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Original Post By:
cybermolly10
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Date: 1/28/2015 7:18:45 PM |
Hi there. I know that this is a frequently discussed topic, but bear with me. I got my first ukulele at the end of last August, and I'm in love. I got it on Amazon, it's purple, and it cost $35. I play every day, and I'm pretty confident that I will keep it up.
I think it's time to get a second, more expensive ukulele, since I think the more time I spend with my current one the harder it will be to move on. My birthday is coming up in April, and I'm an only child, so it shouldn't be too hard to convince my parents to buy me one that costs a couple hundred bucks.
I know this is terrible, but I really want my new ukulele to be purple as well, or at least have a lot of purple in it. I know, I know, the sound should be the most important thing, but I really want something with a little character, something that would say, "This is clearly Molly's ukulele".
I'm also not sure if I should stick with a soprano ukulele, or think about getting a concert ukulele. Will the chords be the same if I switch?
Here's what I've found so far.
https://reverb.com/item/50961-dean-concert-ukulele-flora-qmaple-w-preamp-purple-flora?_aid=pla&pla=1
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/luna-guitars-flora-concert-ukulele/583540005013010
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/10015042960213320110?biw=1266&bih=796&q=purple+ukulele&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.84607526,d.cGU&ion=1&espv=2&tch=1&ech=1&psi=unbJVOSpGZProATL_oLwBA.1422489275356.7&sa=X&ei=zXbJVOuhNcT5yQS28oGAAw&ved=0CCAQqA0oAQ |
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Posted By:
Ukulele Rob
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Date: 1/29/2015 10:15:44 AM |
How about http://www.magicfluke.com/product-p/grapeflea.htm ?
Soprano, concert, tenor: The tuning's the same, so the chords are the same. (Due to longer scale lengths on concert and tenor, the "feel" will be different, and if you wade into the "high-G vs. low-G battle, you'll be thinking about the different "voices" of chords using one or the other.)
Re the Luna/Dean (same instrument), will you be using the electronics? Handy if you're performing at open mics and such, not necessary (and an added expense) if you're simply playing for yourself.
Re soprano, concert and tenor scale lengths, you'll really need to go to a shop or borrow from friends and play the different sizes to determine what feels right for you.
Finally, I own an inexpensive Luna baritone that I picked up for very little from a dealer who'd had it out as a demo. I'm neither disappointed nor impressed with the quality. Luna makes good stuff. But on a head-to-head "bang for the buck" comparison, I'd go for the Fluke over the Luna.
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Posted By:
joe persons
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Date: 1/29/2015 2:54:20 PM |
Sage advise from Ukulele Rob. Fleas are not super common (at least in my neck of the woods) and they come in your desired color, AND they sound fantastic!
Joe
PS- I own two of them...
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Posted By:
Rob Uker
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Date: 1/29/2015 4:07:44 PM |
I'm Rob Uker, not to be confused with Ukulele Rob.
I agree with Ukulele Rob the Flea or Fluke is your best option if you want a step up in quality.
Some people like the non traditional shape and some people don't.
I think you should definitely try a different size . If you get into finger picking you'll want something bigger then a soprano.
The down side of a flea or fluke is that if you decide to sting it in low G, you shouldn't use wound strings on plastic frets.
This is why we all end up owning a dozen or more ukuleles. One uke just can't do it all.
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Posted By:
northern uke
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Date: 1/30/2015 10:44:24 AM |
| Every player should have a Flea in their quiver of ukes. It really is the ultimate step up uke that can move Into being a great uke. Do not underestimate the handiness of being able to stand it on its end! Genius!
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Posted By:
cybermolly10
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Date: 1/30/2015 12:01:47 PM |
Thanks for your help! Just to clarify, right now I play for myself, with the occasional performance at a family party. I think I'd like to try an open mic at some point, but it's still a little too early.
I don't think I'm going to get a low G string, that seems to be more of a guy thing. I put one on my dad's ukulele, and when I play his I don't wish I had one.
I don't actually have any ukulele playing friends as of yet, but maybe this will give me the motivation I need to go to a local group meeting.
I did recently into fingerpicking (one of my many ukulele pinterest pages is devoted just to fingerpicking patterns, http://www.pinterest.com/cybermolly10/ukulele-fingerpicking-patterns/), so I'll keep that in mind.
Thanks again, and keep the advice coming!
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Posted By:
Ukeguy
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Date: 1/31/2015 1:49:28 PM |
The Flea is a solid recommendation and I believe they come in purple. I'd also try a concert scale since your interested in finger picking and you already have a soprano. Good luck!
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Posted By:
Ukulele Rob
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Date: 2/13/2015 10:04:34 AM |
| Any decision yet?
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Posted By:
singndance
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Date: 2/17/2015 11:30:10 PM |
| Get a nice uke and a purple strap. Don't limit yourself by color.
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Posted By:
Ukebug
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Date: 2/19/2015 11:01:48 AM |
| I agree with Singndance. I would do purple accessories and go for a Koaloha, new or used. Can't beat them for sound and playability. I love purple too, and have my Koaloha in a purple case. Good luck and let us know what you get.
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Posted By:
Posgroup
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Date: 3/8/2015 10:13:18 AM
(Updated: 3/8/2015 10:14:33 AM)
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| A purple Flea! I think the Flea is stellar, as well as the folks who make them! You can get one with a concert neck, and wood fretboard if you wish.
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