| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| mahimahi |
Posted - 07/24/2010 : 9:33:24 PM
My friend will be visiting Oahu in two weeks with his family in tow...his teen-age daughter plans to purchase an uke...any suggestions on size and where may they visit and get a rundown on products...mahalo...James |
| 11 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bau |
Posted - 09/17/2010 : 6:41:13 PM
thanks here is a pic of the poor lil thing, my puke uke , (pronounced poo kay oo kay) ;)
I recorded a little snipet and put it in slack key thread... |
| Haolenuke |
Posted - 09/17/2010 : 10:15:24 AM
Aloha,
Enjoy your free uke. If you ever find yourself seeking a better tone, consider a vintage Favilla or Harmony. And if you ever have the good fortune to win the lottery there are worse things to spend money on than Martins. |
| Bau |
Posted - 09/16/2010 : 1:13:33 PM
Thanks for the links Mr Master Threadfiller ;)
I was just on the tiki-king site the other day looking at the beautiful ukes on there. :P
I obtained a beginner instrument by odd means, my bassist found a wee ukulele sized red guitar in the trash at work, missing two of its tuners and bridge saddle. So I recut the nut, made a new saddle, leveled the frets, and used the top two empty tuner holes for a string hanger . :) After putting on a set of uke strings and tightening the friction tuners, it stays in tune and plays remarkably well. Its been lovely to learn on and best of all it was a free gift from God. |
| Haolenuke |
Posted - 09/16/2010 : 12:32:26 PM
Aloha,
If anyone is interested in researching vintage ukuleles and separating the gems from the junk, one useful resource is the Collector's Uke Yak column at Flea Market Music:
http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/uke-yak/default.asp
Just search the column for the makers that interest you. Another resource is Tiki King's Ukulele Database at:
http://www.tikiking.com/uke_database.html
|
| dragonfly213 |
Posted - 09/16/2010 : 03:01:49 AM
Mahalo for this thread and the advice, I'm gonna be in the market for one myself :) |
| Mika ele |
Posted - 08/17/2010 : 1:29:31 PM
Ditto on the KoAloha Factory Tour. Not too far from the Home Depot and Costco near Kakaako.
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet usually has two stalls (brothers, I beleive) at opposite ends of the circular path of booths that sell ukulele. Make sure she play what she is interested in for size and comfort and has someone else (experienced player) play in front of her so she can hear what it sounds like. Those two factors are more important than price/wood/looks. Because if it is uncomfortable it won't get played (practice peters out) and if it doesn't sound good to the owner, they lose interest. |
| Bau |
Posted - 08/15/2010 : 1:13:08 PM
I have been listening to some slack key uke on youtube and and very interesed in giving it a try. because of the size and my disability it looks like it would be a good instrument for me instead of always playing a heavy guitar.
There are so many choices of brands out there, I don't realy know what to buy. I don't have very much money but I don't want to get something totaly cheap and unplayable or that wont hold a tune. I realy like the look of the old vintage ukes and have been thinking of ebay.
I do my own luthier work on my guitars and am not apposed to repairing an old one if anyone has one in need of TLC they'd like to donate at a discount that would be great. Or even a neck- Ive got this lovely mohogany cigarbox just asking to be turned into an instrument ;) |
| ah.clem |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 10:33:43 AM
I can also recommend Music Guy Mic, I've purchased ukes from him and been very happy. I also recommend "Good Guys Music" on Kapahulu in downtown Honolulu (try park in the Starbucks lot, might get lucky; if not, go to Zippy's for some chili and rice then walk over to Good Guys). They have a nice selection of instruments (store is just great to see inside!) and priced well, competitive with MGM. For a beginner I recommend a tenor. I think it gives you the most uke to "grow into". I find I don't use the soprano much. I play the tenor and concert more. Just my preference. I also like Kala as a beginner instrument, but go to MGM or Good Guys and play a lot of them, or have someone play them for you. Keep your budget in mind, don't be surprised when you spend twice as much as you planned. Happens to me all the time. |
| hawaiianmusiclover06 |
Posted - 07/29/2010 : 2:51:12 PM
Try taking a tour of the KoAloha Ukulele Factory. That is where I got my latest 'ukulele from. The KoAloha Ukulele Factory is located across from Honolulu Community College. Once you purchase something from KoAloha you will find yourself embraced like family. The Okami family are nice.
Alana :) |
| GUke |
Posted - 07/25/2010 : 1:50:03 PM
I have purchased several ukulele from Music Guy Mike. He lives in Kaneohe, the Winward side of O'ahu. He has a selection of beginner ukulele. And I would agree that he would offer great advice.
From others I have been told to stay away from cheap inexpensive ukulele usually the souvenir kind. Look for one that has good tuners i.e. will keep in tune. You can find one around $100 list price, and might be able to pick one up for less. Some have found a great deal at Costco if you are a member.
Ala Moana shopping center had a store with a variety of ukulele. And in Waikiki towards Diamond Head there's Puapua Ukulele, that also carries a wide selection.
I prefer a concert size body. Has a bit more bottom than a soprano. But choice always falls to sound of the ukulele and budget. Also the commitment of the player. An expensive ukulele usually sounds better, but may not be a sound choice if it ends up buried in the closet. |
| rendesvous1840 |
Posted - 07/25/2010 : 12:12:32 AM
Contact Music Guy Mike in advance, and ask about visiting his business. We have dealt with him through his E-Bay store and have nothing but good things to report. I don't know the address or phone #, only the web site.
http://stores.ebay.com/Musicguymics-Room
Also, try to make it to the Waimea Valley Kani ka pila. There will be several people who can give advice and answer questions, and a number of Taropatch members as well.
Unko Paul |
