Post #188372 by Hot Lava on Fri, Sep 23, 2005 10:30 AM

Josh is right to recommend a Fluke — it's a remarkably well made instrument and since the body is plastic (like an Ovation guitar) it's quite durable as well. The smaller Flea models start at $144 while the larger Flukes begin at $179. They all come with a soft case.

Here's a direct link to their website: http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp

I often see the same instruments a little cheaper at Elderly Instruments: http://www.elderly.com/search/elderly?terms=fluke&x=0&y=0

If you like something a little more traditional looking, I recently acquired a Bushman Jenny after seeing many recommendations for it online. To my ears, it sounds a little better than the Fluke. They start at $169.00. Cases are extra.

http://jumpingflea.com/jenny.cfm

Your other big decision is which size to get: soprano, concert, and tenor are the most common. I started with a soprano Flea but ended up selling it to get a concert-sized Fluke, which I am much happier with since I have big hands and fingers. (Their concert size has the same fingerboard width as their tenor models.)

I bought the concert-size Jenny from Bushman, and unfortunately for me, the fingerboard is a bit on the small size for my tastes. I'll probably sell it before the end of the year and get a tenor one because it's just to hard for me to cleanly finger chords.

The Mahalo ukes have a reputation as being a pretty decent instrument for the beginning musician—but if you play another instrument and are looking to get into the uke, you'll probably be happier the Fluke or the Jenny.

Oh, and if you like the looks of the Jenny, let me know. Maybe I can cut you a deal on a like-new used one. :wink: