I only buy a lam when it sounds lovely on the very same day that I try it out, prior to purchase. My lams don't change, nor would I want them to do so.
My ukes with perfect-sounding solid tops do change when played a LOT (thus becoming even more better perfecter) -- especially the cedar tops. My theory: solid topwood has growth lines. Vibration of the topwood flexes those lines so that the topwood can move more freely, & be better synergized** to that uke's sounds. (YEMV**)
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*Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts.
**Your Ears May Vary
Thank you for your comment
I envy you living there. It must be nice to visit the many shops full of ukuleles where you can audition many instruments and decide on the best. In Vermont my options are limited so mail order is really the only option. I agree with you on cedar. I have a cedar topped concert uke I like very much and am hoping to find one in tenor size. A member of a ukulele club I attend lent me their ohana TK 80 with port orford cedar top and oregon myrtle solid back and sides. It was the most delightful instrument I have ever played.