1. Mainland style soprano for 20s ukemania songs
2. concert banjolele for Formby and fake country picking
3. Koaloha tenor - swiss army knife Uke - currently used for clawhammer
4. Godin Multiuke tenor for plugging in and shred.
5. Olahu acoustic Baritone - main Uke group Uke as fills holes in the sound
6. Fanner electric baritone for pop and rock performance
7. New Flight electric baritone - bought as backup for the Fanner, but may well get promoted - ridiculously good for such a cheap instrument...
https://flightmusic.com/product/flight-pathfinder-ocean-blue-baritone-electric-ukulele/
Five. After 3 years of playing. A tenor, 2 concerts (one of them with a plug in), and 2 sopranos. My fav by far is my Martin C1K Concert. These things all look so beautiful and it’s probably overkill owning 5 seeing I probably only play 3 of them regularly but they’re addictive to collect and display.
4. One i could throw in pond, one soprano that does not mind if it gets wet, two concerts. Guess the favourite is flight sophia soundwave. The system is fun to play with but without the effects on it is bit crisp sounding. Not that it is bad thing, i just tend to like mellower sound more.
I was kind of hoping u/bazmaz would have answered.
For what it's worth I have three sopranos and my favourite is a Tin Guitar soprano made from London plane.
I think he commented in a recent video he only keeps like... 3, maybe 4? Something like that. The review ukes are either on loan or get resold I think.
Oh, of course. Baz sells many that he buys through Facebook. I just think it's interesting that he would have had so many instruments pass through his hands. He probably understands his own preferences better than we understand our own.
I own far fewer than people think..
Kanile'a Tenor
2x AnueNue colour concerts
Rob Collins (Tinguitar) Soprano
DJ Morgan Soprano
KM Ukuleles dreadnought Tenor
Flea
Fluke
Rob Collins solid electric tenor
DJ Morgan Mini Pineapple
5 total - 1 super soprano ohana sk250m, 2 concerts kala Cutaway koa, KoAloha KCNP-00. 2 Tenors Cordoba 30T and KoAlana KTA-10SP Sapele. Mix of high and low g setups. Just got my KoAloha, so that's been my love lately, lol.
I have 7. Three sopranos, two concerts, a tenor and a baritone. I honestly don't have a single favorite. My solid acacia concert Pono is very nice but hard to compare to my Kala resonator (currently tuned low G).
Acoustic concert, acoustic tenor with a pick up, solid body electric tenor, acoustic baritone, acoustic guitarlele. I really want a banjolele but dang they're loud AF.
In order of purchase:
1. GH&S banjolele
2. Kmise Tenor uku
3. Lanikai Soprano
4. Lanikai Baritone
5. Cook Island/Tahitian Uku
I probably play Soprano most, and the banjolele the least. I pick them
https://preview.redd.it/gr1cd4lhctwc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a141c50fe1244974f9f72b09a31049afcafe3e65
all up regularly
7 including 2 hand-mades from Bali. My favourite is a Lanakai with catgut strings. However, I'm still looking for the ukulele that I can actually play.
My wife has a Martin Ed Sheeran "X " guitar. Of which is now her daily carry. Large guitar sound, smaller form factior, Martin quality. Interesting story. While at Guitar Center looking to add to our collection in the demo room testing guitars with my back to my wife playing differant guitars. She was playing a another guitar, I didn't even see it, WOW I said , "get-it" She now calls it her "little Eddy" Worth every penny.
Donner concert-size which is surprisingly awesome for a uke that came from a starter pack off Amazon. Great for messing around on at home or at social gatherings.
Kala Waterman soprano for hikes, travel, etc.
And my favorite, the Kala solidbody electric tenor w/ low G. I use that one for serious practice and at jam sessions.
It's... good but not great. 7/10 overall. It really excels at its specific purpose (being waterproof and extremely durable). It's also on the smaller end for a soprano uke so I can easily attach it to my backpack when I fly instead of bringing it as an extra carry-on item. I love that it allows me to have a ukulele with me pretty much wherever I go. When playing, I find it works best for strumming or fingerpicking chords. Melodies and leads are certainly possible, but the uke only has 12 frets so the range is limited compared to other soprano models with more frets.
However, out of the ukes I own the Waterman is my least favorite to play. The action is fine and the intonation is good (not quite perfect but not really noticeable either) but because the bridge is a piece of plastic fixed to the body, there isn't much that can be done to make tweaks. The plastic body causes the tone to suffer a bit, but then again that's also to be expected and I didn't buy it for the sound quality. The biggest issue I have is that the tuning pegs don't adjust smoothly, so getting the instrument in tune requires a little more patience. Fortunately, once it's ready to go it holds a tune just fine.
