Good Pocket Ukes?

dog8food

Active member
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Messages
33
Reaction score
0
I'm looking for a reasonably priced travel ukulele, like a sopranino or a thin body soprano. I have a $30 one from China, but I'm looking for something with a bit better sound quality. And I do actually travel quite a bit, so the more portable the better.
 
I'll put a vote in for the Ohana O'Nino sopranissimo. All solid mahogany.

 
I really like my Romero Creations XS Soprano. Same scale as a Soprano, but smaller than most Sopraninos. If you want something that is even smaller than the Sopranissimo, check out Andy's Ukuleles.
 
Price wise, the Ohana all solid mahogany model is the starting point for a "Good" pocket uke. Re: the Kala thin bodies, the smaller the size the "thinner" the sound.
 
I really like my Brüko thin-bodied soprano. http://xn--brko-1ra.de/index.php?cat=c4_Soprano-thin-body-Soprano-thin-body.html . Note, though, that the standard ones have a one-piece bridge so adjusting the action could be tricky (I'm happy but you might not be).
The more expensive models have a more standard two-piece bridge and an arched back. http://xn--brko-1ra.de/index.php?cat=c7_Soprano-thin-body-Soprano-thin-body-7.html

Also worthy of mention (although I've not tried one personally yet) are DJ Morgan's "Mini Pineapple": http://djmorganukuleles.co.uk/ I'm not sure if he plans to make any more, so if you really want one, check with him first or snap one up now while you can!

Obviously you'll need to factor in transport from Europe and duty costs for either of these - I don't know how much those would be.
 
There's always the RISA stick. The soprano stick in its case takes up minimal space, is quiet for hotel rooms and such, and with a mini amp which can fit in the case provides reasonable volume when desired.
 
Just reading through, I was about to suggest The RISA as well, though I'd suggest the concert, much smaller than your average soprano. :)

Edit:...& more robust!
 
Thanks so much for the replies.

Would some of these work better for my fat-ish fingers?
 
Would some of these work better for my fat-ish fingers?

All the short scale sopraninos are pretty tough to play with adult fingers. If you think this will be an issue, then better go with something that has regular soprano scale, like the Romero XS or the Risa Stick.
 
Thanks so much for the replies.

Would some of these work better for my fat-ish fingers?

I think sopranino is too small and uncomfortable for you. Just put you capo on 5th fret in your soprano and check by yourself.
 
Top Bottom