Your Favorite Harp-like, Bell-like, Chime-like Tenor around $500

Talking to Mim about ukes is always a good idea.

Ed1 said:

I agree with just about everything folks have posted here. That's why I made the title "Your Favorite ..." and not what makes a bell-like sound or how can any uke be played to sound more harp-like.

If only the wood mattered, some other folks I've spoken to say a spruce top is a good place to start. So, as usually happens, I've upped my amount to spend and am now thinking of an Opio spruce/acacia or a Rebel double cheese. I'll probably go with the Koaloha since I don't have one of theirs and am interested in the sound from that bracing.

Thanks to everyone for their comments. All help is appreciated.

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Peng from KoAloha created Rebel ukes. They stand by their work and truly believe that your heart connection to the instrument matters. I have had wonderful email exchange with Peng. I think he is still at KoAloha. Rebel is his creative spin with KoAloha integrity.

Just to warn you. I received a Spruce top acacia opio as a replacement for my damaged sapele Opio. It was built nearly identical. I hated the acacia. I so wanted to keep it and love it. It was beautiful, if not stunning. It didn't have the warmth of sapele and I couldn't forgive it for being different. It certainly didn't have that Beltone harp-like chime to my ear.So subjective. I would go with the rebel cheese before the acacia. But if you can talk to Peng I think he might be able to help you decide.

What about this Pono? I think it sounds amazing
https://theukulelesite.com/b-stock-...r-top-mahogany-tenor-pro-classic-mt-c-pc.html

Well the Rebel Double Cheese is lovely sounding, well-made, and a great uke to have. But I wouldn't call it bell or harp-like, to be honest. And it's almost double that $500 price.