Tenor Ukulele $2k - $3k

[Mirik]

Looking for advise on a Tenor Ukulele with a budget of 3k. Should I get one off the shelf or should I go for a custom built? Any brands/Luither should I consider. Was thinking of a spruce top with Brazilian B/S or should I go for a all Koa Ukulele? Any advise?

[Neal]

Do you play the uke? What do you have now?

[curiousdave84]

I come from a guitar base, but have greatly been enjoying tenor ukes.

Her are a few places to start:

Collings-I have a couple if UT-2's. One with a spruce top and one all mahogany. Craftsmanship is awesome and playability is awesome. But you will pay quite a bit to get one in Brazilian if they even have made one recently. But a UT-2 is hard to beat. I have actually been to the factory and seen these being made.

Mya moe- customer service is awesome. Actually have one being built right now. You can do just about anything from a customization stand point. Current wait is about a year though. For $2000, you can do a whole lot. They have tons of options including wood.

John Kinnard ukes- I have admired these and they look great. For 2500 can get a pretty decked out top of the line one. From what I have seen and heard build quality is top notch.

Hive ukuleles-I have heard great things. I like the contemporary look. These start at the top of your price range.

There are all the standard K brands as well. I really haven't played many of these.

Really a lot of it is preference.

[harpon]

I bought a Kala Ukadelic reggae tenor with Aquila Nylgut strings to complete my uke collection with one each of all four sizes-

$42 shipped and a deal- Lowest priced Tenor I could get, and a Kala too! Enjoy it immensely, but play mostly baritone because it's tuned like a guitar-
a mahogany for $75 would soud better , but more than that you won't see that much return on investment.

lI really prefer the higher sound of a soprano and concert, although the tenor starts to feel more comfortable-

a uke helps to learn upo the fretboard because thet're usually tuned same a the fifth fret/position on guitar, and you can apply some chords shapes too

I feel like the ukes are best to accompany vocals, and at 60 years of age I'm losing both my teeth and my voice more than I'd like, so they're fun but I make more progress musically still on guitar and keys.

almost spoils it for my classical guitar cause when I play a lot on the ukes, the classical sounds so low-

almost

[Neal]

Originally Posted by Neal

Do you play the uke? What do you have now?

Really, I'm curious, given your recent posts. Are you serious? You've been here today and have seen my inquiry, not that you are obligated to answer, but it's sort of an odd request.

[Neal]

Speechless?

[Mirik]

Sorry Guys, was busy sourcing the right Ukulele.... Yep, bought a Kinnard Cocobolo/Cedar Tenor (eta tis coming Friday) and has a firm custom built Brazilian/Spruce from John too. Right now am discussing detail of a Hive Hornet Ukulele, was choosing between a Zebra or Master Grade Koa. Oh, Btw I am switching between a kala and a Kamaka Concert Bell. (both Koa B/S). Thanks for all the info guys....

[Mirik]

Originally Posted by curiousdave84

I come from a guitar base, but have greatly been enjoying tenor ukes.

Her are a few places to start:

Collings-I have a couple if UT-2's. One with a spruce top and one all mahogany. Craftsmanship is awesome and playability is awesome. But you will pay quite a bit to get one in Brazilian if they even have made one recently. But a UT-2 is hard to beat. I have actually been to the factory and seen these being made.

Mya moe- customer service is awesome. Actually have one being built right now. You can do just about anything from a customization stand point. Current wait is about a year though. For $2000, you can do a whole lot. They have tons of options including wood.

John Kinnard ukes- I have admired these and they look great. For 2500 can get a pretty decked out top of the line one. From what I have seen and heard build quality is top notch.

Hive ukuleles-I have heard great things. I like the contemporary look. These start at the top of your price range.

There are all the standard K brands as well. I really haven't played many of these.

Really a lot of it is preference.

Thanks for the info, Hive Ukuleles, the Priciest of them all, waiting list 12months.
John Kinnard- bought a Tenor Cocbolo and custom built a Brazilian.
Collings - tried a Koa B/S sounded a lot like my Kala Koa.
Martin - too commercialise.
.

[Mirik]

Originally Posted by Neal

Do you play the uke? What do you have now?

Yep, tried it unwillingly when I was 5 of age, stop and throw away when i was 5.2, start exploring Ukulele when i was 38, ( easier to carry around the globe as i always travel). guitar willingly when I was 16. I am 41 as of writing..

[Mirik]

Originally Posted by Neal

Speechless?

???? Weird, as I can't record my voice on the Forum. Wordless Maybe.... no offence, just for laugh...cheers.