Romero Creations price variance - are/were they a budget-brand?

[baconsalad]

There are some things I noticed right away looking at Romero Creations ukes. 1) they are typically out of stock 2) the out-of stock SKUs and used listings for Romeros on sweetwater go as low as <$300 range. 3) in-stock units are $1000 range.

Are new models that much better quality-wise? or is it simply supply/demand that has seemingly doubled the price of these things? or were these things very under-priced before?

 

[man0a]

Romero Creations used to make some all-laminate and part-laminate models that were much cheaper than their solid wood models. I believe all the laminate models were discontinued a few years ago. The laminate models were good student/beginner ukuleles, but I suppose that is not a market that interests Romero Creations any more.

 

[Eggs_n_Ham]

Romero Creations used to make some all-laminate and part-laminate models that were much cheaper than their solid wood models. I believe all the laminate models were discontinued a few years ago. The laminate models were good student/beginner ukuleles, but I suppose that is not a market that interests Romero Creations any more.

I suspect it was an attempt to draw the budget conscious to Romero Creations as an entry uke; draw the eye with an inexpensive model then "drop their jaw" with the really beautiful higher quality ukes.

 

[BigJackBrass]

Further to the previous answers, the budget models were made in China, whereas the standard models are made in Vietnam. I had a spruce top XS Soprano which was a very decent instrument, but when the opportunity to buy a secondhand solid mango version arose I jumped at it and sold the spruce/laminate. Huge difference. The finish, balance, tone and playability of the Vietnam-made instruments are a definite step up, but of course that comes at a price.

 

[baconsalad]

The finish, balance, tone and playability of the Vietnam-made instruments are a definite step up, but of course that comes at a price.

I have a Vietnam-made XS Spruce / Koa on the way so good to hear. thx

 

[don_b]

As somebody who only has like 2 years of uke brand knowledge Romero has always seemed mid to high end

 

[man0a]

Here's an old thread saying the made-in-China laminate Romeros were discontinued in 2019. I think pricing on those was around $170 for all-laminate models up to around $300 for solid-spruce-top laminate-back models. Apparently they were having quality control issues that they couldn't solve without raising prices enough that they would be unattractive compared to their solid wood ukuleles. I have one of the spruce-top STC models that I think sounds and plays great for the price, though it is noticeably heavier than my solid wood concert ukulele.

Romero Creations ST Concert laminate (Solid Spruce top /Mahogany laminate body)

Finally got ahold of a Romero Creations ST Concert ukulele, aka the STC. This is the “budget” model with sitka spruce top, and mahogany laminate sides and back). As someone who loves the Tiny Tenor, I was excited to try out this new, smaller version. A few words about the uke, for those who...

forum.ukuleleunderground.com

 

[baconsalad]

Update...went to post office at lunch and it's NUD!

 

[about2]

Pepe's work is super imho. I own one of his laminate versions ST concerts. I have it strung with Baby Bari strings and use it as a travel uke. If you are interested in a Pepe, I recommend you look at Starlight Ukes. They havye some beautiful models there. As they are located within 15 min. of my home, I was able to play several of them. In the past, I've owned a replica, grand tenor and tiny tenor. All three were great instruments. Some of the ones I wish I hadn't let get away . . . but I can only play one at a time.