Concert Uke Advice

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28scarlet

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Hi all, hope this day finds you doing well! I'm realatively new to the uke market but have already acquired the uke fever! I've purchased 2 ukes so far: Koloa 650 baritone (love this instrument) & a Lanikai spruce tenor model. I really like both of them. I realize it will take a while for the spruce top to open up & reach its potential. My next purchase will be a concert size. Now, being in my infancy here I'm pushing more for inspiration than anything. I also want to leave something to be desired so I'm in the $200-$300 price range. At this time I would love to try a spalted maple product. I feel the appearance & tone (from what I've heard) seems appealing at this stage. Now, I understand it will not be as rich as solid woods (koa/mahogony etc.); but as I stated I'm in the experimental stage at this point. Those expensive instruments will come later. I would greatly appreciate any comments & advice you would have in this area. Also, I've noticed the concert ukes seem to come in different width sizes for the nut. I would prefer a wider nut (at leaset I think I would), I appreciate your comments on that issue as well.
 
I've found that Mainland provide the most value in this price range. If you're married to spalted maple, they don't make one. But otherwise, they have a good range. I have a mango concert which has a sweet, bright tone. I also have the cedar/rosewood soprano (also available in concert size) that has a big, expressive, and unique voice.
 
If you are married to the spalted maple construction, I'd suggest this deal: http://www.theukulelesite.com/islander-spalted-maple-concert-w-case.html

If not, $300 can get you some pretty spiffy ukes, including many solid topped models and perhaps a used Pono (I have a Pono MCD). Also, in the lower and of your price range, don't overlook the KPK concert....will sound much better than others in it's price range. All SOLID ACACIA

http://pilikoko.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1

Sound Samples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz_zMzo4rIE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b40fwWB5qkE
 
Last edited:
Are you looking for the look of spalted maple or the sound? That Islander is a laminated (plywood) spalted maple uke, which means it probably won't sound any different then a mahogany laminated uke, or anything else in that model that is laminated.
 
28scarlet said:
are none of the spalted Maple ukes solid tops?
Click to expand...

Honestly not sure. I'm not sure that a solid spalted maple top would make a good soundboard. You see it in solid body guitars or maybe carved archtops. Would be a good question to ask the builder's in the Luthier's Lounge. Maybe one of the builders will see this thread and chime in.
 
if you are interested in looks, kala makes a couple (though im guessing still laminate). there is one which is spruce top spalted back and one all spalted, i think its in your price range. Look cool, sounded ok when i tried one in the store
 
If you're set on the Islander spalted maple concert, you may wanna write to Andrew at The Ukulele Site to enquire if they're getting any more. Alternatively, Uke Republic has them as well although it's listed as "coming soon": http://cargo.ukerepublic.com/product/kanile-a-islander-spalted-maple-concert (email Mike maybe?)

Mim has a Kala spalted maple concert here: http://store01.prostores.com/servlet/mimsukuleles/the-762/MIM-cln--Kala-Concert-KA-dsh-SMC/Detail

Those three are places I'll get my ukes from if I'm buying them online. :)
 
Having the same battle deciding on the next uke to get. Leaning towards an Islander laminate (mahogany or acacia, some of spalted maple ones are okay, others not so much pleasing to my eye) over the KPK (which to my ear sounds better) but has had some cracking issues in several reviews. HMS doesn't show any inventory so I have emailed them to see if they are getting more in. Maybe I'll just get an Islander soprano! Oh the choices. Update us on what you decide.
 
that 200-300 price range is a really nice sweet spot of choice. they are usually good quality and sound and feel good. its kind of the next step from a starter... and then either buy more at that range or save up for a k brand or something oh UAS :).
 
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