First uke advice

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sinkcolinsink

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Hey guys, I'm getting ready to buy my first uke, been a musician all my life and have played guitar for 4 years and drums for 8. Not a beginner musician just a beginner uke player. I want a classic looking uke (figure 8 shape) that sounds good (obviously), and will last and survive for my next five years as a music major. I want something that will sound good live and that I would have no problems gigging with. The lower the price, the better. I've looked at the kala brand and I like what I see there. Recommendations?
 
What's your price range? If you can go in the neighborhood of about $200...then I would recommend a Mainland Uke. Here's mine:

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I've looked at the mainland ukes as well, would you say they are better than the solid soprano mahagony kalas? Also, would I notice a huge difference between the solid mahagony kalas and the laminate mahagony kalas? there is about a 130 dollar price difference.
 
I don't have a Kala...so I can't say for sure. My Mainland is a major step up from my Lanikai LU21. There are many on this forum that love their Kalas.

The biggest difference you'll find between a laminate and a solid body is sustain (also makes a difference in tone). The soundboard is the key here...even a solid-top with laminate back and sides will be a big improvement over an all laminate.
 
Is there a solid top with laminate back and sides that you would recommend? Is the kala mahagony series that isn't the all solid mahagony a solid top series? I can't seem to find much more info on them.
 
Is the kala mahagony series that isn't the all solid mahagony a solid top series? I can't seem to find much more info on them.
Click to expand...

If they don't specifically have the word "Solid" in the description, then it's usually Laminate.
So you either get the all-solid mahogany, or the laminate mahogany :)

The Kala All-Solid Mahogany ukes are quite good for the price. Good sustain, playability and sound. I haven't tried a Mainland uke before, but I hear wonderful stories about them too.
 
both kala and mainland are great ukes.
i owned a kala for a few weeks. but i returned it and bought myself a mainland. :D
i feel the mainland might be slightly more expensive than a kala, but the difference in sound far outbeats the price difference.
 
Thanks for all the input. I'm thinking a 50-75 dollar uke may be a better idea right now just because of price constraints. In that range I see a few different models, the Lanikai LU-21, the Kala 15S and the Kala K-S. I can't seem to find any difference between the 15S and the S. What are the differences?
 
I don't know too much about all the kala's. The one I had for awhile was the Kala KA-S. I liked it a lot. I own a lanikai lu-21 right now. It's good for it's price, but I definitely love the sound of the Kala KA-S a lot more.
 
sinkcolinsink said:
Thanks for all the input. I'm thinking a 50-75 dollar uke may be a better idea right now just because of price constraints. In that range I see a few different models, the Lanikai LU-21, the Kala 15S and the Kala K-S. I can't seem to find any difference between the 15S and the S. What are the differences?
Click to expand...

I have a Lanikai LU21 and like it a bunch. I would probably recommend the Kala from MGM...because he will set it up for you before it ships. If you call him, he can tell you the difference between the KA-15S and the KA-S.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SETUP-Kala-KA-15S-Mahogany-Soprano-Ukulele-w-Aquilas_W0QQitemZ370223875363QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5633100523&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30
 
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sinkcolinsink said:
Thanks for all the input. I'm thinking a 50-75 dollar uke may be a better idea right now just because of price constraints. In that range I see a few different models, the Lanikai LU-21, the Kala 15S and the Kala K-S. I can't seem to find any difference between the 15S and the S. What are the differences?
Click to expand...

The Kala Ka-15s is almost identical to the Makala soprano. The KA-S looks nicer with binding and built much better, sound and lower action (easier to play). The Makala is made from a wood called Agathis, and the KA-15S is supposed to be Mahogany laminate, but the wood quality between the KA-15S and KA-S is very noticeable. As a bonus, the KA-S comes pre-strung with Aquillas from the factory, and there is also a KA-P pineapple, both of these ukes are within your price range. MGM has them bundled with a Light hard case, so the Ukulele by itself is in your price range. You can also get a Makala Concert for the same price, being a guitar player, you will find the concert easier to play.
 
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honestly...I would look into getting a homemade cigar box uke from any of the many nice uke builders out there. I make them myself and know for a fact that you can get a cigar box uke thats equal if not better than a Lanikai CK-TEQ for a third of the cost.

I own a lanikai ck-teq, and I dont even play it. my homemade uke is brigher, clearer, less expensive and way cooler...even has a transducer and jack in it.

just so you believe that I'm not just saying this to make a buck...I'll refer you to another builder.

http://tinyguitars.tk/

you can watch his vids...he may have one up on ebay, great builder, great player, great guy. good luck.
 
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