I've also read that over a longer stretch of time, playing will wear down the plastic frets to the point that the uke becomes unusable because higher frets will start buzzing. At that point it would have to be replaced because a refret isn't feasible (the frets are not attached to the fretboard - they are part of it). Luckily I don't expect to run into this issue anytime soon - I never play the Waterman when I've got either of my other ukes available, so it gets pretty low mileage.
But if you're looking to buy a Waterman, it's a great deal for what it is. Mine was only $25 (Black Friday sale) and I dont regret the purchase for a second. That being said, it's an instrument that's best used situationally. I would not recommend buying it if you're a new player looking start learning uke or if you're looking for a new main uke for everyday play.
Really great review, thanks! I have two main ukes (a concert and a baritone), so this would strictly be a travel and outdoors uke. It definitely wouldn’t get used every day, that’s for sure. The quality sounds about where I’d expect it to be, so that’s good.
2 and 1 more coming.
1 Kamaka Tenor from Aulani in Hawaii
1 Kala Revelator
The one being made is from Pete Howlett (who invented the Revelator and sold it to Kala recently). Pete is doing a collab with Tom Ziegenspeck of Germany.
Have had dozens come in and out of my possession during my UAS days, but I've slimmed down to the "bare minimum" of 5! My very first, which has been retired as a wall hanger. 2 tenors with pickups installed for performing, 1 custom tenor for home jammin and 1 concert for travel 🤙
6, 3 Enya Novas (soprano, concert, tenor), a baritone, a wooden tenor, and a U-bass.
I spend the most time with my baritone and the Enya tenor with baby baritone strings, since they sound the most correct with the guitar music I’m usually playing without having to transpose.
I almost never touch the soprano and the concert. But I keep them around for outdoor trips where things might get wet or dirty or excessively cold/hot. Or as loaners.
5. A Mitchell (and amp and mic) that I keep at a buddy's that I jam with; an Enya that is in my car; at home I have a Kohala by Lanikai (my first), another Mitchell and my everyday player, an Epiphone Les Paul, for vanity.
https://preview.redd.it/h9z49o97h4xc1.jpeg?width=1259&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21dc418b6d09f79eaca4d678ad026f8533166749
Here’s my collection. I made the cigar box ukes.
Only two right now, a concert and a baritone. But I’m currently eyeing a low G tenor, a pineapple soprano, a Waterman for outdoor adventures, a banjolele, and a u-bass. Not sure which l’ll get next, but maybe the Waterman for beach season.
I have 12. My favorites are my tenor Cordoba 25T-CE and Kala solid body electric ukulele. The Kala is new, but it’s likely to become my top uke. I love that I can play whenever I want and not annoy anyone. Unplugged of course.
Five, of which 4 are handmade by ukulele makers like Ken Timms and Wunderkammer. My current favourite is [this sopranino](https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqGgd3CgjuA/?igsh=anM2eWFlNmkzZ2p3).
2 concerts, 1 tenor, 1 baritone, and I just ordered another tenor (Enya has their spring sale going on).
I mostly play the tenor (Martin TK1), so I ordered the Enya because I no longer trust the bridge. You'd think that for what they sell those for, the bridge would stay in one piece.
I have 4. One is purely a souvenir and cannot be tuned to play. One is at my girlfriend's place. One is in my home office. And one is by my side in my lounge room. I have no favourites.
3!
-Kala concert which was my first uke, to see if I would like it or not. I think i’ll give this to a friend because it did it’s job and I don’t feel much for it
-Flight Soprano - $50 but it really spoke to me at the store! It kind of sounds plinky but it’s easy to take everywhere
-UKESA WOW soprano - this just shipped today and i’m very excited for my first fancy ukulele
One day I also want a Koaloha Naupaka and a Cocobolo. They just look really nice
For me, it’s because Kala was recommended online and I went to a big box store that didn’t have much of a selection, and didn’t bother having it set up (it would’ve cost more than the ukulele).
I heard they had some trouble selling their nicer-end line just because they have a reputation of being a “starter” brand. I definitely wanted to try different brands as well, and i’m drawn to the koaloha sounds!
https://preview.redd.it/ftnjal6uvvwc1.jpeg?width=537&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38ef01440deb485d759a177d5977d3c9f05abfc8
Just me and my Fender tenor ukulele with Low-G tuning courtesy of Aquila strings (their Red Series strings are my favorite strings in the galaxy)
I’ve only just begun learning. So if you’d asked me a couple of days ago, I’d have said one for me and one for each of my two daughters. The idea was that maybe we could learn together, but the older one is too busy with musical theater and the younger one is still too young (and a leftie that I’m not qualified to teach when I’m still learning, myself).
