Tenor recommendations $250-$300 price range

[Wildjoy]

Hey everyone! I’m looking to buy a tenor ukulele with a $300 ceiling. I‘ve looked at and listened to several online. What are your recommendations?

(I’m living overseas right now—no good ukulele shopping here. I hope to buy one after I return to the U.S.)

 

[Ms Bean]

Welcome to UU, Wildjoy!
I'm afraid that I can't help you with a recommendation. If you're waiting until you're back in the US, I would recommend to buy from the specialistukulele stores over there to get the best service. If you want to make your money go further, keep an eye on the marketplace when you're ready to buy. There are really stellar instruments for sale there now and then.

 

[ploverwing]

Welcome to the UU forum! So nice that you've joined us!

Yeah our Marketplace forum really often has amazing instruments, and sometimes even in your price range. Definitely it's worth calling up and talking with reputable ukulele specialists in the States when you're ready (The Ukulele Site, Mim's Ukes, Elderly Instruments are all widely respected on this forum). You will receive very helpful feedback based on your needs.

 

[Wildjoy]

Thanks for your replies! I would appreciate some guidance so that I will know what a stellar or amazing instrument is. Does it solely depend on if I like the looks and the way it plays? At that price point, does solid wood vs laminate even make a difference?

 

[Cadia]

If you could find a nice, lightly used Pono, that would be an excellent choice. Also the cheaper aNueNues punch way above their price point. Just some possible choices, there will be others.

 

[UkingViking]

Welcome to the forum!

One reason the responses have been a bit vague, is that you have a very wide set of criteria this far. Your price range is one which is filled with decent options, so it is hard to know where to start.
All the big companies catering ukes at every pricepoint have decent ukes. Kala, Ohana, Flight, Enya, you can find a lot.

Solid wood does in general have a more vibrant sound than laminate, but some companies like Kiwaya are reputed to make so good laminate instruments that they beat some other manufacturers solid wood instruments in this price range. I would look for at least a solid top, unless perhaps you want to check the Kiwaya reputation.

The best advice is for you to think about what you would like in an ukulele, find some contenders and ask for input on those.

• Do you want a pickup?*
• Do you like gloss finish?"
• Want it to look modern or traditional?
• Do you intend to play high up the neck, where you would benefit from a cutaway?*
• Which wood will give the sound you like? There is a video on YouTube where some ukuleles are compared, all the same model from Pono but with different wood. If you find and listen to that, you might have an idea of whether you will go for mahogany, akacia or a softwood like spruce.

*)
Gloss, cutaways, abalone inlays, pickups etc. are all things that add to production cost but doesnt really improve the sound. For pickup and cutaways, that is unless you actually use it. So it two ukes are priced the same, one has all of these features and the other dont, likely the blinged up uke saved money somewhere else. Perhaps lower QA or no solid wood. So only go for these things if they matter to you.

It is also a good idea to keep an eye on the marketplace in this forum. You might make a good bargain on an ukulele of slightly higher quality.

Edit:
One uke in your price range, which I personally would be very courious to try, is this solid top Breedlove (i hope link is OK):

Lu’au S Tenor Ukulele Myrtlewood – Myrtlewood

Lu’au S Tenor Ukulele Myrtlewood – Myrtlewood

breedlovemusic.com

I cant really call this an recommendation, since I never tried it. But I heard good stuff about it, and Myrtle sounds sweet on my way more expensive MyaMoe ukulele. Not many brands offer Myrtle tops, so it would be something different compared to what most people have. I would just throw it in, since it is not one of the big brands and might not show up on the big shop searches.

 

[bbkobabe]

My first solid top buy was a Kala Travel tenor... an sstu-t. It's a great ukulele for people who travel and comes with a special padded case. I still play mine regularly (even though I've moved up a bit since I bought this) and I always enjoy it. Play loud and clear and the small profile neck is great.

On sale now at the Kala website Spring sale for $279, free shipping. Not sure if they ship overseas...

 

[Jim in Oregon]

One uke in your price range, which I personally would be very courious to try, is this solid top Breedlove (i hope link is OK):

Lu’au S Tenor Ukulele Myrtlewood – Myrtlewood

Lu’au S Tenor Ukulele Myrtlewood – Myrtlewood

breedlovemusic.com

I cant really call this an recommendation, since I never tried it. But I heard good stuff about it, and Myrtle sounds sweet on my way more expensive MyaMoe ukulele. Not many brands offer Myrtle tops, so it would be something different compared to what most people have. I would just throw it in, since it is not one of the big brands and might not show up on the big shop searches.

I would absolutely recommend the Breedlove tenor solid-top myrtle. Mine is the only uke I've bought that came well set up from the factory.

In fact, I'd say its playability surpasses my Koaloha KTM-00.

Jim

 

[Tiger Camo]

Myrtle is the most underrated tone wood. That Breedlove is a hell of a deal.

 

[Cadia]

Myrtle is the most underrated tone wood. That Breedlove is a hell of a deal.

I love my myrtle Kala Elite! Years ago I bought my son a Breedlove acoustic bass. He's an electric bass player, basically. The Breedlove was very decent for the price, and I couldn't pass it up. He still has it.

 

[Wildjoy]

Thanks so much everyone! I haven’t said much in reply, but I’ve been paying attention to this thread, and doing a lot of research, learning about ukes in general, reading/watching reviews, etc. (Been spending some time at GotAUkulele—thanks, Barry!)

