Soprano sugestions for under $600

Romanista77

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Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for some suggestions/recommendations for a soprano uke under $600.

I currently use a Pono Tenor in mahogany. I really love the look and sound of it.

I thought I'd pick up a high quality soprano to play with. Both to experience the difference and to have something smaller to take with me outside.

I like the darker mahogany sound but am open to suggestions. Maybe red cedar or koa?

I'm also not a fan of flashy binding or high contrast rope binding.

All suggestions, experiences, stories, and recommendations welcome!
:)
 
At a $600 budget, i'd also be considering some independent luthiers.

I'd encourage you to check out the websites and watch for used interments by these makers:

- MP Customs http://mpukuleles.com/For_Sale.html
- Black Bear http://www.blackbearukuleles.net/index.html
- Loprinzi http://www.augustinoloprinzi.com/prod03.htm
- Boat Paddle Ukuleles http://www.boatpaddleukuleles.com/instruments.php

Personally, I'd look very seriously at the Boat Paddles - a new M or Kayak style run less than $600 (though by the time you ship it and get a case, you'll surely go over).
 
Mr. Ken Timms has a batch of mahogany sopranos he puts up on ebay now and again. I have never played one but they should be well within your budget and I've heard they are great. They are modeled after the old Martin style 0 and if they sound half as good as they look they'll be a GREAT sounding uke!
 
My favorite uke for that price range would be the Kiwaya KTS-4!
 
Koaloha. Been playing and shopping for years. Koaloha hands down.
 
At a $600 budget, i'd also be considering some independent luthiers.

I'd encourage you to check out the websites and watch for used interments by these makers:

- MP Customs http://mpukuleles.com/For_Sale.html
- Black Bear http://www.blackbearukuleles.net/index.html
- Loprinzi http://www.augustinoloprinzi.com/prod03.htm
- Boat Paddle Ukuleles http://www.boatpaddleukuleles.com/instruments.php

Personally, I'd look very seriously at the Boat Paddles - a new M or Kayak style run less than $600 (though by the time you ship it and get a case, you'll surely go over).

+1 on Black Bear!
 
Koaloha. Definitely.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

I'm giving the Koaloha in the Marketplace serious thought.

I'm still on the lookout for a soprano with a cedar top. I used to really like the sound of a cedar top guitar. I've only heard good things about Koa, but have never heard one in person.
 
I've owned two Black Bears, and the workmanship and playability on each was excellent. Unfortunately, both were koa and -- sacrilege! -- I'm more a fan of mahogany.

I'm also your competition for the Timms listed on eBay.

Here are the other luthiers I'm looking at (for a mahogany soprano): Howlett, MP, Pohaku, Kepasa, Earnest, Loprinzi. Is this a great time to be playing the uke, or what?!

Good luck in your search.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

I'm giving the Koaloha in the Marketplace serious thought.

I'm still on the lookout for a soprano with a cedar top. I used to really like the sound of a cedar top guitar. I've only heard good things about Koa, but have never heard one in person.

You've got it the other way around.
Koa is the original, native tone wood for the ukulele.
 
Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the help.
I ended up buying the Koaloha Soprano in the UU Marketplace.

Can't wait to get my hands on it!

Lord Mandrake: That Kamaka looks awful nice. I only saw it after I bought the Koaloha. Would have made my choice a lot harder!
 
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