Greetings,
I'm yet another newbie hunting for a Ukulele and would love some input if anyone is willing. Normally I would obsessively try out every instrument in a local store, but it's not possible. I know I'm taking a chance, but I'm impatient and going to a store won't be an option for a while so I appreciate any info that will help me make a decision.
My budget is a pretty firm $175 - $235...ish-ish. I don't really want to go higher right now but I would like an instrument good enough to give me a good experience and last into an intermediate stage.
After reading up a lot and listening to a whole bunch of videos, i've come up with a wish list that is probably pretty standard.
I'm sure there are many Ukes out there that would be great, i'm trying not to get myself too overwhelmed (a bit late on that to be truthful). I have put a few options on a short list below.
Nothing exotic, I think these choices are pretty well known. I'm curious if anyone has any options or observations about the sound and experience of playing these or others. Are there big differences that are not obvious in pictures or reviews? They all sound great in videos but it's hard to compare them against each other. Other suggestions are great too.
Kiwaya KCU-1 (new) - I've almost pulled the trigger on this one a couple of times. Consistently beautiful and appealing sound across many videos. Laminate might not be a bad idea for my climate but am I missing out not going for solid wood or wood top. Does that matter so much in this price range?
Kala SMHC (used) Solid Mahogany with a really nice, very "chill" traditional tone. I can get it in budget by buying used and love the look. If I were buying new, there would be a $50-$70 difference between this and the laminates on my list, is there a huge quality difference that I am not hearing?
Kala KA-ACP-CT (used) Cedar solid top that sounds great in videos. May be loud for my needs but has ecstatic reviews. I've read its more orange than it appears in pictures - not thrilled about that, but not a deal breaker either - especially if the tone is a winner. Also in budget buying used.
Koaloha KoaLana (new) - All laminate that sounds nice in the few videos I've heard and looks great, but it's just out so there are not a lot of reviews or video examples. It seems like there is a lot of anticipation with this one, is it something i should consider?
Thank you to anyone who is willing to indulge any of my questions/obsessions.
Thanks and be well, Elisanna
I'm yet another newbie hunting for a Ukulele and would love some input if anyone is willing. Normally I would obsessively try out every instrument in a local store, but it's not possible. I know I'm taking a chance, but I'm impatient and going to a store won't be an option for a while so I appreciate any info that will help me make a decision.
My budget is a pretty firm $175 - $235...ish-ish. I don't really want to go higher right now but I would like an instrument good enough to give me a good experience and last into an intermediate stage.
After reading up a lot and listening to a whole bunch of videos, i've come up with a wish list that is probably pretty standard.
- Probably concert size
- Pretty sound and depth (duh). I love the classic Hawaiian sound but I'm also very drawn to instruments with a bit of a classical guitar edge (not sure how much that's up to the player)
- Play-ability is very key and the main reason I'm willing to go with a higher price. I had a bad experience with a guitar a few years back and should have educated myself better. A larger nut width, medium-low action and strings that don't cut my fingers to ribbons would be a big plus .
- I like dynamic range and resonance, but I don't need it be the loudest thing out there or cut through a band.
- Versatility is great if that's a thing that matters with ukes. I have been a classical vocalist in the past. These days I'm interested in experimenting with all kinds of musical styles, melody, finger picking, strumming, etc.
- I'm not against flashy looks but generally prefer understated and natural. I'm not overly picky on appearance and won't mind a few blemishes if its a great Uke at a good price.
I'm sure there are many Ukes out there that would be great, i'm trying not to get myself too overwhelmed (a bit late on that to be truthful). I have put a few options on a short list below.
Nothing exotic, I think these choices are pretty well known. I'm curious if anyone has any options or observations about the sound and experience of playing these or others. Are there big differences that are not obvious in pictures or reviews? They all sound great in videos but it's hard to compare them against each other. Other suggestions are great too.
Kiwaya KCU-1 (new) - I've almost pulled the trigger on this one a couple of times. Consistently beautiful and appealing sound across many videos. Laminate might not be a bad idea for my climate but am I missing out not going for solid wood or wood top. Does that matter so much in this price range?
Kala SMHC (used) Solid Mahogany with a really nice, very "chill" traditional tone. I can get it in budget by buying used and love the look. If I were buying new, there would be a $50-$70 difference between this and the laminates on my list, is there a huge quality difference that I am not hearing?
Kala KA-ACP-CT (used) Cedar solid top that sounds great in videos. May be loud for my needs but has ecstatic reviews. I've read its more orange than it appears in pictures - not thrilled about that, but not a deal breaker either - especially if the tone is a winner. Also in budget buying used.
Koaloha KoaLana (new) - All laminate that sounds nice in the few videos I've heard and looks great, but it's just out so there are not a lot of reviews or video examples. It seems like there is a lot of anticipation with this one, is it something i should consider?
Thank you to anyone who is willing to indulge any of my questions/obsessions.
Thanks and be well, Elisanna
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