Sassafrass
New member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2012
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Hi all,
I'm definitely a noobie to the Uke world, but I'm hooked!
I had purchased a Lanikai 21T as my first Uke, but after taking a free intro lession, my instructor pointed out that there were a few major defects that required I return it. I'm sure I got a lemon (as some people preach their love for this model), but it made me start looking at a few other options.
Unfortunately, there are only 3 stores for trying/buying locally where I live. There is a mom-and-pop music store, but they have a VERY limited selection of tenors (actually only keep one in stock at a time). After that, I'm afraid its between Sam Ash and GC - both of which also have a limited number of tenors to try out.
Any recommendations for a great starting-out Uke, is GREATLY appreciated as I am very limited in what is available locally to try out, as well as just not having enough knowledge myself to feel confident in my purchase.
OPTIONS:
1. Lanikai Solid Zebrawood Tenor (SZW-T) $160 / Originally $300+ (~$145 with Coupon)
This is almost half of its typical price, plus I have a $20 off coupon for GC. When I went to Sam Ash to try out a zebrawood, they only had another brand/size. Sam Ash went to do a price match, but only came back to tell me "sorry" and that they believe this is a discontinued model (but how much does that really matter?). Also they kept telling me that the "open tuners" is an antiquated type of tuner (trying to steer me to another model that GC coincidentally did not sale). There is pragmatic side of me that thinks, "too good to be true" - but then there is the hopeful side of me that thinks, "I found a great deal!"
2. Kala Exotic Mahogany Tenor (KA-TEM) ~$133
It was between this and the traditional mahogany (KA-T), but I thought this one looked snazzy!
3. Kala Solid Spruce Travel Tenor (KA-SSTU-T) ~$195
For some bizarre reason I kept coming back to the sound this sucker produced! Amazing projection and such a mellow tone. I don't know if a travel is really the way to "start out" on a Uke? The local stores didn't have any other solid-spruce to try out, so I was thinking that its more the make versus the travel aspect that is causing the "tone" aspect I love. If so, then there is option #4...
4. Kala Solid Spruce Tenor
I really wish there was a local option to try this bad-boy out! This would be a "blind" purchase. ~$182
I'm falling more in love with the Uke every day... and I am getting impatient about finally getting a good, sturdy, smart decision (on my pathetic grad-student budget).
TIA for any help,
Jenny
I'm definitely a noobie to the Uke world, but I'm hooked!
I had purchased a Lanikai 21T as my first Uke, but after taking a free intro lession, my instructor pointed out that there were a few major defects that required I return it. I'm sure I got a lemon (as some people preach their love for this model), but it made me start looking at a few other options.
Unfortunately, there are only 3 stores for trying/buying locally where I live. There is a mom-and-pop music store, but they have a VERY limited selection of tenors (actually only keep one in stock at a time). After that, I'm afraid its between Sam Ash and GC - both of which also have a limited number of tenors to try out.
Any recommendations for a great starting-out Uke, is GREATLY appreciated as I am very limited in what is available locally to try out, as well as just not having enough knowledge myself to feel confident in my purchase.
OPTIONS:
1. Lanikai Solid Zebrawood Tenor (SZW-T) $160 / Originally $300+ (~$145 with Coupon)
This is almost half of its typical price, plus I have a $20 off coupon for GC. When I went to Sam Ash to try out a zebrawood, they only had another brand/size. Sam Ash went to do a price match, but only came back to tell me "sorry" and that they believe this is a discontinued model (but how much does that really matter?). Also they kept telling me that the "open tuners" is an antiquated type of tuner (trying to steer me to another model that GC coincidentally did not sale). There is pragmatic side of me that thinks, "too good to be true" - but then there is the hopeful side of me that thinks, "I found a great deal!"
2. Kala Exotic Mahogany Tenor (KA-TEM) ~$133
It was between this and the traditional mahogany (KA-T), but I thought this one looked snazzy!
3. Kala Solid Spruce Travel Tenor (KA-SSTU-T) ~$195
For some bizarre reason I kept coming back to the sound this sucker produced! Amazing projection and such a mellow tone. I don't know if a travel is really the way to "start out" on a Uke? The local stores didn't have any other solid-spruce to try out, so I was thinking that its more the make versus the travel aspect that is causing the "tone" aspect I love. If so, then there is option #4...
4. Kala Solid Spruce Tenor
I really wish there was a local option to try this bad-boy out! This would be a "blind" purchase. ~$182
I'm falling more in love with the Uke every day... and I am getting impatient about finally getting a good, sturdy, smart decision (on my pathetic grad-student budget).
TIA for any help,
Jenny