$500

flyingv8

flyingv8

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So I have been picking at sales all summer and selling on E-Bay with the intention of buying a really nice ukulele. I posted recently that I wanted a Kiwaya KS-1 but now I sold a few more things and am thinking I want to buy an instrument that I will just fall in love with. I think I want a Kamaka HF-1. My second choice is a Koaloha. I want a soprano. I am also leary of buying used since I want a good set-up and warranty. The Pono Mahogany soprano looks nice too. Since I don't have the ability to try before I buy here in Erie I was hoping I could get some opinions on what you would buy if you had $500-$600. I like to play beautiful songs, do some fingerpicking and singing. I need excellent tone and intonation. What do you fellow ukers think?
Thanks!
 
Speaking from experience, I agree that you should be cautious when buying used. Frankly, I wouldn't ever do it again, unless I could play the instrument in person before buying it.

My first two nice ukes were a Koaloha Pikake soprano, and a Kamaka HF-1. While I didn't care for the aesthetics so much, I think the Koaloha was a better instrument - and you can pick one up new for about $500 (IIRC mine was about $475 with tax). I'd recommend checking with Hawaii Music Supply for one - I've never bought from them since I have a number of uke stores nearby to choose from, but everyone I know who has dealt with HMS has been pleased.

I don't own one, but I've played a couple of Kiwaya KS-1s and have been impressed - they're really good for the price, and they don't have that "laminate" sound that lesser quality lams I've encountered seem to have.
 
flyingv8 said:
So I have been picking at sales all summer and selling on E-Bay with the intention of buying a really nice ukulele. I posted recently that I wanted a Kiwaya KS-1 but now I sold a few more things and am thinking I want to buy an instrument that I will just fall in love with. I think I want a Kamaka HF-1. My second choice is a Koaloha. I want a soprano. I am also leary of buying used since I want a good set-up and warranty. The Pono Mahogany soprano looks nice too. Since I don't have the ability to try before I buy here in Erie I was hoping I could get some opinions on what you would buy if you had $500-$600. I like to play beautiful songs, do some fingerpicking and singing. I need excellent tone and intonation. What do you fellow ukers think?
Thanks!
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You could probably check out Kelii and valley made, as well as a base model of Kanilea (k1s) too if your looking for hawaiian made in that range.
 
I'm a big Kamaka fan. I just love the way they sound. Personally I own a HF-1 (1997 model) w/ Worth Brown strings, and it sounds the way a soprano ukulele should sound.

I may be comparing apples to oranges but, a friend of mine has owns a Koaloha concert (2001 model) w/ GHS strings. For me, the construction of it is no match to a Kamaka, mainly the absence of kerf linings along the inside of the ukulele between the sides and top/bottom. Maybe they have them on the newer models? Secondly, the koa wood isn't book matched in the front or back, which is a cosmetic thing. Lastly, maybe it's just the strings/setup of this particular ukulele but I feel like it doesn't have the best playability.
 
$500 won't buy a new K-Brand Soprano but, I highly recommend this Pono: http://www.theukulelesite.com/pono-mhs-mahogany-pro-classic-soprano-w-oahu-case.html

This is a limited run Soprano Pono Pro Classic series which Sounds and Looks Amazing!...These Pono's are some of the highest quality ukulele's made and should be considered a K Brand. (Maybe they should be called "Kono!").

I also, just bought an Islander Soprano MS-4 from Hawaii Music Supply (AKA-The Ukulele Site) as a gift for my sister in law and it is the LOUDEST Soprano I've ever heard! I'm not kidding! This Uke has some Volume! I was even thinking of changing the Aquila strings for some mellower ones to tone it down a bit but, the Islander uke's sound amazing and Hawaii Music Supply did a great setup job. I also, like the 1 1/2" wide neck which allows for a little more room on the soprano fingerboard.
 
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im very satisfied with my martin S-1 and that costs 380 plays good sounds good. and i got a misi pick up put in for i think 140 and thats been really good so you can get it then maybe scrape a little more money to get a pick up put in
 
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/KPSMU.htm

I just got this soprano in the mail yesterday from Elderly; I had a gift card from them and had to use it.

Best soprano I have ever owned. I adore it. I have had Koalohas in the past, but this one is better somehow. It's cheaper here than most websites, but HMS and PuAPuA are excellent, too.

I'm with Janeray1940--I'd never buy used...new has warranty and guaranties and returns and such. G-luck.
 
UkuleleSprinter said:
I'm a big Kamaka fan. I just love the way they sound. Personally I own a HF-1 (1997 model) w/ Worth Brown strings, and it sounds the way a soprano ukulele should sound.

I may be comparing apples to oranges but, a friend of mine has owns a Koaloha concert (2001 model) w/ GHS strings. For me, the construction of it is no match to a Kamaka, mainly the absence of kerf linings along the inside of the ukulele between the sides and top/bottom. Maybe they have them on the newer models? Secondly, the koa wood isn't book matched in the front or back, which is a cosmetic thing. Lastly, maybe it's just the strings/setup of this particular ukulele but I feel like it doesn't have the best playability.
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I would post the video and some pictures but lots of websites and pictures are blocked by work. You should see the video and pictures of the folks at KoAloha standing on their ukes. Their bracing is just as good as anyone else's bracing.

$500 budget should land you a very nice soprano. Though I love the high quality imports (Mele, Pono, Big Island, Kiwaya) I don't personally think they are as nice as the Hawaiian brands. I Love KoAloha the most. Kamaka makes a very hard to beat soprano though.

