Just looking for a Uke...

JT_Ukes · May 12, 2009

I really like the look of the classic Martin style 0, but I've played the new martins, and was not that impressed.

So the question is. Is there a solid wood soprano or concert sized Ukulele that captures the look and sound of the classic martins, without the price of a good condition vintage 0?

Can't afford one right now, but I love lookin.

JT

Ahnko Honu · May 12, 2009

KIWAYA KTS-4 comes real close.
http://rod-neep.com/rod/instruments/uke-rev1/index.html

JT_Ukes · May 12, 2009

Ahnko Honu said:
KIWAYA KTS-4 comes real close.
http://rod-neep.com/rod/instruments/uke-rev1/index.html

wow.. that sure does!

UkuleleD · May 12, 2009

check out all the KIWAYA sopranos, they model the martins and according to MGM have the closest sound to vintage m's

brother sonny · May 12, 2009

martin style ukes

JT,

what about a 'matted' finished bushman or mainland soprano with friction tuners.....or the ohanas???

solid wood, come with aquila strings, sounds good....at least my bushman does....and i've heard lots of positive stuff about the mainlands and ohanas....

www.jumpingflea.com

www.mainlandukes.com

p.s. if you talk to Mike (mainland ukes)....maybe they have a less ornate soprano....i believe they do the finish work here in the states....

cheers,

todd

jkevinwolfe · May 12, 2009

I second the Mainlands and Bushmans. They're built from the original Martin specs. However they have a rather thick finish. This will give you year of use, but hampers getting that sound you're looking for.

However, to a discriminating ear the Martins sound the way they do because the wood has aged so well. So you'll not find that in a new uke.

UKISOCIETY · May 12, 2009

Ahnko Honu said:
KIWAYA KTS-4 comes real close.
http://rod-neep.com/rod/instruments/uke-rev1/index.html

I bought a vintage Martin for $500. I see the Kiwaya is marked at 475. Why not get the Martin ? The rub is to find the Martin.

JT_Ukes · May 12, 2009

UKISOCIETY said:
I bought a vintage Martin for $500. I see the Kiwaya is marked at 475. Why not get the Martin ? The rub is to find the Martin.

Aye... the rub indeed

GreyPoupon · May 12, 2009

UKISOCIETY said:
I bought a vintage Martin for $500. I see the Kiwaya is marked at 475. Why not get the Martin ? The rub is to find the Martin.

I'd take the kiwaya over the martin. Half the price for the martin is for the history and brand equity. The kiwaya is all quality.

Just looking for a Uke...

JT_Ukes

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Ahnko Honu

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JT_Ukes

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UkuleleD

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brother sonny

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jkevinwolfe

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UKISOCIETY

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JT_Ukes

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GreyPoupon

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