Beginner concert: Koalana Concert vs Islander MC-4 vs ???

[doublemazaa]

There is a pretty decent price difference between these models. Is it worth the upgrade to step up the Koalana over the Islander?

Looking to buy from HMS.

Any other suggested beginner concerts out there in the $100-$200 range?

 

[Uke182]

There is a pretty decent price difference between these models. Is it worth the upgrade to step up the Koalana over the Islander?

Looking to buy from HMS.

Any other suggested beginner concerts out there in the $100-$200 range?

The main difference between the Islander and the KoAlana, Islander has a wider fretboard. But here's a couple of Ohana's from Mim with a solid top.

White binding: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MIM-Ohana-C...ogany-Top-Setup-Ukulele-Uke-406-/181802755934

Black binding: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MIM-Ohana-C...ogany-Top-Setup-Ukulele-Uke-355-/171795302251

 

[doublemazaa]

How much of a difference does an 1/8th of inch make in nut width?

I had been leaning towards a laminate uke for general durability and carefree-ness. Is that a worthy consideration, or not really?

 

[PhilUSAFRet]

re: 1/8".....you'd have to play them to know whether you like the wider or the narrower fretboard.

 

[Uke182]

How much of a difference does an 1/8th of inch make in nut width?

I had been leaning towards a laminate uke for general durability and carefree-ness. Is that a worthy consideration, or not really?

I think that Islander's and KoAlana's are a very worthy consideration, especially buying from one of the top 3 'ukulele dealers. Another consideration is the Islander AC-4, but HMS is out of stock at the moment.

http://www.theukulelesite.com/islander-acacia-concert-ukulele-pack.html