Post #362345 by Bongo Bungalow on Wed, Feb 20, 2008 2:37 AM

That Kala is beautiful! The description doesn't say "solid wood" however. Where it's made is less important, I feel, than solid wood.

The ukes that are made of laminated wood can feel heavy, (especially when the exterior wood has gorgeous grain), but most importantly they have little volume and no sustain. (The notes drop off quickly instead of continuing to ring.)

I think you're gonna find a great uke in your price range. As with any instrument, it'll be what sounds good to you, so if you can hear it before you buy it, all the better. I know I'm fortunate to be just a couple of hours away from Elderly. They have great ukes in their showroom and they will bring them up from the warehouse all day long until you find the one you love. Any you buy from them can be sent back for an exchange or refund whith in a certain number of days.

Perhaps there are some music stores in your area with ukes. The guys on the fleamarketmusic bulletin board maybe could point some out. Pawn shops have ukes sometimes, although the new ones they generally stock are cheapies. Guitar Center carries ukes in your price range, but so far I've found that they only carry heavy, dull sounding ukes.

You may run into a used ukulele that's right for you. I bought most of mine used. Mmmmm... in fact, only two were new when I bought them. My first cheapie which is a laminated Ariana and my Kamaka concert, (which was lovingly placed in my hands by Fred Kamaka- whole 'nother story).

Sorry- I run on and on about ukuleles. I'm such a nut about them. One of the best things about ukes is that the learning never stops. I refuse to be the same person this year that I was last year and so constant learning is what I'm all about. Probably you too. I mean, tiki... ukuleles... Voodoo, who knew you'd do this stuff that you do?

[edited for spelling,,, I should just never re-read posts, I always find mistakes]

[ Edited by: Bongo Bungalow 2008-02-20 02:42 ]