My head is spinning, which Uke?

I'm sorry for bothering, but I'm in a jam. Trying to decide which of these the purchase. I'm either going to go Kala or Lanikai, definitely getting a Concert. $160 at most, possibly a little more. Suggestions are more than welcome. Thank you so much to whomever takes their time and answers a newbies question. Thank you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/KALA-KA-C-CONCE...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a56cbd79b

http://cgi.ebay.com/KALA-BRAND-KA-C...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4ced18ed04

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Kala-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5638d2b5a2

http://cgi.ebay.com/JUST-ARRIVED-Fl...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5638f25295

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hohner-Lanika...ruments_Sting_Instruments?hash=item4a9db43eba

Flamed Mahogany. Now go purchase it.

I have the gloss version of the Kala mahogany concert....KA-CG. I think it was about $140 from MGM when I bought it last year. I totally love it. I have more expensive ukes now, but that is the one I keep handy all the time. I don't think you can go wrong with ANY Kala though. I have 3 different Kalas ranging from that $140 concert to a $400 flamed Koa soprano. I think they seem better-finished than the similarly-priced Lanikai models I have looked at.

HY8R1D said:

I'm sorry for bothering, but I'm in a jam. Trying to decide which of these the purchase. I'm either going to go Kala or Lanikai, definitely getting a Concert. $160 at most, possibly a little more. Suggestions are more than welcome. Thank you so much to whomever takes their time and answers a newbies question. Thank you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/KALA-KA-C-CONCE...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a56cbd79b

http://cgi.ebay.com/KALA-BRAND-KA-C...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4ced18ed04

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Kala-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5638d2b5a2

http://cgi.ebay.com/JUST-ARRIVED-Fl...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5638f25295

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hohner-Lanika...ruments_Sting_Instruments?hash=item4a9db43eba

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Will this be your first purchase? or an upgrade?

Any of these are fine ukes. The first two are the same uke, but just comes in different packages. The first option has a soft-side gig bag, but comes with a digital tuner (Kala KC-02). The second option comes with a hard case, pitch pipe, and chord finder book. It all depends on what you prefer.

Option #3 is the same package as your second option, but with a tenor size uke rather than a concert.

Option #4 is from Kala's line of exotic series flame mahogany, which has a very beautiful look to it. It generally has the same sound as the KA-C uke.

Option #5 is a Lanikai concert model, but for all intents and purposes is essentially the same quality and sound as the KA-C. Just to point out that your option #5 is actually from a UK store, so be aware if you are ordering this one that the shipping cost may be slightly more than the previous four options.

MusicGuyMic is an excellent source of these ukes. You get the "free MGM setup" which basically guarantees you will receive a finely "tuned" instrument. This includes a free upgrade to Aquilla Nylgut strings, which are generally accepted to bring out the "best" sound out of these ukes.

I started with the Kala KA-S (a standard/soprano size), and have tried many other ukes. I realized that I favor the tenor size to the soprano, but I still find myself playing the KA-S occasionally (when I can get it away from my daughter). Bottom line is they will all sound pretty good.

SuperSecretBETA said:

Flamed Mahogany. Now go purchase it.

Click to expand...

:agree: Get the Flamed Mahogany (it's pretty).

>>One more post, and you hit 1K!

I am a sucker for wood, so I vote for the flamed mahogany!

Definitely the flamed mahogany...the better it looks, the more likely you are to pick it up and play it!

one more vote for the flamed mahogany

The flamed mahogany Kalas are going to take off. Winners in the looks department, but a lighter weight=better sound weight value.

I guess I'll go with the flamed Kala. Thank you so much, guys. Much appreciated.

SuperSecretBETA said:

Flamed Mahogany. Now go purchase it.

Click to expand...

This is the one!! :agree:

I just ordered it. Can't wait to get it in a few days, I'll post a review... maybe. I don't know, I'll get back to you guys. Thank you again.

HY8R1D said:

I just ordered it. Can't wait to get it in a few days, I'll post a review... maybe. I don't know, I'll get back to you guys. Thanks you again.

Click to expand...

If you do post a review, wait about 2 weeks after you get it. Let the strings REALLY settle down and when you see what she can do better. Getting a little tired of sound samples "almost right out of the box" or nearly immediately after a set up. Frequently the intentions are good esp. enthusiasm. But "staying in tune" better isn't the same as settling down and the strings finding their voice that isn't, to my ears, slightly straining, even when in tune. In short, give it a good banging before you post. Hey, not only the uke will sound better but so will you.

Waiting on my 2 Flamed Mahogany sopranos...the best to you.