If you are looking to buy a ukulele or an acoustic guitar, the brand name Martin is bound to come up. It has a koa design , which is actually quite a traditional wood to use on a ukulele and it … Thank you. Sorry I can’t shed more light on that option. You would rarely find a Maple top guitar because it is known as being more optimal for sides and back and softer woods are more often used as soundboard or top tone woods. There’s a walnut fingerboard, and the model is a tribute to self-taught deaf musician Mandy Harvey. I personally love the tone of some mango ukes. as I will be in the Gold Coast next weekend. The model you are going to opt for usually comes down to the features that are most important to you as well as your budget. Ben has worked in recording studios in the East of England, and written about all aspects of music equipment and the music business, as well as production and engineering. But sides and back definitely affect the tone. There was a reply to Dan Stolfus on 28 February 2016 that had a link to a video which compared the 3 different solid wood, Acacia, Mahogany and Mango. A Maple top typically does not project or have the “body” of softer tone woods like Spruce or cedar. Otherwise pair rosewood sides and back together with a Cedar or Spruce top and get tones many consider to be the best. The shorter scale regular soprano will be a little warmer and more mellow which is nice too. Many of us have experienced it. For this reason, we’ve included a model specifically for the koa lovers, the Cordoba 28T, which is a fantastic ukulele under $300, so for those in the market for affordability as well as quality this could be worth considering. This is a custom 18" scale tenor from Ono. Hi, a few years ago I got a plastic Kohala uke as a birthday gift from my parents. And it’s physical attraction is strong. Excelsior OKOURNE Ukulele in Concert, Tenor & Electro-acoustic Left/Right Handed. I bopped around on net after reading this, and think cedar top baritone vids have an absolutely lovely tone. I have played many other ukuleles with different wood and I still like the Koa best. I have been teaching music (guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, recorder, music theory, and classes for toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, and adults) for over 20 years. Thank you. Early on it became the ukulele sound. All UK mainland Ukulele orders before 3pm GMT will be delivered to you for free the next day. You will get a bigger projection but I can’t assume that’s what you want. What do we mean when we describe sound as warm? The abalone rosette looks great, too. It’s just that we have seen many mango ukes without properly quarter sawn woods and so I thought I’d mention it. The slightly wider top nut (37mm)allows for … By Chad Palmer: Video Review of the Fender Excelsior Pro Limited Edition amplifiers available in antique blush, sonic blue and surf green. The uke itself is pretty good quality, but the main benefit of this is the fact that it has such a great set of accessories and all you need to get playing the ukulele. In spite of being one of the budget choices, it has a mahogany body which projects nicely and is up there with some of the intermediate models rather than cheaper, beginner ukuleles. The combination is different from what you described. Again, it depends on the luthier. You can’t answer that question with science or math. I still have a redwood topped tenor, but I really do love my all mahogany ukes too. It has a solid cedar top with mahogany wood providing a bright tone with plenty of projection. Nan -. I previously owned a Pono Koa and now have a Kanilea Koa. What's the best ukulele for your budget? Tenor Ukulele Excelsior RU-60 Ref: Ukulele RU-60 The Excelsior RU-60 is Ideal for a step up instrument or for those that want a bit a bit more quality to start with. Makai are good, we carried them for years but mostly in store because they often have cosmetic issues. Does anyone have thoughts on the sound of an all solid wood mango ukulele? Other top choices include these woods-. Some baritone ukulele reviews need slightly different judging criteria, and this is definitely one of those. I’ve now owned this ukulele for about 11 months and it is extremely high quality for the price; despite the fact I only originally bought it because it was an extremely beautiful and unique looking instrument. Guitar Lessons. I will let you know my thoughts on this selection. I’m thinking of getting a tenor with a low g but are there some woods better for a low g rather than a high g? But we will look closer as they come by. After looking around for concert ukes, and seeing what price I might have to pay for one, I realized it might be because it is plastic but I can’t find any defendant answers so far. I’m looking to order a Pono in either solid Acacia, Mahogany, or Mango. What do you mean with a setup? When trying to decide which ukuleles to buy online, the subtle points (the like the feel of the wool in a sweater) are hard to determine from just a picture. Free preview. Port Orford Cedar is not actually cedar, it’s a cypress wood and is a higher density than the western red cedar. If you want a clear tone, loud projection, and a silky smooth playability, this could well be the option for you, plus, the ‘Martin’ badge is bound to impress musicians everywhere. So yes, that is true of all woods. The only difference I can find between the two other than the long neck is that one is Mahogany and the other Maple. A perfect choice if you want the best tenor ukulele for beginners. Spruce: is a softwood but very strong, crisp, and vibrant. You can’t go far in the search for a ukulele without coming across a Kala product, they are truly everywhere as this is one of the biggest manufacturers of ukes out there. We carry quality acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass, drums and amplifiers. Great review of tone woods. Played a Tele through it and thought "this would be cool for my Kamaka." The southern ukulele store, for example, have a nice Kala tenor for £ 79. This is a step up from many of the beginner ukuleles on the market and is a very popular tenor ukulele for those making the step up. You also mentioned that if the mango wood is not cut and dried properly, it can have issues. Rosewood sides and back (seen above with the cedar top) is often used for the flagship models of acoustic guitar brands. Young band Young Band - Grade 2 Composed by William Owens (1963-). looking at an Okoume wood uke for my teenager. I