spot on set up out of the box. I have a Flea, its "little brother" and it's an excellent instrument. The fluke is the larger one and is available in concert or tenor scale and they are nicely in your price range. Check them out here

Oh! And low maintenance definitely and will stand the kids battering. If I'm going away somewhere with a uke, the Flea is the one I take.
 
Last edited:
For some reason when I added to my above post I forgot to mention the Dean ML similar to a flying V is about $150. (You probably don't want the mahalo $60 Flying V they have very bad reviews but I don't think Gibson lets them be sold in the US anyway, I think under the poor paint job there is a picture of Sponge Bob from the Gibson ViaCom lawsuit)

There are also some cool looking cocobolo ukuleles in that $300 price range different and traditional shape:
http://www.cocoboloukuleles.com/
 
Last edited:
Hi cptdean, simple solution: The Gretsch G9121, solid Mahogany top, great laminate sides and back. It's traveled with me all over, sits in my trunk in the case all the time the past few years, it's extremely durable, has a built in tuner, has a pickup, satin finish so you don't need to do any maintenence (I still wipe mine down just because I do all my ukes, but you don't have to on this and it would be fine).

I think it's still one of the best bangs for the buck after playing tons of ukes (Kala, Fender, Kohala (not Ko'Aloha...those are not 200!), etc.

I know many folks who bought them after viewing my review and emailed me saying it was great, and I think someone commented recently they got one. It's my only Gretsch as I bought it for a "Trunk Uke" because I wanted something I wouldn't have to worry about and didn't have to spend more than a few hundred bucks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWuFJji7VHU

I'd also look at the Kanilea Islander, base model MT4 or MC4 if you want a concert... .the MTS4 is probably a little outside the budget you are looking at.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
I would second the poster who mentioned The Fluke. That was my first uke about 15 years ago. Still in very good shape, it was about $190 when I bought it. Another good choice would be anything in the $200-$300 range by Lanikai. A friend has a tenor cutaway, I'm not sure which model. It plays nice and is a good looking instrument.
 
Thanks for all the feedback, everyone. It's exactly what I was after. I'll look into those other models and see where this hunt takes me.

Back to alternative body shapes, I really like this D-style (on the left) from Boat Paddle Ukuleles. It reminds me of a Breedlove guitar I had a while back. But, of course, it's in the $1,300 range.

T_collage_web.jpg


Also, I saw this weekend that Lanikai has a "TunaUke" feature on several models that allows you to fine tune intonation. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!
 
My first uke a year ago was the Cordoba 20TM-CE. I am also a long time guitar player who learned uke afterwards. I have been playing uke for about a year now. The Cordoba has a solid top so it makes the sound quite good. Have fun on your search.
 
+1 for Cocobolo Ukuleles. The cocobolo wood makes them look quite different. It's concert size only, but very playable with the radiused fingerboard. I have the cocobolo top version which sounds excellent. Pretty mellow sound for a ukulele, but I like that. I guess the mahogany topped ones would be a bit brighter. Intonation is excellent, as is the tuning stability.
 
Hi there - Of the Fenders I have played I have been totally unimpressed - just my view of course, but they come across typical to me of 'ukes made by guitar makers' - end of the day, Fender dont have the greatest rep in the acoustic guitar world either.

I have found several I have played rather over built and a little dead sounding.

I would however give a +1 to both the Fluke and Kanile'ea Islander suggestions above - both of which would get my money over Fender.

The other brand i would suggest looking into is Ohana (and also Mainland now I come to think of it!)

You've got a good budget - I would stay stick to specialist uke brands not guitar makers who feel the need to have a uke in their product range to get on the bandwagon!
 
Hi cptdean, simple solution: The Gretsch G9121, solid Mahogany top, great laminate sides and back. It's traveled with me all over, sits in my trunk in the case all the time the past few years, it's extremely durable, has a built in tuner, has a pickup, satin finish so you don't need to do any maintenence (I still wipe mine down just because I do all my ukes, but you don't have to on this and it would be fine).

I think it's still one of the best bangs for the buck after playing tons of ukes (Kala, Fender, Kohala (not Ko'Aloha...those are not 200!), etc.

I know many folks who bought them after viewing my review and emailed me saying it was great, and I think someone commented recently they got one. It's my only Gretsch as I bought it for a "Trunk Uke" because I wanted something I wouldn't have to worry about and didn't have to spend more than a few hundred bucks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWuFJji7VHU

I'd also look at the Kanilea Islander, base model MT4 or MC4 if you want a concert... .the MTS4 is probably a little outside the budget you are looking at.

Good luck!

+1 for this Gretsch. I bought one as a gift for my partner in crime and wish I would have kept it for myself. They are out of stock at a lot of places, but Hawaii Music Supply is getting a Gretsch shipment soon.
 
