Best new uke for under 400$?

Ataraxia · Aug 16, 2011

I'm just curious what everyone's opinion on this is. I know that there are tons of Mainland fans out there, and they do seem to put out a pretty solid instrument. What's everyone's favorite pick for tone/quality?

There are plenty of good quality, Hawaiian-made instruments in the 600+ range, so let's stay under 400$ here. I personally think the new Pono builds are pretty nice.

PhilUSAFRet · Aug 16, 2011

I'd go for a used Pono.....get a $650 Pono for $400 or less.....if you're real lucky. Seen some great used Big Islands, and you'll probably hear of a few more shortly.

Also check out new Pono Acacias coming soon to a dealer near you~~~~~

Here's a bargain

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pono-Custom-Del...826?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2566ce3472

Trinimon · Aug 17, 2011

Good question. Would people rate the Kala solid acacia or Ohana CK35 solid mahogany as good buys for under $400?

eculuke · Aug 17, 2011

Solid acacia is a great uke for that class and price range....I am only selling mine because I'm getting a K model to replace ($600)

Dan Uke · Aug 17, 2011

What size? type of wood, etc, There are many threads and I probably asked a similar question in the past. LOL

If it's a soprano, you can find lots for $400, if it's a tenor, not so much

itsme · Aug 17, 2011

"Best" is such a totally subjective word.

Waterguy · Aug 17, 2011

The sleeper uke in this category is gonna be the Islander line from Kanile'a. Solid Mahogany ukes for under 300 bucks with Kanile'a specs (laminate models available as well at a much lower price). Problem is, no one has had a chance to actually play with one much yet. Mine shows up in two days....(I hope).

Ataraxia · Aug 17, 2011

The Islanders certainly do look like a good deal for what they offer. I'm not crazy about the headstock decal, but they seem to sound pretty nice.

OldePhart · Aug 18, 2011

I'd say a used "K-brand" (possible if you're talking soprano). Barring that, my next choice would be a Mainland (I own three)...or a Kala solid wood set up by somebody who knows what they're doing (I owned one and set it up myself)...or an Ohana solid set up by somebody who knows what they're doing (based strictly on reputation, I haven't owned one).

There are other options in this price range but I don't have experience with them and reputations seem to be "mixed."

John

Best new uke for under 400$?

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