Wow, what a lot of great feedback and ideas, and especially the funny comments. I am actually not in any danger of UAS, no matter how many of you were hoping for another comrade in arms...
I have great resistance to collecting things unless I am confident that I will use them. Hence, the starter uke to see if I stick with it. The starter uke is getting more attention than the starter telescope that I bought a few months ago. So i am pretty sure that another prettier and better sounding uke is in my future. Not so much for the telescope....
I do live in Florida so, dryness is not likely an issue, but I am thinking it might still be wise to stay with laminate sides and back. I am hoping for a good balance between nice sound and "wash and wear". Just starting the thought processes, so am keeping options open. But I don't want something so expensive and fussy that I am a slave to its upkeep.
I also will look into the condition of my strings. They are the originals so certainly could be part of the small problem I am having. I had not thought of that. Thanks everyone who suggested it.
Ok, before I head for bed, here is my take on how many ukes I think may
eventually be
my max level, if I ever get to a place where I am doing more serious playing. One concert with high G, one with low G, and a tenor, and maayyyybe a cute little soprano for plane trips. Four max should do it. But seriously, that would be a long way down the road. Right now, I just want to focus on one good sounding one, and improving my playing. I see this venture as I do my photography hobby. I started with a consumer level DSLR until I knew what features I wanted that were lacking in the "starter" camera and then invested in the well featured model that fit my hands and my style to a tee. Have not succumbed to CAS (camera acquisition syndrome) because I upgraded to exactly what I wanted and what fit with my perception of my needs and skill level. My take is that I will wait until NatGeo comes knocking before I start blowing the big bucks on a high end pro model full frame with the $10k bazooka lens. Likewise, I want my new uke choice to meet my current needs and desires without blowing a hole in my purse.
Thanks again for all of your comments! You guys are the best.
Dale