Looking for a solid wood concert uke under 300$

vetcvm · Apr 20, 2019

Hi Uke fellows!

I am looking into buying a Concert uke, last year i bought a Pono Tenor and i'm super happy with it, by far the best uke i'v ever owned. i'v never had a really good quality Concert uke though and i feel this might be the time to finally own one. my budget is up to 300$ (will cost me closer to 400$ eventually with international shipping).

Are there any other good options out their other than Pono? i prefer warm mellow sound wood with great sustain, it has to solid wood, any thoughts and recommendations? cheers

Nickie · Apr 20, 2019

Hi,
Kala solid mahogany ukes are pretty darn good, I've owned one for 6+ years. I bought mine with an active pickup, and I have issues with batteries going dead when I forget to remove them after playing, but other than that it's been great.
Ohana Ukuleles may also have what you'd like, and I think Mainland makes a pretty fine solid mahogany concert uke in your price range. MY BFF has played one for over 2 years.
I'd check with MIMs Ukes, Mainland Ukes, or Republic Ukes....they are top notch sellers.
Happy hunting!

Croaky Keith · Apr 20, 2019

I like mahogany, I have 3 different Ohana ukes in solid mahogany, long neck soprano, tenor neck soprano, & tenor neck concert, they have a great tone & good sustain, I'm using fluorocarbon strings, gives a nice ring to them.

RafterGirl · Apr 20, 2019

HMS has a great deal on a solid mahogany Islander concert.
https://www.theukulelesite.com/shop-by/brand/islander/islander-solid-concert-msc-4.html

Jerryc41 · Apr 20, 2019

UU Marketplace, Fleamarket Marketplace, Reverb.com. I've found that used are usually just as good as new. People take care of their ukes. Even if it has a few marks, so what? Some people prefer the "experienced" look.

What country are you in?

UkingViking · Apr 20, 2019

Where are you located, since you will need international shipping?

Jerryc41 · Apr 20, 2019

RafterGirl said:
HMS has a great deal on a solid mahogany Islander concert.

I like those string pegs.

https://www.theukulelesite.com/shop-by/brand/islander/islander-solid-concert-msc-4.html

vetcvm · Apr 20, 2019

RafterGirl said:
HMS has a great deal on a solid mahogany Islander concert.
https://www.theukulelesite.com/shop-by/brand/islander/islander-solid-concert-msc-4.html

Thanks! That is a great deal indeed! didn't know Islander had a "solid wood" line at all, i did buy my Pono from them and was very happy with the setup as well so at the moment this is probably the most tempting option!

Another option i was looking into is the concert Mahogany Mainland, does anyone knows how it compares to the Islander?

I am based in Israel by the way, so international shipping adds around 60$ to the price....

RafterGirl · Apr 20, 2019

vetcvm said:
Thanks! That is a great deal indeed! didn't know Islander had a "solid wood" line at all, i did buy my Pono from them and was very happy with the setup as well so at the moment this is probably the most tempting option!

Another option i was looking into is the concert Mahogany Mainland, does anyone knows how it compares to the Islander?

I am based in Israel by the way, so international shipping adds around 60$ to the price....

Islander is Kanilea's import line, so it will have the wider 1.5 inch nut and very comfortable neck profile than Kanilea is known for. I have an all laminate Islander soprano that sounds very nice. It has a much mellower tone than many sopranos, so their concert may follow suit in that respect. It's nice to hear the sound sample on HMS. I have no experience with Mainland, but lots of people like them. I think Mainland are gloss finish and that Islander is satin if that matters to you.

Swamp Yankee · Apr 20, 2019

vetcvm said:
Thanks! That is a great deal indeed! didn't know Islander had a "solid wood" line at all, i did buy my Pono from them and was very happy with the setup as well so at the moment this is probably the most tempting option!

Another option i was looking into is the concert Mahogany Mainland, does anyone knows how it compares to the Islander?

I am based in Israel by the way, so international shipping adds around 60$ to the price....

I have experience with a solid mahogany Islander tenor and two solid wood Mainland sopranos, including the mahogany classic. Knowing examples from both makers, I would jump on that deal at HMS on the Islander ...

The only reason I sold my Islander was to help raise $1200 for my Kiwaya tenor.
I sold the Mainlands because I didn't like them.
YMMV

mm stan · Apr 21, 2019

You get what you pay for, I suggest you save up for a good ukulele

TobyDog · Apr 21, 2019

Here's another vote for the Islander concert at HMS. Excellent price on it.

I had one briefly and really liked it - the only reason I sold it was that while I was waiting for it to arrive.... I fell into a beautiful Koaloha (old style) that was too good to pass up. I don't need 2 concerts, so I sold the Islander.

vetcvm · Apr 21, 2019

Thank you so much everyone for the insight, i just ordered the Islander from HMS, from my experience with them it will probably take a little over a month until i get it but i am in no hurry, i will let you guys know what i think as soon as i get it!

Jerryc41 · Apr 21, 2019

vetcvm said:
Thank you so much everyone for the insight, i just ordered the Islander from HMS, from my experience with them it will probably take a little over a month until i get it but i am in no hurry, i will let you guys know what i think as soon as i get it!

Good choice! Enjoy it!

vetcvm · May 7, 2019

Surprising happy update:

they made a mistake with my order and i got a Koaloha Opio concert (acacia) instead! the shop is ok with me keeping it without paying the difference so it looks like i hit a mini jackpot here! the uke has an amazing sound!

rainbow21 · May 7, 2019

That's a great upgrade! Enjoy your new uke!

Gmontema · May 7, 2019

vetcvm said:
Surprising happy update:

they made a mistake with my order and i got a Koaloha Opio concert (acacia) instead! the shop is ok with me keeping it without paying the difference so it looks like i hit a mini jackpot here! the uke has an amazing sound!

What an amazing upgrade. Lucky you!

DownUpDave · May 7, 2019

vetcvm said:
Surprising happy update:

they made a mistake with my order and i got a Koaloha Opio concert (acacia) instead! the shop is ok with me keeping it without paying the difference so it looks like i hit a mini jackpot here! the uke has an amazing sound!

Jackpot is right, congratulations. I just came upon this thread and was worried about you choicing the Islander. The reason for that was because of the 1-1/2" nut width as opposed to your Ponos 1-3/8". Many people myself included don't do well going from one nut width to a wider one. The Koaloha Opio is an amazing instrument with a killer tone........you done did good.

RafterGirl · May 7, 2019

Wow, that's awesome. What a great "mistake." Enjoy your Opio. I'm partial to KoAlohas myself.

glennerd · May 7, 2019

DownUpDave said:
Jackpot is right, congratulations. I just came upon this thread and was worried about you choicing the Islander. The reason for that was because of the 1-1/2" nut width as opposed to your Ponos 1-3/8". Many people myself included don't do well going from one nut width to a wider one. The Koaloha Opio is an amazing instrument with a killer tone........you done did good.

Interestingly (and a bit disappointing to me), I had an Islander tenor and while the nut was 1.5", the string spacing was not particularly wide at 28.7mm.

Looking for a solid wood concert uke under 300$

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