WTB: High-quality solid concert “beater”

Shaw · May 17, 2019

I have my eyes open for a uke that I can take anywhere without worry, but that will play great. The uglier the better! Scratches, dings, finish flaws, screw holes, repaired cracks… I’m open to anything as long as the quality is good and it feels and sounds nice.

I’m looking for:

Concert size
All solid wood back and sides (open to different woods)
High-quality build
Ready to play (not looking for a project)
Hardshell case (open to buying one separately of course, but thought I’d ask)

No specific budget in mind—I'll pay a fair price based on the quality and imperfections—I’m just curious what this group might have. Thanks in advance!

Update: I’ve decided I’m open to a tenor also. No soprano or baritone please.

hotdogfingers · May 17, 2019

sent you a pm

kkimura · May 17, 2019

You know a "beater" is as much a state of mind as it is a physical thing. You could just buy a concert you like then "beat" it. The physical appearance will come over time and reflect all your experiences with it. Prime example, Willie Nelson didn't find Trigger, he ended up with it.

Shaw · May 17, 2019

hotdogfingers said:
sent you a pm

Thanks for the PM. I sent you one back.

Shaw · May 17, 2019

kkimura said:
You know a "beater" is as much a state of mind as it is a physical thing. You could just buy a concert you like then "beat" it. The physical appearance will come over time and reflect all your experiences with it. Prime example, Willie Nelson didn't find Trigger, he ended up with it.

Fantastic point and I definitely respect that. I love seeing that kind of character develop in an heirloom object, but I’m not there yet on my ukulele journey. I travel a lot and will probably be moving every couple years for a good stretch, so chances are good that a solid wood instrument might get ruined in the process, but I’m a glutton for good feel, tone, and sustain. I also have a touch of the OCD and have a hard time putting the first scratch on a new instrument, but don’t mind it if someone else has. Throw in a dash of cheap, and that’s my case for finding pleasure in an imperfect player.

Shaw · May 17, 2019

Updated to reflect that I’m also open to a tenor. Thanks!

pix.fairydust · May 17, 2019

I'm UK based and guessing you're overseas but I have the "beater" in my signature. PM sent - probably isn't what you're looking for, still in great condition, but messaged anyway.

shanmoon · May 17, 2019

I've got an Ohana CK-470G, it's a limited edition solid wood, spruce top, rosewood body, gloss, with an L.R. Baggs pickup. Bought it a few months ago from Mim. It was sold as b-stock due to some faint scratches in the gloss on the headstock and back that she almostly completely buffed out, if you are interested. It's a very nice little uke, but I have 3 concerts with this tonewood combo (the ohana, a moon bird, and a pono), which is a bit excessive even for my extreme UAS!

Shaw · May 18, 2019

Responded to your PMs. Thanks!

wdonley · May 18, 2019

I’ve got a Mele solid mahogany pineapple concert for sale. Nice shape, not perfect. Nice heavily padded gig case. $225 shipped conus

PhilUSAFRet · May 18, 2019

Wow, wish I was buying instead of selling. You should be able to find an inexpensively priced KPK concert. Built like a tank, yet loud, rich and resonant. Projection awesome.

jimafornia · May 19, 2019

I bought a concert flea for my beater figuring it could take any punishment, but have since added an RC ST Concert (the cheap version with laminate sides and back) and it plays and sounds so good, I think I'll upgrade to a solid wood model and keep it for my beater. I guess I'm a little OCD too, because I hate to give it its first ding, but it's my least expensive uke and the best sounding, so maybe a beater in the making. For the price, I don't know if you could do better.

WTB: High-quality solid concert “beater”

Shaw

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hotdogfingers

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kkimura

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Shaw

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Shaw

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Shaw

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pix.fairydust

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shanmoon

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Shaw

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wdonley

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PhilUSAFRet

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