Good Luck in your search and regardless of what we think...It is really what you think that matters the most:)
 
BIGDB said:
im very satisfied with my martin S-1 and that costs 380 plays good sounds good.
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Great that you found a good one! But to the OP - be wary of the Martin S-1s. The quality control seems bad - I've seen glowing reviews on UU but every one I've encountered in the wild has been pretty disappointing - bad intonation, high action, and all have been in need of a setup. If you can't try it before buying, I'd avoid these unless buying from a seller who offers a full refund if not satisfied.
 
As far as new vs. used...

I've bought my fair share of new and used instruments. New I buy from Mele, KoAloha or UkeRepublic (Mele-b/c I have played many of their ukes and Cheryl taught me my first chords, KoAloha b/c my KoAloha story, and UR b/c I used to be able to drop in and try his ukes out and we were friends before having a business relationship).

I'd consider buying new from Mainland, Mim, HMS, and some others as well.

Used is my preferred method of buying. I have bought multiple of ukes here at UU and FMM. I've never been burned. I did trade a very high end uke for a high end uke and the one I received was damaged by the weather. The UU member here was so apologetic and it wasn't even his fault. Luckily we both bought insurance on our ukes. Problem solved. I also sold a uke once to a UU member and allowed him to return it b/c he didn't like the 6 string feel. No problem there either. Most of us UUers (older members at least, not sure of the newer guys) have no problem with try it out periods. I understand the logistics and the lack of quality ukes to try out.

But when you buy used from a UU member, you get a deal. You know they cared about their uke. That goes a long way.
 
I was in similar situation just a few months ago. $500 budget, which decent uke to get, where to buy and have it set up. I narrowed it down to 4 or 5 models and then called HMS for advice. after discussing each model, I asked for their recommendation and what set it apart from the others. the answer was Pono for several reasons. I decided to get the Pono and I have been very happy with the uke (the AT model with a pickup). imo, it's worth the time to call HMS and talk to them about your needs. they were very heplful and I would not hesitate to order from them in the future. hope that helps and good luck!
 
You are welcome.:)

A small consideration but a real one: although I love and own Pono, KIwaya, and many other fine brands, there is no quicker and easier and close to purchase price resale as the "K" brands, such as Kamaka and KoALoha. We all think we will own all our ukes forever, but most of the time we don;t.

See ya. G'luck.
 
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I agree that used is a crap shoot, but I will add that out of 25 + ukes (I have lost count) I have bought, all but five were bought used without playing first. The one that came with the twisted neck was made by an overpriced IMO Island builder, was well used and damaged in that usage, and offered on eBay by a very high end specialist Hawaiian reseller who shockingly to me did not disclose the visible damage and thus I would not buy from him again. The cheap used Kala that came smelling of pipe tobacco and smoke finally aired out. A few others were not to my exact taste but they were ukes I wanted to try. I figure it was worth the few dollars I didn't get back from resale to "rent" and enjoy them, and I paid on average half to two thirds retail, which let me get a higher end uke than if I bought retail. Usually I got a case as well and did not have to pay tax, just shipping.

If I wasn't willing to try buying used, I would not have my pre-fire Maui Music six string, and I do not see ever being able to afford a new Peter Lieberman build. It needed a minor setup which I did, it has busage and it is awesome. I waited over two years for an MM I could afford, and I had tried to buy and missed several during that time. I buy my cars used too, I have never owned a new car. I let other people pay full price, and I get a cream puff a few years down the road at half or 1/3 the retail. Our newest car was $40K new, we got it with 60K miles 7 years later for $6K. I get $80-$100 shirts (I love Territory Ahead) for $6 at Goodwill. I guess it is mostly a mindset.

If one doesn't have the ability to check out and setup a uke then new with a setup is the way to go. Play it for awhile, sell it for another if you aren't well satisfied. I have had more issues with Kamakas than any other brand, and I'd say play those in person. I bought one used in person, one used online that had an issue but which was due to age and correctable. They show up on local Craigslist out here in Los Angeles periodically.

I would also vote for Pono as excellent build quality and sound, I had one previously that was circa 2005, the quality has come way up since then. I would also be interested in the KoAlanas made by KoAloha in Thailand that will be available soon. They will be mahogany. My mahogany Pono six string is awesome. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the Ponos.
 
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janeray1940 said:
Great that you found a good one! But to the OP - be wary of the Martin S-1s. The quality control seems bad - I've seen glowing reviews on UU but every one I've encountered in the wild has been pretty disappointing - bad intonation, high action, and all have been in need of a setup. If you can't try it before buying, I'd avoid these unless buying from a seller who offers a full refund if not satisfied.
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I just purchased a Martin S1 about two weeks ago. It is perhaps the sweetest sounding soprano uke that I've played in a long time. It blows the water off the Ohana S-35 that I own. The build quality is impecable. However, I think you should not buy one without first playing one yourself. When the S1 was introduced last year, I played a few that just came out on the market. The build quality was great however, the sound was not typical of a Martin. I think Martin has tightened the quality control at their manufacturing plant in Mexico.
 
According to another thread it looks like the new Koalana ukes are going to be available soon and I'm just guessing but I suspect you should be able to get one in soprano with a decent case for your five bills...

At the higher end there's no particular reason not to buy used and many of the folks that offer ukes in the marketplace here will offer a few days for you to return it if you just end up hating it. Most of us value our reputations on UU more than a few hundred clams. :) In fact, I've given away brand new ukes that I didn't like because I felt they were not something I'd feel comfortable passing along in the marketplace.

Two of my ukes best ukes came from the marketplace here, in fact.

John
 
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