I've been playing around with guitars for a while, but a camping trip with a friend and his ukulele sent me on the path toward the acquisition of yet another musical instrument.
I later bought a cheap uke so that I could: test it out, learn how to maintain/work on them, be able to travel with it, share it with others (without much worry), etc. Unfortunately, my ultimate purchase was a lemon; it soured me.
It was a Lanikai Kohala, which I think is Hawaiian for 'turd with strings,' also known as an U.S.O. All strings buzzed and the frets did not match the positions suggested by my handy fret spreadsheet. Impossible to tune. Totally unplayable and not worth a stick of gum.
Anyway, long story short: I am now in the market for a replacement. I am willing to pay what it takes to know that I have a good instrument of real value and potential to please.
I've read some people state that there is no difference between a $50 and $150, and from my experience there is not much difference between a $30 and a $50 uke. Following that logic, it is implied that anybody who is buying an uke $150 or under should spend no more than $30, because otherwise they are wasting their money. Well I've already had that $30 experience, so I would love some help in selecting my next uke without being a spendthrift.
Keep in mind that I am a beginner and not a connoisseur. I realize that while one made with koa is "authentic" that does not mean that it is "superior," and that authenticity comes with an inflated price. I do appreciate instruments that are pretty, but I tend towards a purist mentality (I want it to sound/look like it is supposed to). I suppose that I merely want to be fully satisfied in knowing that I have a quality instrument that sounds great, will last, and will retain value. That in mind, I can't imagine the need to spend more than $350 to satisfy my requirements, and I would hope/expect that there are quality instruments significantly under this price.
I have seen people suggest a variety of options, but there doesn't seem to be a consensus. I have compiled a small list of people's suggestions, shown below. I welcome any constructive feedback you all have to offer. BTW, I am looking for a concert uke of traditional shape.
KoAloha's Koalana, $165
Friction pegs, solid sapele (whatever that is). Simple in design, maybe lower end?
Ohana's CK-50, $250
Rosewood with cedar top, Friction Pegs. (some mentions of flat notes on lower frets). Very pretty instrument.
Mitchell's MU-100, $160
Geared tuners, koa laminate (less likelihood of cracking, is this a common problem?)
Many people say to steer clear from this mass produced offshoot of a major distributor (unfortunately, most companies are no different)
Kala's Mango, $240
Geared tuners. This might be a premium price for a pretty wood, instead of more money for better setup.
Kala's Koa/cedartop $236
Geared tuners. An interesting/attractive mix of wood. Good looking instrument.
Pono's Mahogany, $299
Geared tuners. This might be overboard for a beginner, I don't want to constantly worry about scuffing it.
Koa Pili Koko $259
Funny looking head cap w/geared tuners. Supposedly resembles Koa in sound and appearance.
So which one would you get? Are the more expensive ones worth the extra dough, or only for the ultra picky? I would love to hear from people who own these specific instruments, and would share any problems/complaints they have of them.
I've also noticed that MGM gives some of these tuneups, while he does not on others. Is this because it is necessary on some, and not necessary on the others? That might be an indicator of quality construction, if no alterations are necessary.
I later bought a cheap uke so that I could: test it out, learn how to maintain/work on them, be able to travel with it, share it with others (without much worry), etc. Unfortunately, my ultimate purchase was a lemon; it soured me.
It was a Lanikai Kohala, which I think is Hawaiian for 'turd with strings,' also known as an U.S.O. All strings buzzed and the frets did not match the positions suggested by my handy fret spreadsheet. Impossible to tune. Totally unplayable and not worth a stick of gum.
Anyway, long story short: I am now in the market for a replacement. I am willing to pay what it takes to know that I have a good instrument of real value and potential to please.
I've read some people state that there is no difference between a $50 and $150, and from my experience there is not much difference between a $30 and a $50 uke. Following that logic, it is implied that anybody who is buying an uke $150 or under should spend no more than $30, because otherwise they are wasting their money. Well I've already had that $30 experience, so I would love some help in selecting my next uke without being a spendthrift.
Keep in mind that I am a beginner and not a connoisseur. I realize that while one made with koa is "authentic" that does not mean that it is "superior," and that authenticity comes with an inflated price. I do appreciate instruments that are pretty, but I tend towards a purist mentality (I want it to sound/look like it is supposed to). I suppose that I merely want to be fully satisfied in knowing that I have a quality instrument that sounds great, will last, and will retain value. That in mind, I can't imagine the need to spend more than $350 to satisfy my requirements, and I would hope/expect that there are quality instruments significantly under this price.
I have seen people suggest a variety of options, but there doesn't seem to be a consensus. I have compiled a small list of people's suggestions, shown below. I welcome any constructive feedback you all have to offer. BTW, I am looking for a concert uke of traditional shape.
KoAloha's Koalana, $165
Friction pegs, solid sapele (whatever that is). Simple in design, maybe lower end?
Ohana's CK-50, $250
Rosewood with cedar top, Friction Pegs. (some mentions of flat notes on lower frets). Very pretty instrument.
Mitchell's MU-100, $160
Geared tuners, koa laminate (less likelihood of cracking, is this a common problem?)
Many people say to steer clear from this mass produced offshoot of a major distributor (unfortunately, most companies are no different)
Kala's Mango, $240
Geared tuners. This might be a premium price for a pretty wood, instead of more money for better setup.
Kala's Koa/cedartop $236
Geared tuners. An interesting/attractive mix of wood. Good looking instrument.
Pono's Mahogany, $299
Geared tuners. This might be overboard for a beginner, I don't want to constantly worry about scuffing it.
Koa Pili Koko $259
Funny looking head cap w/geared tuners. Supposedly resembles Koa in sound and appearance.
So which one would you get? Are the more expensive ones worth the extra dough, or only for the ultra picky? I would love to hear from people who own these specific instruments, and would share any problems/complaints they have of them.
I've also noticed that MGM gives some of these tuneups, while he does not on others. Is this because it is necessary on some, and not necessary on the others? That might be an indicator of quality construction, if no alterations are necessary.