Acquired Martin (or other) Soprano Ukulele - under $500

[EDW]

I have not played the 1K, but have previously owned an S1. Yes, they do have the Martin name, but they really bear no resemblance to the vintage ones. In my experience, the sound, feel and looks all pale compared to the earlier ones. IF I wanted the classic Martin soprano uke, I would wait for the right one to come along at my price.

Just my two cents.....

 

[Graham Greenbag]

I was replying to a question about the Martin S1K (koa) which is different from the Martin S1 (mahogany). I do not know why they would use different neck shapes for the 2 instruments or if the specs on the website are accurate.

Apologies, I was focused on mahogany because that was in-line with the original post and I didn’t read back up the thread.

S1K specs are indeed different. but whether that’s an error or not I don’t know.

Martin S1K Ukulele | Martin Guitar

Shop S1K Uke and other Martin Guitar apparel, accessories, and guitar straps!

www.martinguitar.com

 

[man0a]

If I were to buy a $500 "soprano" for myself, I would get a Millar mango longneck soprano with hard case for $499. In stock now at TUS. It will give me a sweeter sound than the old Martin mahogany sopranos, but that is what I prefer.

The Ukulele Site | Search results for: 'millar'

theukulelesite.com

 

[man0a]

Since you mention Kiwaya in the original post, this one looks and sound great for the price (equivalent of around US$340). I don't know where you could buy it in the USA, though. The "Famous" brand is what Kiwaya uses for instruments that are sold in Japan.

 

[Ukecaster]

Yes, the Martin site also says 1 11/32" nut on the S1k. Strange why they'd spec that size nut

 

[Ukecaster]

Since you mention Kiwaya in the original post, this one looks and sound great for the price (equivalent of around US$340). I don't know where you could buy it in the USA, though. The "Famous" brand is what Kiwaya uses for instruments that are sold in Japan.

That Famous is a new model to me, and the video is only 10 days old. Looks like it has 14 frets to body, wonder if it's a longneck? It also seems to have the old style Famous headstock logo.

Edit: looks like a new model, from new Hybrid Series. 14 frets to body, but not designated as longneck (concert scale). Says 351mm scale which is 13.8" scale, using the older Famous logo.

【Famous】FS-210　ソプラノサイズ（ハイブリッドシリーズ）-KIWAYA

Famousの弾きやすさはそのままに トップ板単板 × サイド・バック合板仕様の『ハイブリッドシリーズ』 トップを単板にすることでサウンドがふくよかになることはもちろん、弾くほどに振動性が高まり、音が育つ感覚を味わうことができます。 サイド・バックには合板を使用する事で、豊かな音量と強度を実現。 ヘッドロゴは旧ロゴに貼り貝をあしらっており、定番のFamousよりも高級感を感じられるつくりになっています。...

www.kiwayasbest.com

Famous FS-210

日本で作られるフェイマスウクレレ大量入荷いたしましたよ! 初心者の方から気兼ねなく使えるフェイマスウクレレは、国産シェアNO.1の信頼のブランドです。 細かなセットアップ調整がきっちり行われており、コストパフォーマンス高い仕上がりです。 こちらは、Famous新シリーズ『ハイブリッドシリーズ』となるFS-210、ソプラノウクレレです。 トップ板はホンジュラスマホガニー単板×サイド・バックマホガニー合板となり、価格面のみならず、 単板のふくよかなサウンド×合板特有の音量豊かなサウンドを掛け合わせたモデルとなります。...

www.guitarshoptantan.com

I know Famous is for the domestic Japan market, but for the life of me don't understand why they don't invest a few dollars in editing/ proofreading, their description is almost comical:


"The rich sound unique to plywood"...I love it!

 

[pondweed]

they are probably all going to devalue other than the vintage and pre-owned ones... keep your $500 as safe as you can.
Especial bargains when they don't want to ship whatsoever and will end up going cheap - but you could get something picked up and transfer the risk. Not suggesting UK is sensible place for you to look though. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296352063221?

 

[mingus]

Thanks so much for all of the responses, you all are awesome!

 

[EDW]

Thanks so much for all of the responses, you all are awesome!

Let us know what you end up getting

 

[mineymole]

How about the Brad Donaldson Koa Soprano listed here?

 

[mingus]

Closing this one!

 

[pondweed]

Here are two nice luthier options from Rob Collins (Tinguitar) in the UK, coming in at $365 which should allow for shipping to the USA.

Those new reclaimed Meranti models are right on the mark if you are in UK or nearby. Utterly serviceable and utiltarian, but both quite delightful in shape.

 

[Graham Greenbag]

Closing this one!

I hope that you found something, and that the thread wasn’t going off in a direction unhelpful to you.

Whatever the outcome I feel sure that folk here on UU wish you well.

 

[mingus]

I hope that you found something, and that the thread wasn’t going off in a direction unhelpful to you.

Whatever the outcome I feel sure that folk here on UU wish you well.

Thanks so much Graham! This board has always been a gift to me over the years. I am very thankful for each of you!

 

[Mike $]

what did you get?

 

[bazmaz]

I’ve not had the chance to play one of them, but I do own a Timms Style 0 replica, and @bazmaz has said he rates his Collins above the Timms.

Did I?? Other way around! The Timms got one of the highest scores I ever gave to a ukulele on review

 

[Neil_O]

Closing this one!

Please re-open this one to report what uke you got!

 

[Oldscruggsfan]

Too late I suppose but:
Thread 'Bradford Donaldson Koa Soprano'
https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/bradford-donaldson-koa-soprano.163581/

 

[Oldscruggsfan]

Since you mention Kiwaya in the original post, this one looks and sound great for the price (equivalent of around US$340). I don't know where you could buy it in the USA, though. The "Famous" brand is what Kiwaya uses for instruments that are sold in Japan.

Amen. Love the FU-120P (pineapple)

 

[EDW]

I actually offered $475, and the owner rejected my offer.

LOL. I see that the uke is now listed at $475! That is a nice deal on a great vintage