Good luck with your search! Seems to be plenty of help here.
One thing, though, please enlighten me....why, after spending tons of money for really good guitars, do you want to shop for a uke on the cheap?
Are you worried that it might sit in the case for a long time, too?
(I bet it won't)
 
Good luck with your search! Seems to be plenty of help here.
One thing, though, please enlighten me....why, after spending tons of money for really good guitars, do you want to shop for a uke on the cheap?
Are you worried that it might sit in the case for a long time, too?
(I bet it won't)

First, thanks again to everyone for your feedback. I've continued cramming all the info I can, and it looks like I've begun inching up the price ladder toward something more in line with the guitars I've owned.

Nickie, that means I'll be spending more money now. From what I can tell, it seems the sweet spot is around $1,200 if I want to get a quality Hawaiian-made uke (KoAloha, and the like), with higher prices being more than I'd ever care to spend (versus adding to my kids' college funds). And, yes, I do fear that it'll be cased for long stretches, and I'd feel guilty for spending so much on what would become a toy at that point.

Ideally, I'd like to up my budget to $600-800, as that's a more comfortable price point for me. The question now is what's really worth it in that range?
 
I have seen used Collings tenors around $800. Their basic all mahogany UT1 model would be my choice. That should hold its value as well. I have the posher UT2 model, but the difference is mainly cosmetic (figured wood, gloss finish, fancier headstock). It sounds and plays great!
 
Alright, gang. I wanted to let you know I've settled on a Blackbird Clara. I'm sold on the sound and reviews, and I like that its composite construction means zero maintenance. Sure, it's loads more expensive than my original budget, and it's a concert scale instead of a tenor, but it ticks a lot of nerdy musician boxes for me.

Now I just have to save a few more $$ to add to my current pile. I'll come back in a month or so to post pics and such.

Thanks!
 
Alright, gang. I wanted to let you know I've settled on a Blackbird Clara. I'm sold on the sound and reviews, and I like that its composite construction means zero maintenance. Sure, it's loads more expensive than my original budget, and it's a concert scale instead of a tenor, but it ticks a lot of nerdy musician boxes for me.

Now I just have to save a few more $$ to add to my current pile. I'll come back in a month or so to post pics and such.

Thanks!

Good choice!! I too would like to have a Clara.
claudia
 
what ukulele??

Hi, everyone!

Background...

I've been playing guitar for about 25 years, and I do well enough to entertain myself, friends, and family, but I'm no performer. I also don't play regularly. I'll get on short kicks here and there, but my guitar spends most of its time in its case, sometimes waiting months for me to remember I still have it.

That said, I do enjoy playing, and I really appreciate quality instruments. I've been lucky enough to own mid-high range guitars from Martin, Taylor, Ovation, Seagull, Fender, Gibson, Larrivee, and Breedlove, but I always end up selling them off because I decide they're "too nice" for the limited playing I give them. My current sole guitar is a Carvin C250S. I bought it because it's built with quality components, has a clean even tone, and has excellent fit and finish. And every time I pull it out of its case after months of neglect, its tuning is never more than a half step off (or less).

I've owned one ukulele in my life...a $20 model I picked up from a local shop about 20 years ago. It was never very fun to play, and I don't remember it holding its tune for more than a few minutes, so it didn't last long. I gave it away pretty quickly.

Now...

I've been hankering for a Ukulele again, and have been cramming all the info I can find online. There's LOADS of it! So far, I think I've got an excellent handle on what I'm looking for, summarized here:

- Tenor size
- Price $200-$300
- Best materials and build quality I can get for the price
- I like non-traditional appearance
- High durability with low maintenance
- Going to play it for my kids at home

My search has led me pretty quickly to the Fender Nohea, and (for me) it has become the one to beat. In fact, I'm having trouble finding anything else I'd rather have, and that has me wondering if missing something critical. There are just too many brands and models out there, and I haven't seen everything yet.

So, based on my background and requirements, can the hive offer any validation or alternatives? I'd love to hear personal experiences, especially if they compare and contrast the Nohea with better instruments you've owned.

(I should also point out that I'm perfectly okay with mail order. I'm not the kind to scour local shops, playing individual instruments for hours until one speaks to me. I trust that there's an inherent quality in quality items, and returning an occasional dud doesn't bother me at all.)

Thanks for your feedback!

Dean
Hi Dean these are kinda in your price range and will tickle your style and taste and will make you want to play them more and more. There called Cocobolo Ukulele and are in Nicaragua I wont say any more just go to their site and enjoy ...regards Snaky ..TIKI( i have a tenor and a concert Cocobolo)
 
My first nice ukulele was a Koa Pili Koko tenor, solid acacia and very nicely done. Still have it. Still love it. My husband claims it as his. I allow him to think what he wants. And, in a lower price range, you can't beat KPK for the price.
 
My reflection on this thread is that it doesn't matter what you get. If you end up playing the uke over time you'll end up with more ukes.
 
I'm a big fan of Mainland Ukes. I got mine from Uke Republic in Atlanta. It might be worth a day trip, only a little over four hours away. They have lots of choices, Mainland and many others.

The setup on the Mainland is perfect. It is easy to play and the intonation is spot on. I got a Mainland Classic Mahogany tenor, but you might prefer some of the other models.

Good luck with your search!
 
Top Bottom