Doc_J
Well-known member
Decided to change my office uke from a tenor to a baritone. My criteria was low cost ( in case it walks away), tolerable of 20%-80% RH, good sound and playability. ...... Found it.
The Kmise Mahogany laminate Baritone (available from Amazon with 85% giving 4/5 stars) was my selection. Bought it never hearing one or seeing one. For $53.99 (w/free shipping) with fairly good rating and reviews, thought it was worth a try.
The construction was nice overall, no construction flaws. Satin finish, bound "rosewood" fretboard and "rosewood" bridge. The upper bout sides near the neck and fretboard would benefit from a light going over with steel wool, to remove a little texture. But, it's not a problem. Decent but very plastic feeling geared tuners that work well.
But the good or great features of this baritone are good factory setup, smooth very playable neck, and excellent intonation. Scale is 20-inch. Neck is 1-3/8” at the nut.
The Aquila strings that came with it seemed to be for re-entrant C (?). But I'm not sure. They weren't a great choice for this baritone; didn't like them. So, they were replaced with Martin M630 (FC baritone strings, wound 3 &4). The tone is warm, clear, loud and resonant. It's not boxy or cheap sounding. Amazing. This sound is better than some baritones costing 10x or more. Have a listen:
Sound sample with Martin strings
https://app.box.com/s/7fmio6u5zli12zqooi4z78l14i3ejz6t
I’m happy with this Kmise baritone as my office uke, the sound and feel really surprised me.
For the price it is a bargain! It’s a nice, cheap baritone.
The Kmise Mahogany laminate Baritone (available from Amazon with 85% giving 4/5 stars) was my selection. Bought it never hearing one or seeing one. For $53.99 (w/free shipping) with fairly good rating and reviews, thought it was worth a try.
The construction was nice overall, no construction flaws. Satin finish, bound "rosewood" fretboard and "rosewood" bridge. The upper bout sides near the neck and fretboard would benefit from a light going over with steel wool, to remove a little texture. But, it's not a problem. Decent but very plastic feeling geared tuners that work well.
But the good or great features of this baritone are good factory setup, smooth very playable neck, and excellent intonation. Scale is 20-inch. Neck is 1-3/8” at the nut.
The Aquila strings that came with it seemed to be for re-entrant C (?). But I'm not sure. They weren't a great choice for this baritone; didn't like them. So, they were replaced with Martin M630 (FC baritone strings, wound 3 &4). The tone is warm, clear, loud and resonant. It's not boxy or cheap sounding. Amazing. This sound is better than some baritones costing 10x or more. Have a listen:
Sound sample with Martin strings
https://app.box.com/s/7fmio6u5zli12zqooi4z78l14i3ejz6t
I’m happy with this Kmise baritone as my office uke, the sound and feel really surprised me.
For the price it is a bargain! It’s a nice, cheap baritone.
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