I’ve only been playing ukulele for six months, started out with a Makala soprano, then “upgraded” to an Oscar Schmidt OU7T that I never liked because it has no volume at all.
So after reading these boards for a while, I decided to get an Islander. Fortunately, I was able to try out the MSC-4 at Acoustic Vibes in Tempe AZ and liked it enough to buy it for $215. It’s fair to say that I get buyers remorse more often than not, but this has turned out to be one of my happiest purchases. I like the way the MSC-4 looks, simple and classy, and I love the way it sounds even more. It’s warm and rich with plenty of volume (it’s made the OU7T unplayable for me). Strumming it with the meaty part of my thumb makes it sound almost as though it’s amplified, but very clean and warm. It inspires me to practice every night, and I have to admit my feelings for it are almost unnatural. It’s a joy to hold and play.
I went back to Acoustic Vibes last week with every intention of buying a new Martin Koa C1K or T1K if I liked it. After playing the Martins and some Islanders in the shop, I just liked tone of the Islanders more (I hate to say it but the Martins sounded a bit cold and thin to me -- it may have been the strings, which I did not like at all). I played about 10 ukes while I was there, and my clear favorite was a Kanile’a K-1 concert. But is it $500 better than the Islander? Not at my current salary. (Though I’ve begun to have thoughts about it with that sexy glossy finish.)
I know this is all subjective, especially for a uke noob like me, so take this review for what it’s worth. But I did want to thank all of those who recommended Islanders. They really are awesome instruments at a great price.
So after reading these boards for a while, I decided to get an Islander. Fortunately, I was able to try out the MSC-4 at Acoustic Vibes in Tempe AZ and liked it enough to buy it for $215. It’s fair to say that I get buyers remorse more often than not, but this has turned out to be one of my happiest purchases. I like the way the MSC-4 looks, simple and classy, and I love the way it sounds even more. It’s warm and rich with plenty of volume (it’s made the OU7T unplayable for me). Strumming it with the meaty part of my thumb makes it sound almost as though it’s amplified, but very clean and warm. It inspires me to practice every night, and I have to admit my feelings for it are almost unnatural. It’s a joy to hold and play.
I went back to Acoustic Vibes last week with every intention of buying a new Martin Koa C1K or T1K if I liked it. After playing the Martins and some Islanders in the shop, I just liked tone of the Islanders more (I hate to say it but the Martins sounded a bit cold and thin to me -- it may have been the strings, which I did not like at all). I played about 10 ukes while I was there, and my clear favorite was a Kanile’a K-1 concert. But is it $500 better than the Islander? Not at my current salary. (Though I’ve begun to have thoughts about it with that sexy glossy finish.)
I know this is all subjective, especially for a uke noob like me, so take this review for what it’s worth. But I did want to thank all of those who recommended Islanders. They really are awesome instruments at a great price.