Sound comparison test of my two Baritone Ukuleles....

Fstpicker

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Here is a raw sound-clip comparing the sound of my two baritone ukuleles, both strung with Aquila strings:

1) 1967 Kingston

2) 1950's Harmony

Baritone Ukulele Sound Comparison

What do you think of their sound? Any preference?


Here's a little background info on these two ukes:

My 1967 Kingston Baritone Ukulele (made in Japan of all mahogany and probably all laminated) is a rather special instrument to me. It was the first stringed instrument that I ever learned to play on. I purchased it new in 1967 for $20 from the money I earned pulling thistles out of a 3-acre cornfield by hand with a hoe. I purchased it from a local music store and learned to play it using a Mel Bay Baritone Uke book. I can remember sharing each chord and each song that I learned to play on it with my mom, who was very patient and kind in listening to me as I learned. It is in fairly rough shape now with the bridge tilting badly forward, and the top sinking around the sound hole. I remember many years ago a top brace falling out from the inside, and I no longer have that brace. Surprisingly, I have been able to make it very playable with decent action in spite of it's faults.

My other Baritone Uke is a 1950's Harmony that I purchased recently off the Mando-cafe forum...one that I feel very fortunate to have found. It is made of all-solid mahogany, and is in very good condition with only a few relatively minor scratches here and there, and a couple of glued 2-3" cracks in the back near the outer edges. The action is also decent as well as the intonation. It has the original "banjo" style tuners that still work just fine. According to the information I obtained online from Harmony enthusiasts, the label dates it as a 1950's...possible early 50's. The brass frets are in perfect condition as is the rosewood fretboard. The bridge is supposed to be brazilian rosewood, as well as the fretboard according to the previous owner, and from what pictures I have seen of other same-period Harmony Baritones ukes I've seen online from other owners.

Thanks for indulging me by listening to my tale...

Jeff

Here is a picture of the Harmony:
 

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I agree with SweetWaterBlue, the Kingston sounded more mellow. Had a deeper for resonant sound. The Harmony was not as mellow with more treble.

I prefer the Kingston a little more probably due to the fact that I like a more mellow sound from my ukes.
 
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