Another "What to buy" thread

I have a Hilo Soprano and a Kala KA-TG. I love the rich sound of the Tenor and how mellow it is. I kinda feel like it has lost a bit of the "Uke" sound when compared to the soprano, though.

My next binge on UAS was going to be the Mainland Long Neck Concert Pineapple because it is the pineapple shape and has a concert body (more "uke-ness") but still has the Tenor neck. I also feel like I want to go to a solid wood uke.

NOW I have been approached to help out a little with a band. Nothing big, just playing a little backup to flush out mandolin and guitar. I would like to do something where I can plug into an amp rather than have a mic by my sound hole.

In looking at Ukes with pickups, so far I love the look of the Kala Arch Top. It is BEAUTIFUL and I love the gloss finish.

My problem is I already own a Kala. Is that dumb to not want another because I already have one?

So, I am looking for something along the lines of a concert sized uke with pickups, not just an electric uke. I like a glossy finish and I don't mind unique looks!

As for my price range, I need to stay under $350. Anyone have a favorite that falls in that range?

Thanks!

I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting another Kala, if you're happy with it. I love my Kala, but personally, I find it more exciting to change brands each time I purchase. MAkes it more interesting.

Nickie said:

I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting another Kala, if you're happy with it. I love my Kala, but personally, I find it more exciting to change brands each time I purchase. MAkes it more interesting.

Click to expand...

I'm with you... I like my Kala and that archtop is lovely, but I kinda want to get something from a different mfg.

BasicUke said:

My next binge on UAS was going to be the Mainland Long Neck Concert Pineapple because it is the pineapple shape and has a concert body (more "uke-ness") but still has the Tenor neck. I also feel like I want to go to a solid wood uke.

Click to expand...

Did you ask Mike @Mainland how much it would cost to install a pickup on the Pineapple?
http://shop.mainlandukuleles.com/category.sc?categoryId=7

HMS charges $100 to install a passive pickup:
http://www.theukulelesite.com/islander-solid-concert-msc-4.html

I'll bet Mim has a few options:
http://stores.ebay.com/Mims-Ukes/Co...3947014&_sid=1003700084&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

great options from Drew above. I've heard too many lukewarm reviews of the archtop kala's to offer any encouragment for you in that direction...but yeah, a pickup installation should only really set you back $100 max..you can buy K & K's for $40 and have it installed by any ol guitar tech super quick. My advice is to have a little more of a shop around...

In addition to those links that drew listed, check out these too:

elderly instruments http://elderly.com/departments/ukulele

uke republic http://cargo.ukerepublic.com/category/ukuleles

happy shopping bro, all the best with it!

Yeah the archtop Kala is such a frustrating beast. It looks the business, and it feels very comfortable to play. It's a bit dead unplugged, which we'd all happily forgive, because it's meant to look awesome, and it feels awesome, and it's supposed to be plugged in anyway, right? Well, that's the fail, the electronics. And good luck replacing them with those f-holes there.

Eleuke makes a solid body with F-holes, but it's somehow not the same, although the sound is so much better.

Why don't you get an Eleuke--there is a tenor hollow body and I understand the electronic parts are very good. Mim sells them and she's a UU member.

Plainsong said:

Eleuke makes a solid body with F-holes, but it's somehow not the same, although the sound is so much better.

Click to expand...

I saw that. It does look pretty nice, but sure not as cool! I'll keep it in mind as an alternative. I don't like the idea that you have to have an amp to play (or earbuds! )

Gwynedd said:

Why don't you get an Eleuke--there is a tenor hollow body and I understand the electronic parts are very good. Mim sells them and she's a UU member.

Click to expand...

I have that on my list of backups. It seems like a niche thing though... I won't be on stage much, so it won't be like i need electronics often... Maybe if I played one I'd change my mind.

I'll research them more. Thanks for the suggestion!

Drew Bear said:

Did you ask Mike @Mainland how much it would cost to install a pickup on the Pineapple?
http://shop.mainlandukuleles.com/category.sc?categoryId=7

HMS charges $100 to install a passive pickup:
http://www.theukulelesite.com/islander-solid-concert-msc-4.html

I'll bet Mim has a few options:
http://stores.ebay.com/Mims-Ukes/Co...3947014&_sid=1003700084&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Click to expand...

I hadn't thought of that! Great idea!

Electric Pineapple! Checking now...

eugene ukulele said:

great options from Drew above. I've heard too many lukewarm reviews of the archtop kala's to offer any encouragment for you in that direction...but yeah, a pickup installation should only really set you back $100 max..you can buy K & K's for $40 and have it installed by any ol guitar tech super quick. My advice is to have a little more of a shop around...

In addition to those links that drew listed, check out these too:

elderly instruments http://elderly.com/departments/ukulele

uke republic http://cargo.ukerepublic.com/category/ukuleles

happy shopping bro, all the best with it!

Click to expand...

And Elderly is within driving distance. I will be in Atlanta in June.... Hmmn...