I realize this might not be the place to post this, but I'm looking foor some advice.

I would like to purchase a reasonablely priced ukuele. What should I spend and what are some decent manufacturers? I'll be scanning Ebay, but I'm not opposed to going out and getting a new one.

If this is not the place to discuss this, please let me know a good place to do so.

Thanks, Steve

Since you're in SF, go to Eric Schoenberg's shop in Tiburon and also down to Gryphon. Both have a good selection of ukes. I think $400-800 hits the best range of high-quality ukes. On the other hand, the Flukes and Fleas carried by Gryphon are far cheaper $100-$200). They are plastic, but they are intonated correctly (a big plus over many ukes that are under $150).

Even if you go "inexpensive", stay away from the flea markets/swap meets - those cheapo ones at the flea markets for $10...those are only toys and pieces of trash. You would get more entertainment-for-your dollar by watching your $10 swirl around in the toilet before it flushes out to sea.

You local music store could probably order you a Hilo or a Lani-kai, or there are several ukulele websites that are excellent to deal with. Roy Cone is great guy. I've ordred from him before. Here is his site...there's some neat ukulele information on there too.

http://www.ukuleleworld.com/

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Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

I have a concert sized Fluke in the "natural" finish. For the money (about $150 from Roy Cone at ukuleleworld), it's the best sounding and playinguke in that price range I've ever heard - period. That's in it's price range.

Now, for about $500+ more, you can have a nice, all Koa (solid Koa) from Koaloha or similar that will play and sound simply amazing, but, you'll have a much lighter wallet, too. The Flukes aren't trad shaped, and yes -- they have plastic backs and injection molded fingerboards, frets and nut. But, you'll also get SPOT ON intonation, great tone, and a very well made and set up uke for very few shells.

As another alternative, try http://www.meleukulele.com for some very well made, great playing, sounding and looking ukes. The ukes are made overseas, then brought to Hawai'i to be hand finished and set up. More uke for less money. My guitarist/uke player has a tenor that sounds great. He's the lead player on this cut -- just click here. I'm on bass, and my drummer is on a baritone uke.

But if your dough is low, then the Fluke is a great deal, IMO.

Aloha,
TJW

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Todd James Weger/RD/RTD
1956 Fender Stringmaster T-8 (C6, E13, B11); 1960 Fender Stringmaster D-8 (C6, E13); Melobar SLS lapsteel (open D); Chandler RH-4 Koa semi-hollow lapsteel (open G); Regal resonator (open D or G)

I've got a good idea about where to go now.

Is intonation an inherent problem with Ukes? Every time I read something about the Fluke, the intonation is mentioned.

Thanks, Steve

quote:

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Is intonation an inherent problem with Ukes? Every time I read something about the Fluke, the intonation is mentioned.

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Yes, with the cheaper ones. That's because nut detail work is exacting and labor intensive and not something one should try at home!

The Flukes use an ingenious injection molded fingerboard -- nut, "frets" and all. Since the strings are nylon, fret wear isn't nearly the issue is is with metal strings, so the plastic works fine. They also use something called a zero-fret, which is right next to the nut. This also aids in not requiring any of that labor intensive (and cost raising) nut work.

I went to a tiki party last night at a friends house, and master archtop guitar luthier Bob Benedetto was there. There was a tenor Fluke floating around that he was checking out, and he was impressed with how nice it sounded, especially considering that they're mass produced and have a - gulp! - plastic back, not unlike some other instrument that's been around for about 30 years!

The guys who designed these really did a good job, and created an instrument for cheap money that sounds and plays like way more money. This, in turn, allows more folks to get started on something that isn't going to make them want to quit, due to trying to play and finger a crappy instrument. Plus, they're just a heckuva lot of fun with four strings!

I'd like to add one of those soprano sized Fleas to my concert Fluke at some point. If it sounds anywhere as good, it will make a nice addition.

TJW

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Todd James Weger/RD/RTD
1956 Fender Stringmaster T-8 (C6, E13, B11); 1960 Fender Stringmaster D-8 (C6, E13); Melobar SLS lapsteel (open D); Chandler RH-4 Koa semi-hollow lapsteel (open G); Regal resonator (open D or G)

quote:

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There is no decent uke.

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Under $100, I would tend to agree.

Actually, I like to think of the sound of a solitary ukulele being played as just about the sweetest, most simple and pure expression of innocence and joy one can make on an instrument.

But I think it's particularly joyful when it's a child playing it. Really hard to not smile at that.

'Tis a gift to be simple!

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Todd James Weger/RD/RTD
1956 Fender Stringmaster T-8 (C6, E13, B11); 1960 Fender Stringmaster D-8 (C6, E13); Melobar SLS lapsteel (open D); Chandler RH-4 Koa semi-hollow lapsteel (open G); Regal resonator (open D or G)

[This message was edited by Todd Weger on 10 December 2004 at 05:07 AM.]