One reason the responses have been a bit vague, is that you have a very wide set of criteria this far. Your price range is one which is filled with decent options, so it is hard to know where to start.

Thanks for that explanation! It was helpful. Here’s where I’m settling:

definitely tenor
probably solid top/laminate body
I find I’m partial to cedar
I also like acacia
partial to satin finish
not a huge fan of abalone
indifferent about a pickup
indifferent about a cutaway
$250-300 range

That’s the reader’s digest version. Here’s the unabridged version:

definitely tenor
probably solid top/laminate body—I live in a desert climate. I plan to get a hard case & humidifier, but I feel a bit nervous about all solid wood. But, I could probably be convinced to get a solid wood (or a laminate).
I find I’m partial to cedar—but I also really like the tone of some other stuff I hear
I also like acacia—but I also really like the tone of some other stuff I hear
partial to satin finish—and I’m also partial to a nice gloss. I certainly don’t mind gloss, but I really like a satin neck.
not a huge fan of abalone—the reason is that it often looks out of place. If it ties in nicely with the entire uke, I think it can look great.
indifferent about a pickup—I don’t want to pay for something that I probably won’t use. (Yet, if I’m not sacrificing quality, I don’t mind having it.)
indifferent about a cutaway—Looks great, but I don’t see myself using it.
$250-300 range—willing to go a bit more, but wow, it’s a slippery slope!

My short list (today) is the Flight Leia (nice sound, nice beautiful simplicity), Flight Victoria TE (love the sound and LOVE the looks! Wish there was an all-acoustic version!), and The Ukulele Site has an exclusive model by Kala (KA-ASMHG-T). So you see how easily I can stray from what I think I want! ANYhow, I’m certainly open to more suggestions!

 

[Wildjoy]

I should also say that the suggestions here are all on my “keep an eye on this model” list! I appreciate your input!

 

[SebastianF]

It is neither cedar nor arcacia, but in that price range I would suggest the Enya EUT-MS if you can get your hands on one (that's the satin one, not the gloss models). Rip the Titaniums off and put on some nice flurocarbon strings on though, I tried Martins in high G and Uke Logics with wound low G and with both this uke sounds way better than it should, and the playability on mine and another one I played was excellent. All solid as well, clean constuction and very nicely radiused richlite fretboard. Check out Ryan Coads video on youtube for a sound sample.

For cedar, the Kai KTS-700 is also quite nice especially for the price. Solid cedar top with laminate bocote back and sides. I suggest the review on GotAUkulele.
The Enya is a step above it sound and construction wise imo and if I were in that market I would skip everything in between until you get into the Anuenue AMM3 / Rebel / Opio range.

 

[ploverwing]

I have a cedar top / acacia Koa laminate Twisted Wood Sierra tenor, and I really, really like it. I picked it up based on GotAUkulele's review. It's lovely in both low g (wound is my pref) and high g. I have an all solid spruce top / maple sides & back tenor made by a friend, and while it's lovely, I actually play my Sierra preferentially to that one. I prefer the sound of cedar. I'm pretty sure the MRSP listed is in Canadian dollars, which should land it at least close to your price range if not smack in the middle.

Not to sidetrack you or anything

 

[about2]

The good news is, there are many good options in your price range. The bad news is, there are many good options in your price range.

Don't let the quest for the perfect uke keep you from playing. The hunt for the "right" one is part of the adventure! Just know you probably won't know which one is your "right" one for several years. But in the meantime, you can be having a bunch of fun. Its a win-win.

 

[pmorey]

If you can work out the shipping...this one:

Price Drop - Pono ATDC-C

Very nice condition. Tenor Pono. Solid cedar top, solid acacia back and sides. Has a nick on side at bottom (shown in picture) Made in 2018 This uke plays and sounds as nice as it looks. Includes the pono hard case (it is a little beat up, but functions perfectly) Only selling due to new...

forum.ukuleleunderground.com

 

[Wildjoy]

if I were in that market I would skip everything in between until you get into the Anuenue AMM3 / Rebel / Opio range.

Hey! Thanks for the recommendations. I just want to make sure I'm understanding what you're saying here. The Enya uke you mentioned is $130. The Anuenue AMM3 is $700. You're saying that there's nothing in between them that you'd be interested in? (As I'm understanding that, your implication is that the Enya is that good, that there is no step up that would be significant enough of an upgrade/worth the money for you until you get to the AMM3/Rebel/Opio. Am I understanding correctly?)

 

[SebastianF]

As I'm understanding that, your implication is that the Enya is that good, that there is no step up that would be significant enough of an upgrade/worth the money for you until you get to the AMM3/Rebel/Opio. Am I understanding correctly?

Basically yes, though this is just my view and might be a bit radical.
It would be my pick in your price bracket and probably a bit beyond. And if you are beyond, say 500 $/€ ish, the step up to the mentioned models is absolutely worth it imo.

That is if you like the sound. If you like bright, this one is not and you might be better off with, say an Anuenue UT10. But for the price of the Enya, how many solid wood options are there? You won't find combinations like Cedar & Rosewood at this pricepoint. And playability and sound wise it is much better than the price suggests. Mahogany is of course not better or worse than any other tonewood, it is just one flavour to the sound.

 

[don_b]

Dusty Strings - Kiwaya KTU-1

Kiwaya KTU-1

store.dustystrings.com