Looking for a New 8-Stringer

Anybody know of any acoustic/electric 8-string ukes that are a step above the Lanikai/Kala instruments, but still under $1K other than a Mele? (Not that I have anything against Meles, I just want to know if there are other options out there.)

I've been playing a Lanikai O-8E for several years now, and I've recently started gigging with it. While packing equipment for my last gig, I realized that if something would happen to it, I don't have a backup 8-stringer. Now the sensible thing would be to buy another Lanikai as a backup, but I think it's high time to step up to a batter uke, and use the Lanikai as my backup.

Ans as much as I like the idea of having an all-Mahogany or Koa uke, for my purposes, a spruce top works best. I often play unplugged with anywhere from 5 to 15 guitarists, so loud and "not-mellow" is good. (I also use a banjo-uke in those situations, but it doesn't work on every song.)

Anyway, just curious if there's anything out there that I'm missing. Other than Mele, there seems to be a big gap between the $250-$300 ukes and the $1000-$1200 ukes in the 8-string department.

I know buying used is also an option, but I'm a bit skittish at the thought of giving something in the neighborhood of $1K to a stranger.

[...crickets...]

Yeah, that's what I thought.

I've been thinking about getting either a 6 or 8 string and was going to ask the same question. It's Lanikai, Kala, or uprgrade to Mele.

How about Pono?

http://www.theukulelesite.com/ukulelemarket/pono-mtd8-e

That Pono sounds awful sweet!

Thanks, Brian! Not sure how I missed the Pono. It looks like an excellent value. Heck it even has an adjustable truss rod! Though it looks like if I want a spruce top, I'll still be going with the Mele.

I was at a local shop yesterday and the owner handed me a Kala 8 string. It sound great, but I had to fight off a case of UAS. He just emailed me a offer that I may not be able to refuse.
http://kalaukulele.com.mytempweb.com/detail.asp?product_id=KA-8

I have owned two mele 6 strings. sold the first one and another mele to purchase a pono 8 stringer. Big mistake. though the pono was built better it didn't sound better. My second Mele 6 stinger was great. I am wanting to get another 8 stringer and I contacted ukerepublic (www.ukerepublic.com) about getting one of the sailor brand ukes in an 8 stringer. He said it is doable.

haolejohn said:

I have owned two mele 6 strings. sold the first one and another mele to purchase a pono 8 stringer. Big mistake. though the pono was built better it didn't sound better. My second Mele 6 stinger was great. I am wanting to get another 8 stringer and I contacted ukerepublic (www.ukerepublic.com) about getting one of the sailor brand ukes in an 8 stringer. He said it is doable.

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Cool! I've been thinking about Sailor ukes. Do you have any idea what the price point might be for a Sailor 8-string?

mds725 said:

Cool! I've been thinking about Sailor ukes. Do you have any idea what the price point might be for a Sailor 8-string?

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i don't. I figured it would be the same price markup as other companies charge from a 4 to 8.

Here's one on Hawaii craigslist...kinda expensive..but take a look..http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/msg/2433703365.html Good Luck..MM Stan

It's amazing how much they cost, I'm after an 8-string but I really can't justify spending that much on one. I really like the spruce top Lanikai but it costs more than I paid for my 12-string guitar. I'm tempted if I'm gonna spend a ton on one then to go for the Pono... but then I'd prob never afford it and I don't know much about them?

Another one at 850.00 kamaka white label too..http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/msg/2442628937.html

rock_and_roll_camera said:

It's amazing how much they cost, I'm after an 8-string but I really can't justify spending that much on one. I really like the spruce top Lanikai but it costs more than I paid for my 12-string guitar. I'm tempted if I'm gonna spend a ton on one then to go for the Pono... but then I'd prob never afford it and I don't know much about them?

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...you must have gotten a good deal on that guitar! I have the O-8E (the spruce top Lanikai with a pick up) and I think it is worth every penny. Love it.

FiL said:

Thanks, Brian! Not sure how I missed the Pono. It looks like an excellent value. Heck it even has an adjustable truss rod! Though it looks like if I want a spruce top, I'll still be going with the Mele.

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With the Pono, not sure you'd miss the spruce top a lot, except for looks. If it were me, I'd get the 8 string I wanted and have a MiSi installed.

mm stan said:

Another one at 850.00 kamaka white label too..http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/msg/2442628937.html

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Next time I come home, I goin look fo one.