Baritone ukulele

[airborne1]

New to ukes and am thinking of a baritone with a max of $500.

How do Kala and Ohana compare? Any other makes I should consider? I’m interested in playing blues and would appreciate tone wood suggestions also.

Thank you for any replies!

[learningalways]

I play Baritone, and I would recommend the Pono AB Acacia, The Ukulele Site has it on sale now for $503.00, which I think is a great price and it has an adjustable truss rod, and other higher end features. (I don't need another Baritone, but I am tempted...)
Here is a link: https://theukulelesite.com/shop-by/s...e-ab-8304.html

[Steve DeRosa]

How about something completely different - an 8-string baritone (similar to the taropatch that enjoyed some popularity in the 1920's):



https://kalabrand.com/products/ka-scac-b8

[ifret]

I agree with the Pono baritone, but will also suggest the solid wood Kala SA-B.

I currently have both. They both sound and play great, but I'd strongly recommend fluorocarbon strings for the best tone, sustain and feel.

https://alohacityukes.com/products/k...Pno9g2VE1wIqkA

[airborne1]

I’ve decided to go with the Pono A-B 8304 solid Acacia.

The business doesn’t open until Wednesday, so I have a short wait!

Thanks for the opinions, they are appreciated!

Being new to the Ukulele, I’m sure I’ll be asking for more help!!

[ifret]

You'll love it!

[airborne1]

Originally Posted by ifret

I agree with the Pono baritone, but will also suggest the solid wood Kala SA-B.

I currently have both. They both sound and play great, but I'd strongly recommend fluorocarbon strings for the best tone, sustain and feel.

https://alohacityukes.com/products/k...Pno9g2VE1wIqkA

May I ask what brand of fluorocarbon strings you would suggest?

Thanks for your help!

[Earl49]

Worth is the brand in fluorocarbon strings and brown is the most common choice, but I think that Aquila makes them too.

If you figure out the gauges versus "test weight", fluorocarbon fishing line can be used. One roll of each gauge will last you and all your ukulele pals several lifetimes. I had a friend with a small shop that did this, but he has passed way now so I cannot ask him. It was neat to have different colors of strings on the uke, and useful for lessons. "Put your pointer finger on the green string at the second fret".

Pono is a great choice. My baritone is a cheapo because it was always going to be second fiddle to my tenor in standard GCEA tuning. Hint: to get fully comfortable with baritone tuning, I played nothing but baritone uke for two months. It broke me free of thinking guitar chords and all six strings.

[DownUpDave]

You would do well to experiment with strings. I came to guitar from ukulele and can say you get even more change in tone from string changes on uke then guitar.

Worth, Oasis, D'Addario and Martin all have good baritone string sets. All of those except Worth have a wound 4th and 3rd string which I prefer.

Great choice on the Pono baritone they are high quality instruments. Enjoy the new musical direction.

[airborne1]

Originally Posted by DownUpDave

You would do well to experiment with strings. I came to guitar from ukulele and can say you get even more change in tone from string changes on uke then guitar.

Worth, Oasis, D'Addario and Martin all have good baritone string sets. All of those except Worth have a wound 4th and 3rd string which I prefer.

Great choice on the Pono baritone they are high quality instruments. Enjoy the new musical direction.

Thanks Dave!
Of the string brands you’ve mentioned, are they fluorocarbons?
I find different strings on guitar can have a quite a change in tone, so, if the baritone uke is even more so, I will look forward to much experimentation!
Thank you for your opinions!

[airborne1]

I’ve got the order in and should be here before the end of the month.

I believe it was a great deal as the baritone was on sale, along with a hard case, two strap buttons and a setup!

Looking forward to it’s arrival!

[Steve DeRosa]

If you're going to be experimenting with strings I'd add Aquila Nylgut to the short list: my wife has them on her spruce/maple Ohana tenor, and it's not only a pocket cannon (if any uke can be described as such - cuts right through an ensemble of 15-20 with headroom to burn) but tuning/intonation is rock-stable - not always the case with fluorocarbons IME...

[DownUpDave]

Originally Posted by airborne1

Thanks Dave!
Of the string brands you’ve mentioned, are they fluorocarbons?
I find different strings on guitar can have a quite a change in tone, so, if the baritone uke is even more so, I will look forward to much experimentation!
Thank you for your opinions!

Yes those I mentioned are fluorocarbon. If you want to try nylon, which are usually warmer D'Addario makes them.

[gurroz]

I own two Ohana Tenor Ukuleles and they are fabulous. I do not own a Baritone so I can't speak to which is better,