replacing my first ukulele

vonbiber

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My first ukulele is a soprano Lanikai. It was pretty good for learning.
However after a few months of practicing I feel the need to get
a better instrument.
I saw some that looked nice (from the description) on the internet
but I'd rater buy from a store (so that I can test it).
In New York city the choice is rather limited but there are a couple
of places that sell the 'Martin S1 soprano'
I know about their guitars and I heard the ukes they made in the 20s
and 30s were great. I wondered about the current models (particularly
this one, I can't afford more expensive ones).
Has anybody played the S1?
 
Best of luck in your search. I've read good things about Martin in UU, including their newer ukes.
 
For the most part, have heard positive remarks about the new S1's. Lots of great used sopranos here at super prices.
 
+1 for Mandolin Bros. I have purchased a Martin guitar and 3 Kamakas from them. Although I have never been fortunate enough to physically go there, they really, really care about their internet customers. I am sure their face to face is also outstanding. They are nice people. So jealous that you could actually go there and try instruments out BEFORE you buy them! Lucky!

I am have not played an S1, but I am sure they could hook you up!
 
A couple of days ago I finally did it.
Got a Martin S1 soprano at Guitar Center on 14th St.
Just before, I went to Matt Umanov's on Bleeker St. and got me
a sopranino Ohana SK21M uke. They didn't have a gig bag for it though.
I was surprised at how loud it was. It can compete with some soprano
ukuleles that I heard.
Needless to say the Martin meets all my expectations in terms of sound, playability...
The question now is, when I strum, should I move closer to the sound hole as the fretboard
goes beyond the 12th fret?
 
Congrats on your new martin..play where is sounds good to you and comfortable...Generally I like to play around the 10th fret to 12 fret for the most times...not always though
but everyone is different and what type of sound you like....happy strummings...
 
My first ukulele is a soprano Lanikai. It was pretty good for learning.
However after a few months of practicing I feel the need to get
a better instrument.
I saw some that looked nice (from the description) on the internet
but I'd rater buy from a store (so that I can test it).
In New York city the choice is rather limited but there are a couple
of places that sell the 'Martin S1 soprano'
I know about their guitars and I heard the ukes they made in the 20s
and 30s were great. I wondered about the current models (particularly
this one, I can't afford more expensive ones).
Has anybody played the S1?


My friend lives in NYC (im in NJ) and works at a vintage shop that sells a lot of cool vintage martins
I can ask him for you if hes got anything. You would think living in the biggest city in the country you would
have a lot of stores and options. Anyway the lanikai is a great uke. I wouldn't sell it or throw it away it would
be a good uke to travel with if you get a higher end uke. I used to play a martin but sold it when i was
in need of rent money (i still regret it to this day). I play a lanikai soprano now, and also have a super cheap
diamond head beater. Anyway good luck finding something.
 
A couple of days ago I finally did it.
Got a Martin S1 soprano at Guitar Center on 14th St.
Just before, I went to Matt Umanov's on Bleeker St. and got me
a sopranino Ohana SK21M uke. They didn't have a gig bag for it though.
I was surprised at how loud it was. It can compete with some soprano
ukuleles that I heard.
Needless to say the Martin meets all my expectations in terms of sound, playability...
The question now is, when I strum, should I move closer to the sound hole as the fretboard
goes beyond the 12th fret?


Sorry didn't notice you got something until after I posted.
congrats !
 
I enjoyed reading these posts and looked up Google maps to see how far it is from New York city to Nazareth, where the Martin factory is. If I have input the correct information, Nazareth is only 85 miles due east from New York city, 1.5 hours drive. That is not much further than I need to drive to the music shop(s) in Perth which have a good range of ukuleles and accessories.
So can you go out to the Martin factory and buy factory direct?


No, you can not buy instruments at the Martin factory.


Scooter
 
But there is a music store right down the road which does sell Martin products.
 
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