What to buy next

I am looking for advice on my next uke, I purchased a cheap concert uke as my first and want to upgrade I mostly finger pick and find the concert scale suits me but could possibly do with wider string spacing, I don’t have a lot of options to try different ukes where I live my budget is approx 500 usd .

There’s plenty of ukes with wider string spacing these days. Would be great if you can provide more details as such, preferred top, back and sides. Since you mentioned you mostly finger pick, how about a cutaway for better access to the higher frets? I finger pick as well but I like the look of a symmetric body.

For 500 usd, I would suggest the Martin C1K. I have one myself and it’s perfect for finger picking. Quite a bargain for a full solid koa uke. It’s on extreme end of the plain side, some got a shock at how plain this uke is. For around $500, one would expect to get inlay and nice binding.

Specs in the link.
https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/ukulele/c1k-uke/

Selling at $509 currently.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C1KUKE--martin-c1k-concert-ukulele-koa

Have fun shopping!

Sounds like you should look at concerts with a 1.5" nut. I'd venture to say there aren't that many, especially in your price range, but here's one that should definitely be an upgrade and is well under budget:
https://www.theukulelesite.com/islander-solid-concert-msc-4.html

There are others - Kala Elite, Kanilea, Covered Bridge, but mostly well north of $500.

Could also check with David Hanson : https://cripplecreekmandolins.com/
He might can make you something for not too much more than that - ot sure what shipping Australia would be though

Badger uke said:

I am looking for advice on my next uke, I purchased a cheap concert uke as my first and want to upgrade I mostly finger pick and find the concert scale suits me but could possibly do with wider string spacing, I don’t have a lot of options to try different ukes where I live my budget is approx 500 usd .

Click to expand...

Listen to the sound samples at HMS. Your ears are the best recommendation if you want to be satisfied, and they list the specs for all models.

Probably a silly question but is it possible to make a nut with wider string spacing on a std neck thanks for the previous recommendations.

Providing the neck has enough width itself, yes you could cut your own nut.

At your price range, I'm inclined to suggest a KoAloha Opio.

(I bought a long neck Opio concert in acacia, & haven't felt a need for anything else since).

+1 on the Islander that Jim Hanks suggested. Another option that's a little higher than your budget if you can stretch is the Kanilea Oha with a solid Koa top/solid mahogany back & sides. Uke Republic has one for $750. They do good set-ups.

https://cargo.ukerepublic.com/product/kanile-a-oha-series-concert-ukulele-w-hard-case