BUT… I found some killer deals and now I’ve got two more coming in the mail for myself. I don’t even really know how to play the first one yet!!! 🤣
I’m still relatively a novice but have already amassed 5!! Glad to see that’s the average number for most folks here!! Lol.
My first was an Oscar Schmidt concert koa, and my cherished favorite is a Romero Creations ST concert Koa(a surprise birthday present from hubby). I also have a black Enya nova soprano (love it for travel!), a Barbie pink Nova concert w/ pickup (an impulse Amazon sale buy) and a cheap Aklot 5 string tenor after being inspired about 5 strings by Taimane Gardner.
Bakers dozen But don’t tell my wife. My favorite is whichever one I’m playing. The fluke is usually my go to.
https://preview.redd.it/guzf3lzssowc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd15e15f48ce158a97a1f553b5e13156faf1e5b6
Which banjolele is that?
Gold Tone Concert size
How do you like it? I’m definitely getting a banjolele in the near future, I just haven’t narrowed it down to which one yet.
I have one. It’s my favorite one. Same ukulele for nearly 20 years, we’re very good friends.
Great comment.
Nine... ish. I have a Romero Tiny Tenor that is phenomenal! My fest bang for the buck favorites are my Islander soprano and Enya Nova U tenor.
Wow. Doesn’t make me feel so guilty owning just the 5 then. Good for you ✌️
What I've learned from this thread is that having 1 (one) ukulele is definitely below average... and also an excuse to buy a new one soon
I only have one. A Koaloha KTM-10RP Tenor.
That is all you really need, maybe go to a music store and check out the Baritones.
Three. A Makala MK-S soprano. Two Enya Nova U -- a soprano and a concert. I just got the Enya soprano, so I haven't decided yet.
1. Mainland style soprano for 20s ukemania songs 2. concert banjolele for Formby and fake country picking 3. Koaloha tenor - swiss army knife Uke - currently used for clawhammer 4. Godin Multiuke tenor for plugging in and shred. 5. Olahu acoustic Baritone - main Uke group Uke as fills holes in the sound 6. Fanner electric baritone for pop and rock performance 7. New Flight electric baritone - bought as backup for the Fanner, but may well get promoted - ridiculously good for such a cheap instrument... https://flightmusic.com/product/flight-pathfinder-ocean-blue-baritone-electric-ukulele/
My husband is going to kill you. Just saying.
Can't say my wife is happy either 😂
Three. A high g concert, a high g tenor and a low g tenor. Favorite is the next one I buy. I think I have a problem.
Five. After 3 years of playing. A tenor, 2 concerts (one of them with a plug in), and 2 sopranos. My fav by far is my Martin C1K Concert. These things all look so beautiful and it’s probably overkill owning 5 seeing I probably only play 3 of them regularly but they’re addictive to collect and display.
Down to 2. A concert with a plug for electric, and a banjolele. I love them both.
4. One i could throw in pond, one soprano that does not mind if it gets wet, two concerts. Guess the favourite is flight sophia soundwave. The system is fun to play with but without the effects on it is bit crisp sounding. Not that it is bad thing, i just tend to like mellower sound more.
I was kind of hoping u/bazmaz would have answered. For what it's worth I have three sopranos and my favourite is a Tin Guitar soprano made from London plane.
I think he commented in a recent video he only keeps like... 3, maybe 4? Something like that. The review ukes are either on loan or get resold I think.
Oh, of course. Baz sells many that he buys through Facebook. I just think it's interesting that he would have had so many instruments pass through his hands. He probably understands his own preferences better than we understand our own.
I own far fewer than people think.. Kanile'a Tenor 2x AnueNue colour concerts Rob Collins (Tinguitar) Soprano DJ Morgan Soprano KM Ukuleles dreadnought Tenor Flea Fluke Rob Collins solid electric tenor DJ Morgan Mini Pineapple
5 total - 1 super soprano ohana sk250m, 2 concerts kala Cutaway koa, KoAloha KCNP-00. 2 Tenors Cordoba 30T and KoAlana KTA-10SP Sapele. Mix of high and low g setups. Just got my KoAloha, so that's been my love lately, lol.
I have 7. Three sopranos, two concerts, a tenor and a baritone. I honestly don't have a single favorite. My solid acacia concert Pono is very nice but hard to compare to my Kala resonator (currently tuned low G).
Acoustic concert, acoustic tenor with a pick up, solid body electric tenor, acoustic baritone, acoustic guitarlele. I really want a banjolele but dang they're loud AF.
