Fingerpicker--best uke for under $500

diasuke · Oct 1, 2016

Hello there,

I just sold my mainland red cedar/rosewood concert. Nothing wrong with it, I just got tired of playing it I guess. I'm looking for something new under $500.

As you can see from the videos below I am a banjo player who fingerpicks the uke.

Which uke is best for me as a fingerpicker? I also play with a guitar on occasion. I'm open to all sizes/woods but seem to be partial to concert or tenor sizes because I need the volume.

I hope I didn't just get rid of the best uke for me--my Mainland. If I did, I'll just buy another...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYEkLt11T7g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMFWtxFWRd8

WCBarnes · Oct 1, 2016

Not to sound too flippant, but whatever uke you have is the best one. I fingerpick on my sopranos, concerts and baritones. It is my preferred method of playing. The only reason I don't list tenor is because I no longer have one, but I did on that when I owned one as well. I would recommend you find a uke you like and go with it!

Croaky Keith · Oct 1, 2016

Maybe try an Ohana CK35L - tenor neck, concert body, solid mahogany - I just got one & rather like it, (I also bought an Ohana SK30L to keep it company).

PhilUSAFRet · Oct 1, 2016

To me, which uke is less important than the most comfortable scale length for you, and the height of the action. Next would be strings that feel good to you. Again, for my $, the best uke under $500 would be a great quality used one that would normally sell for a whole lot more new.

diasuke · Oct 1, 2016

I have no objection to a used Uke, in fact I rather prefer one. Any suggestions from the marketplace ?

GregT · Oct 4, 2016

I too play the 5-string banjo. For me, without question, a Pomo baritone is the best fit for your needs and budget.

SoloRule · Oct 4, 2016

I recommend tiny tenor by RC and approved by Daniel Ho! The strings spacing are wider comparing to other built ! It's meant for finger style
I really regret selling mine
It's super comfortable. Didn't even need a strap. Light weight and mobile
HMS carries them. It's fit your budget

sculptor · Oct 5, 2016

diasuke said:
Hello there,

I just sold my mainland red cedar/rosewood concert. Nothing wrong with it, I just got tired of playing it I guess. I'm looking for something new under $500.

As you can see from the videos below I am a banjo player who fingerpicks the uke.

Which uke is best for me as a fingerpicker? I also play with a guitar on occasion. I'm open to all sizes/woods but seem to be partial to concert or tenor sizes because I need the volume.

I hope I didn't just get rid of the best uke for me--my Mainland. If I did, I'll just buy another...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYEkLt11T7g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMFWtxFWRd8

Aren't you really just asking what's the best Uke for under $500?

For what it's worth I own a Pono MT and a Cordoba 30 series Ukulele
and both can be had for under $500 from HMS. My aim was to buy bargain
priced professional quality instruments.

Gary

Patrick Madsen · Oct 5, 2016

For 500. for myself, would be used

KanePono · Oct 6, 2016

I own a Cordoba 32T that I think is excellent for finger picking; mostly because of the wider nut (1.5") and relative volume. However it is not my favorite for strumming. In a mix with other players it seems to standout a bit much. I'm still looking for the perfect Uke for my style - but I don't think it is anywhere to be found. I just played a "Kimo" tenor ukulele at Hale Ukulele in San Diego. Very beautiful instrument, wonderful tone and very good playability at a fair price for a small custom builder. When im ready for a high end instrument, the Kimo will get another look.

PTOEguy · Oct 6, 2016

Under $500 - play every uke you can lay your hands on and see what speaks to you. Under $500 I love my flea, but I've run into the occasional laminate or other random uke that knocks my socks off.

DebRocks · Oct 6, 2016

My KoAloha Opio sapele concert sounds great when finger picked. It was $405 on The Ukulele Site. I did a lot of listening to sound samples of ukes in my budget before landing on it. I also have a concert fluke which sounds really nice when picked.

You can get a uke that sounds pretty good for your budget. As to playability for fingerpicking, there's no substitute for trying ukes out, if you can, before you buy one.

Django · Oct 8, 2016

There is a Kiwaya KTS-5 in the marketplace. It is in your price range including shipping. I am also a guitar and banjo player, fingerstyle and clawhammer, but for some reason, I prefer the soprano ukulele. The KTS-5 is solid Mahogany and looks like a Martin 0, but with an extended fingerboard. Kiwaya ukuleles are very expressive and I have 3 of them. Good luck in your search.

Kayak Jim · Oct 8, 2016

I have a Mainland red cedar/ rosewood and find it very loud with the stock Aquila strings (and I prefer fluorocarbon strings on my other ukes).

So if loud is what you're looking for....

kkimura · Oct 8, 2016

Try an Eastman. All solid mahogany and nice low action (at least on the one I have).

Fingerpicker--best uke for under $500

diasuke

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WCBarnes

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Croaky Keith

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PhilUSAFRet

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diasuke

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GregT

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sculptor

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Patrick Madsen

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