I didn't mean "best". of course there is no best American luthier.
1. What size you use/looking for?---I would say concert, but most people seem to think of a concert as a much bigger instrument than a soprano. My Tengi is (i think) quite small for a concert (though not thin--the body is pretty wide..). I'd say a small concert--like Glyph's mezzo soprano.
2. What price range?---I am not taking my parents money at all for this possible project, so it is limited to $1500(though that is not cheap). I play violin, and am thinking that if I busk in NYC every weekend for a while, I will have enough money.
3. What sound you are looking for?-My tengi has a mellow, sweet and broad tone (which I love), but as you guys probably know, he was known for bad cosmetic quality. Not only is mine cosmetically challenged, but it also has a out of tune fretboard (it needs a new fingerboard). We already had a nut adjustment, along with a new bridge, but this uke still needs work. In terms of sound, I want a loud ukulele that is somewhere in the middle--a nice broad tone, but with enough clarity to be heard out. Also, I want the highs to really stand out.
4. What music style you are thinking to play?---I play classical and bluegrass violin. I also write alot of my own stuff, which is a combo of many things. I also do a bunch of other genres (pop, Jazz, ext...). In terms of this, I don't know what to say. I know that I mostly play melodies...thats why I want a uke with a bit more of a tenor-alto range.
5. How many time you have your fist uke?--My dad got it when I 9...Its what got me into playing the instrument.
6. What kind of design format your are looking for?---Something like Jake Shimubukuro's headstock, a bit of a more square lower curve (below the soundhole....I don't know what to call it...), and of course, in a smaller size. In terms of woods, I have no clue.