Post #362254 by Bongo Bungalow on Tue, Feb 19, 2008 6:04 PM

Voodoo. all the world should discover the joy of ukes! Glad that you have.

I've been playing for a number of years, perform professionally with a couple of local groups, and I own, I think, 15 ukes. But I'm no expert!

I'm not a fan of Ovation ukes, but it's a personal thing. If I was to buy a plastic-backed ukulele it would be a Flea or Fluke. I've played them and like them, but I don't own any. Tiki King, who posts here at Tiki Central, did the design work for a couple of the Flea Ukes.(And they do make them with rosewood fret boards and koa wood tops and I would choose those options.)

Lots of opinions for you to consider at: http://www.fleamarketmusic.com

For me, koa wood is important, SOLID wood is more important. For your price range I would definitely try to get a uke made with solid wood. It's easy to get fooled.

I really like the traditional "violin" shaped body, but also like the Kamaka pineapple.

I purchased my Martin Ukulele from Elderly and a couple of guitars from them. I love going to their Lansing store.

I see Elderly has a Koaloha for $131 and that sounds like a real value. Their less expensive Koloa ukes are likely good choices as well.

I have some really expensive, wonderful ukes, but the best sounding uke I own in the $150 range is my Mele soprano. I don't believe Elderly carries them, but you can find them on-line.

Best of luck to you, keep playing!