haven’t seen anyone with a plastic uke so I decided to ask here, does it sound different because it is made out of plastic, not wood? but mainly pointing out that the design and skill of the maker is the first determinate of tone. You'd be much better off going for something like that than a cheap no-name uke that probably has an action like a … The solid acacia combines with the brilliant preamp for a mellow but clear tone. Some aren’t too bad, but most sound…plasticy? $57.99. Another option from Lanikai, one of the more prolific makers of ukes, and a brand with a strong history with the instruments. Lots of great woods and wood combinations. Redwood, cedar and spruce in particular seem to make mistakes more apparent. Their body type is either hollow, like a standard ukulele, similar … Can you give me a basic idea of the difference in tones the other two would have? Both are laminate so woods are not the biggest factor. I purchased an applause soprano ukulele just a couple of months ago. Ukuleles specialists Hobgoblin Music, established 1976. Ben is a writer, musician and former studio engineer from the UK with qualifications including music technology. Thanks so much! I went to go get the Kamaka from home and when I got back twenty minutes later the Excelsior … So that’s the basics, the most common woods you will see when looking for an ukulele. TyMusicCenter is a retail and repair guitar and drums shop. A tenor ukulele can be comfortable to play and give plenty of projection. With a setup any of the Kala models are a great value. The manufacturers with one of the biggest ranges of ukes have an option that we are delighted to recommend, the Mandy Harvey starter kit is the best tenor ukulele for beginners as it provides you with all you need to get started. Thanks, Hi Dan, I do a video comparison and we discuss the three models here- http://www.maryland.cochranfirmcriminaldefense.com/2015/04/12/listening-to-ukuleles-online/. I really enjoyed your review. Noah Ukuleles is an independent UK company supporting a family of Vietnamese luthiers. If this is the case with you, then the Cordoba model might provide you with a koa wood option that doesn’t cost too much money and gives a bright and traditional sound that a lot of the tenor models don’t give due to their larger size. Does it mean one is thicker and/or harder than the other? eBay item number: 333752956999. I know it’s very subjective but could a satin finish be any better than shiny high gloss finish? This high-end manufacturer has been making ukuleles and guitars for over 100 years and the 1T IZ is a great example of what they can offer. If you are looking for the best tenor ukulele under $500 and you want the electronics included then the ACST-CET is a fantastic choice. I’m thinking of a spruce top with either walnut back and sides or cherry back and sides. How long would it take for it to arrive? £179.00. Enya has soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles that fit the need of every player. Well those two models both sound great. Known for being bright, and loud , yet still full and warm. It’s Kala again. This helps. An amazing high quality sound yet affordable hand crafted ukulele, designed by local British craftsman - quality instruments - superior sound. Which one do you recomend? One of the reasons why koa is popular is the fact that it is the original tonewood most ukes were made with in Hawaii, so you can rely on the 28T for a traditional sound even with the larger tenor design. This lively march is a muscial blast of energy from beginning to end! Ukulele … $29.21 shipping. Check the reviews here! If you are looking for the best tenor ukulele under $300, or you are in the market for the top tenor ukulele for playing chords, this could be a fantastic option for you. Many thanks and Merry Xmas.... Zeb.. I was fortunate enough to catch a classified ad and pick up the ukulele, a small practice amp, a gig bag, and a digital tuner for just over a hundred dollars. I purchased a Lani LC70 (concert) solid spruce top/mahogany back and sides ukulele and have fallen overboard. Gilbert's absurd plot concerns Angelina, who sues Edwin because he broke their betrothal and fell for … The rosewood fingerboard makes this easy to play, but like many other models on the market, this relies on the mahogany for its richness and tonal projection. thank you!! One cool addition is that you get access to lessons with Harvey herself when you buy this ukulele. Classical Tenor Ukulele … That could be nice. Though it might not be the uke of choice for every professional out there, it is certainly a great ukulele for use if you are looking to get an affordable product that feels like the real deal. We carry quality acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass, drums and amplifiers. So we mentioned Mahogany and Koa that is most often used for the entire body. With over 90 years of serving musicians, Sam Ash is proud to be part of your musical journey! great info and so glad I foundyour site! If you are looking for a great tenor ukulele under $100 then Kala has you covered. This gives a bright attack to the sound and combines well with the koa wood for a bright tone. Thanks ... Ratings and reviews… New and secondhand Ukulele Shop. ih ear it’s like cedar, but your review did not specifically cover it. I spotted a Fender Excelsior, the new 13-watt, 15" speaker tube amp from Fender, at the local Guitar Center yesterday. Consordini is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program. I have been thinking about upgrading my ukulele. What are your thoughts regarding a Douglas Fir top and Walnut sides and back for a wood combination? Great builders adjust to the woods attributes. Walnut is beautiful and has nice tonal character on the sides and back though. It has the best of both worlds, if you are looking for the best sounding tenor ukulele then you don’t have to worry about this model losing it’s acoustic qualities, just because it includes a preamp and output for connecting to an amplifier or PA system. Very mid range. by gerrmccan9 31 Jan, 2020. A youtube interviewer said his Koa wood Uke sounded better because it was mat/satin finish compared to a Mango wood high gloss Uke. Above with the instruments a tribute to self-taught deaf musician Mandy Harvey good... And found the information helpful i went to go get the Kamaka home. Like i said though, a good builder will make it sound nice either way little warmer and more which! 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