Recommendations: Soprano Pineapple Ukulele for studio recording

Hey guys,

I own a collection of ukuleles (both Sopranos and Baritones), but I don't really have anything I would consider "High end".

I'm looking to hit the recording studio to do a ukulele album.
Since I'll be using very high end equipment to record this, it'd be a waste if I didn't use a spectacular sounding instrument to match that.

What are some of my options (Pineapple Soprano specifically) within the under $500 mark?

PS: I'm absolutely OK with something used, even if it's old and worn out. Prioritising sound and playability over aesthetics.


Many thanks!

I sometimes see used Kamaka pineapples on eBay or Reverb at a decent price. Maybe you could find a good deal.

I have no experience with them myself, but I've heard good things about Mele ukuleles. I think they sell primarily through eBay, and a quick search right now for Mele pineapple soprano brings up two new ones at your price range. An all koa model at $499 and an all mahogany one at $299.

I think used is a great way to get higher end ukuleles, but in my experience, old Kamakas are hit or miss in sound, and I would want to play the specific uke I was going to purchase before buying.

Mainland also comes to mind well within your budget. I haven't tried their mango models (although I hear good things), but I'd recommend their cedar/rosewood over their mahogany ukuleles.

I started to edit my comment, but just decided to make another post.

For what it's worth, many players don't consider ukuleles under $500 as "high end," although starting at around the $300 or $400 mark may be considered more "serious" ukuleles. And there are fantastic options at that price range. But those options are somewhat narrowed by specifying a soprano and greatly narrowed by specifying a pineapple. Pono, for example, makes great pineapple ukuleles under $500, but I haven't seen any in soprano size. If you don't mind moving up to a concert, I would highly recommend the Pono mango pineapple. Especially for recording, since Ponos tend to be quieter, something easily compensated for in a studio.

In any case, what is or isn't serious or high end or studio-worthy is likely a very contentious topic, and I'm trying to report my impressions of general attitudes rather than my own opinion. And while an amazing musician can make a cheap instrument sound amazing, most artists don't want their instruments to be the limiting factor in the quality of music they produce.

Also, I didn't want to sound like I was contradicting EDW's suggestion to get a used Kamaka. It's a good suggestion, since that's probably one of the only "high end" pineapple sopranos that might be gotten under $500. But I would advise trying it out first if possible, or having a return option.

One other suggestion is the Romero Creations XS Soprano in mahogany or mango. I don't know their availability, but I think they are just under $500 and sound great (at least when demoed by Daniel Ho). They aren't a traditional pineapple shape, so I don't know if that works for you. Hope that helps.

Thanks so much for the responses, guys!

It is such a funny coincidence that I'm looking at 2 different ukuleles to consider on eBay at the moment and they are both the exact ukuleles both EDW and snowdenn just mentioned.

I'd be stretching it to the AUD$650 mark in this case. I'm not allowed to post links here unfortunately so I can only describe them here.

Which of the two would be the better option?

- Pono Mango Deluxe Pineapple Concert Ukulele w/ hardcase (AUD$600)

OR

- Vintage Kamaka Pineapple Ukulele (has a crack line under the bridge) w/ hardcase (AUD$650)

Bill1 said:

Look on Gumtree
www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/wentworthvi...ple-ukulele-in-brand-new-hard-case/1236850924

Click to expand...

Is that a good buy? Considering the crack it has, does it look deep enough to affect the tone?

Between the two ukes, it's tough to say without playing them. Especially the vintage Kamaka. In my experience, Ponos seem pretty consistent, so I feel comfortable saying their deluxe mango pineapple concert has a really great tone, though not as loud as I like. Also, the neck shape is larger than I prefer, but that's personal preference.

These two ukuleles are going to produce pretty different sounds, as the construction, wood, and size are different. I'm not sure if you're after a particular sound, but if you are, then maybe you should also consider non-pineapple sopranos. Having played two vintage Kamakas side by side, I think a figure 8 shaped Kamaka would sound more like the Kamaka pineapple than this Pono would. Or if you just like the idea of recording with a pineapple ukulele, the Pono is an excellent option, though again, I can't say it's better or worse than the Kamaka without first hearing them.

But they are going to sound pretty different. The Kamaka should give you a more traditional Hawaiian sound. And the Pono's sound will be a little sweeter, from my experience. Sound samples of the Pono should be easy to find online. I haven't searched for vintage Kamaka sound samples, and I'm not sure how representative that would be for their vintage ukuleles.

Also, I doubt that a crack will make any noticeable difference in tone. Someone can correct me if I'm mistaken, but as far as I know, cracks are really only problematic because unchecked they can lead to the instrument falling apart. Which is a big problem, but if a crack didn't grow or cause any other problems, I don't think it would affect the sound.