Talk Story Archive Topic
Choosing A Ukelele
(4 Messages)
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Poster: Renée Email: taichidragon@care2.com Subject: choosing a ukelele |
Posted on 9/30/05 at 4:46pm |
I am interested in learning this funky instrument and want to know what to look for when buying a ukelele. I am in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, which is not known for its Hawaiin music, so am unsure what a good name is. So far, I have mostly seen little, cheap looking but very colourful ukeleles. Any advise and/or ideas? Thanks for the help! |
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Poster: Jesse Tinsley Email: jessehj@adelphia.net Subject: Ukuleles |
Posted on 10/8/05 at 8:26pm |
Aloha, I've dabbled in ukes for many years and here's my advice (take it for what it's worth): There are four sizes of uke: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone (smallest to largest). Most play a concert or tenor because it's easy on fat-fingered hands. Sopranos can sound okay, but only good ones. Baritones are tuned like guitars, and, in general, don't sound much like a uke, though they are fun, too. The cheap colorful ukes are usually tourist junk. There are uke made in China (some are okay), others made in larger shops and those turned out by top luthiers. The cheap ukes that are okay are Lanikai, Lahaina, Oscar Schmidt, Samick and that's about it. They are usually made of laminated wood. There are a handful in the middle price range ($200USD-$500USD) and those include Mele, Lehua, Bushman Jenny, Fluke and a few others. Top of the line ukes are usually made of koa (a more Hawaiian vibe) and produced by famous names and custom shops like Kamaka, Koaloha, Gstring, Pegasus, Sonny D, Po Mahina, and lots of mainland luthier who have turned their talents to ukes. Good ukes are $500-$2000. That's a lot of money. Uke players also prize ukes made by Martin in years past and those can run $500-$1500 or more. Places to look are: www.ukuleleworld.com www.ukes.com www.fleamarketmusic.com or search "ukulele luthier" Have fun looking. Jesse Tinsley |
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Poster: kka Email: ohanamele@yahoo.com Subject: ukulele |
Posted on 8/23/06 at 2:58pm |
I would recommend a flea , smaller version of the fluke , real nice sound for the money, you can get one for around $100 with bag....the cheaper you go the less sound quality you get. If you aren't really serious about playing spend around $40 to get a beginner's uke, that way if it sits in the closet , not such a big deal...I own a flea , a fluke , a kamaka ,2 lanikai and a hilo....price range $40 to $800 |
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Poster: Matthew Richards Email: matthew_richa68@hotmail.com Subject: ukulele |
Posted on 9/9/06 at 6:03am |
I have come across an old ukulele, and I'm trying to find out a little about it. There is a stamp inside which looks like it was made in Cezh and another underneath but it has more or less worn off. The back is not flat but slightly bowed. The neck is actually joined smoothly to the body and not overlapping. If anyone can help please let me know. |
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