I currently have a Soprano Makala Waterman. I learn from YouTube, but my love for ukuleles is very strong. I've saved up to buy a new ukulele this Christmas, but I'm having trouble with what to buy. I'm looking more towards a Kala Concert... Please help!
Kala or Ohana are good makes, concert scale is what I normally recommend for newbies.
From what I have read, you will notice a big improvement over the Waterman, more details about what you think you would like, & price range, will get you better answers.
I currently don't have one in mind. I don't have knowledge on the different types if woods. I'm going to the store tomorrow to hopefully come home with a new uke. I just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts.
I did a NUD on this same one as recommended above just recently
It’s a very well built uke
It feels very solid and easy to play
It’s just too bright for my liking but overall it’s a beautifully crafted instrument at an amazing low price.
I bought it from our local store. Straight out of the box. No set up needed.
My second uke was an Islander - pretty good uke for the $100-150 range, and I really liked the wide fingerboard. If you can find a Flea in the $150 price range (probably need to be used), that would be another great option. My third uke was a Flea that I bought from Magic Fluke as a second - you have to call them directly to see what they have and what kind of deals are available - you might be able to get within shouting distance of the top end of your price range. http://www.magicfluke.com/Contact-s/1844.htm
I've given the solid spruce top/laminate hog Kalas mentioned above as a gift, lotsa bang for the buck.
If you want an even better deal, please PM me if you are interested in a like new solid wood LOUD Kala soprano long neck (soprano body/concert neck) in that range.
It's the quite light "African mahogany" model, KA-SML-SLNG. Modest, simple build with surprising volume. Not many around.
Solid wood all through, so this is one you must humidify in dry climates.
I bought it to try out a long neck (love it), and now I'm ready to throw money at one with more bling...
The stock pics are lousy on the link though, PM your cell phone and I can send better pics. Oh, and the headstock is NOT slotted on the soprano, just regular...
To the OP, I deleted your 12-20-2017 post because you there is an active thread asking the same question. Multiple posts asking the same question will not result having more answers.
The Ohana CK-22 Spruce top Mahogany is ~$165. Nice and loud, easy playing and can be had in Spruce/Zebra wood as CK-22Z. I'd sell you mine for $140 with a gig bag and strap pins + shipping.
I've got too may ukes and it's almost new, except for some dust.