Hello All in Ukuleleunderground.
Aside from a very cheap soprano I have a concert fluke with a rosewood fretboard, and I really love it. It plays nicely and the concert size is perfect for me - but it doesn't really 'sing'. I can only explain it thus - once I got to strum a few chords on a really expensive Taylor guitar and it was like the notes had left the strings and were flying around the room, just one chord and the sound seemed to surround you. I didn't think a D-chord could sound that good. Well, that's what I want in a uke. Good sustain and a strum that just sings. Budget is $400-800. I might pay more though for the perfect (for me) instrument. After reading this thread "http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15714" Seeso's comments made me think I should go for one of the four K's.
The only 'K' I found I can test on these shores will be the Kanile'a K2 concert. Everything else will be strictly an internet purchase. I found a place in France that sells the KoAloha pikake concert which might be a good option, but then when I checked on KoAloha's own website this model is discontinued. Why? Surely if it was a good uke and a good seller, it would not be discontinued so that makes me a bit suspicious.
Kamaka's and Koolau's would be a US purchase so I'd be looking at import tax etc.
Then I'm wondering maybe I should think smaller (budget wise) and get a Kala solid acacia ($350 ) or a concert Flea with the solid Koa top ($360?)
What kind of tone quality could I expect from the Kala or Koa Flea?
I've seen a Pono concert mango ($700), which looks nice (and it says its made in the USA). But when a Pono and koolau are the same price (ie high spec Pono, low spec Koolau) is there much to choose from?
I've only been playing a couple of years or so, but I'm in it for the long haul and I play most every single day. I know the four K's are really professional instruments, but I want a lifetime instrument that will let me grow and grow.
The lack of being able to try before I buy is against me, so your advice and experience would be great. Sorry for the long post, I hope some of you get to the end of it and can help.
All the best
Aside from a very cheap soprano I have a concert fluke with a rosewood fretboard, and I really love it. It plays nicely and the concert size is perfect for me - but it doesn't really 'sing'. I can only explain it thus - once I got to strum a few chords on a really expensive Taylor guitar and it was like the notes had left the strings and were flying around the room, just one chord and the sound seemed to surround you. I didn't think a D-chord could sound that good. Well, that's what I want in a uke. Good sustain and a strum that just sings. Budget is $400-800. I might pay more though for the perfect (for me) instrument. After reading this thread "http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15714" Seeso's comments made me think I should go for one of the four K's.
The only 'K' I found I can test on these shores will be the Kanile'a K2 concert. Everything else will be strictly an internet purchase. I found a place in France that sells the KoAloha pikake concert which might be a good option, but then when I checked on KoAloha's own website this model is discontinued. Why? Surely if it was a good uke and a good seller, it would not be discontinued so that makes me a bit suspicious.
Kamaka's and Koolau's would be a US purchase so I'd be looking at import tax etc.
Then I'm wondering maybe I should think smaller (budget wise) and get a Kala solid acacia ($350 ) or a concert Flea with the solid Koa top ($360?)
What kind of tone quality could I expect from the Kala or Koa Flea?
I've seen a Pono concert mango ($700), which looks nice (and it says its made in the USA). But when a Pono and koolau are the same price (ie high spec Pono, low spec Koolau) is there much to choose from?
I've only been playing a couple of years or so, but I'm in it for the long haul and I play most every single day. I know the four K's are really professional instruments, but I want a lifetime instrument that will let me grow and grow.
The lack of being able to try before I buy is against me, so your advice and experience would be great. Sorry for the long post, I hope some of you get to the end of it and can help.
All the best
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