Hey everyone,
So after two weeks of extensive research, I've managed to narrow it down a little bit. I'm definitely purchasing a laminate soprano. Additionally, I will be buying from a nearby music store called Elderly Instruments which does a nice set-up on all their instruments. My maximum budget is $100, though I'd like to spend less. I've never seriously played a string instrument, but I do have a musical background in French Horn. Now the important question-Which one to purchase?
The contestants (and my current thoughts on them):
Kohala AK-SL ($64.99)- Doesn't seem to the best brand. Low price, though.
Kala KA-S ($73.99)- Really like the sound of mahogany Kala ukes. Plus a nice starter one for a low price. However, on of the only ukes that Elderly Instruments doesn't do a full-set up on; only an inspection.
Fender Piha'ea ($79.99)- Seems to be a safe brand. Not sure if I like the sound.
Makai MK-70 ($85.00)- Another safe brand, especially for beginners. Like the idea of a solid top. Spruce though, not mahogany.
Kala KA-SEM ($96.99)- Another Kala (which does receive Expert Setup). However, unclear on the difference between Mahogany and Exotic Mahogany. Is it worth the price jump?
Gretsch G9100 ($99.00)- Very top of my price range. However, comes with a padded gig bag, which I very much like. Seems like a solid brand. Can't find much on this particular Ukulele, though. The couple demos I found sounded nice.
Particularly interested in the two Kala's and the Gretsch, along with any other tips or things to consider.
Sorry about the long post; thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out!
So after two weeks of extensive research, I've managed to narrow it down a little bit. I'm definitely purchasing a laminate soprano. Additionally, I will be buying from a nearby music store called Elderly Instruments which does a nice set-up on all their instruments. My maximum budget is $100, though I'd like to spend less. I've never seriously played a string instrument, but I do have a musical background in French Horn. Now the important question-Which one to purchase?
The contestants (and my current thoughts on them):
Kohala AK-SL ($64.99)- Doesn't seem to the best brand. Low price, though.
Kala KA-S ($73.99)- Really like the sound of mahogany Kala ukes. Plus a nice starter one for a low price. However, on of the only ukes that Elderly Instruments doesn't do a full-set up on; only an inspection.
Fender Piha'ea ($79.99)- Seems to be a safe brand. Not sure if I like the sound.
Makai MK-70 ($85.00)- Another safe brand, especially for beginners. Like the idea of a solid top. Spruce though, not mahogany.
Kala KA-SEM ($96.99)- Another Kala (which does receive Expert Setup). However, unclear on the difference between Mahogany and Exotic Mahogany. Is it worth the price jump?
Gretsch G9100 ($99.00)- Very top of my price range. However, comes with a padded gig bag, which I very much like. Seems like a solid brand. Can't find much on this particular Ukulele, though. The couple demos I found sounded nice.
Particularly interested in the two Kala's and the Gretsch, along with any other tips or things to consider.
Sorry about the long post; thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out!
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