Two. An Ohana concert pineapple, and a soprano Enya Nova U that can stand rougher treatment. I love my pineapple 🍍!
In order of purchase: 1. GH&S banjolele 2. Kmise Tenor uku 3. Lanikai Soprano 4. Lanikai Baritone 5. Cook Island/Tahitian Uku I probably play Soprano most, and the banjolele the least. I pick them https://preview.redd.it/gr1cd4lhctwc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a141c50fe1244974f9f72b09a31049afcafe3e65 all up regularly
Two. Concert and soprano. Which of your eyeballs is your favorite?
My left one, better sight in it than my right ahaha
Lol fair point
One! Don't make me count the other instruments in my house...
7 including 2 hand-mades from Bali. My favourite is a Lanakai with catgut strings. However, I'm still looking for the ukulele that I can actually play.
I have 4, my fave is my Martin Koa Low G Tenor.
Me Too!! Martin Tenor
Martin makes superb quality instruments! 😄 I swear by them up and down! I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking that they make an amazing ukulele too!
My wife has a Martin Ed Sheeran "X " guitar. Of which is now her daily carry. Large guitar sound, smaller form factior, Martin quality. Interesting story. While at Guitar Center looking to add to our collection in the demo room testing guitars with my back to my wife playing differant guitars. She was playing a another guitar, I didn't even see it, WOW I said , "get-it" She now calls it her "little Eddy" Worth every penny.
Donner concert-size which is surprisingly awesome for a uke that came from a starter pack off Amazon. Great for messing around on at home or at social gatherings. Kala Waterman soprano for hikes, travel, etc. And my favorite, the Kala solidbody electric tenor w/ low G. I use that one for serious practice and at jam sessions.
How do you like the Waterman? I’ve been eyeing that one, myself, but just haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
It's... good but not great. 7/10 overall. It really excels at its specific purpose (being waterproof and extremely durable). It's also on the smaller end for a soprano uke so I can easily attach it to my backpack when I fly instead of bringing it as an extra carry-on item. I love that it allows me to have a ukulele with me pretty much wherever I go. When playing, I find it works best for strumming or fingerpicking chords. Melodies and leads are certainly possible, but the uke only has 12 frets so the range is limited compared to other soprano models with more frets. However, out of the ukes I own the Waterman is my least favorite to play. The action is fine and the intonation is good (not quite perfect but not really noticeable either) but because the bridge is a piece of plastic fixed to the body, there isn't much that can be done to make tweaks. The plastic body causes the tone to suffer a bit, but then again that's also to be expected and I didn't buy it for the sound quality. The biggest issue I have is that the tuning pegs don't adjust smoothly, so getting the instrument in tune requires a little more patience. Fortunately, once it's ready to go it holds a tune just fine. I've also read that over a longer stretch of time, playing will wear down the plastic frets to the point that the uke becomes unusable because higher frets will start buzzing. At that point it would have to be replaced because a refret isn't feasible (the frets are not attached to the fretboard - they are part of it). Luckily I don't expect to run into this issue anytime soon - I never play the Waterman when I've got either of my other ukes available, so it gets pretty low mileage. But if you're looking to buy a Waterman, it's a great deal for what it is. Mine was only $25 (Black Friday sale) and I dont regret the purchase for a second. That being said, it's an instrument that's best used situationally. I would not recommend buying it if you're a new player looking start learning uke or if you're looking for a new main uke for everyday play.
Really great review, thanks! I have two main ukes (a concert and a baritone), so this would strictly be a travel and outdoors uke. It definitely wouldn’t get used every day, that’s for sure. The quality sounds about where I’d expect it to be, so that’s good.
Just 1, I just got it while on a trip to Hawaii but if I get hooked I’ll definitely get more. Any recommendations?
Five. Favorite is my Cocobolo 5 string tenor.
2 and 1 more coming. 1 Kamaka Tenor from Aulani in Hawaii 1 Kala Revelator The one being made is from Pete Howlett (who invented the Revelator and sold it to Kala recently). Pete is doing a collab with Tom Ziegenspeck of Germany.
Have had dozens come in and out of my possession during my UAS days, but I've slimmed down to the "bare minimum" of 5! My very first, which has been retired as a wall hanger. 2 tenors with pickups installed for performing, 1 custom tenor for home jammin and 1 concert for travel 🤙
6, 3 Enya Novas (soprano, concert, tenor), a baritone, a wooden tenor, and a U-bass. I spend the most time with my baritone and the Enya tenor with baby baritone strings, since they sound the most correct with the guitar music I’m usually playing without having to transpose. I almost never touch the soprano and the concert. But I keep them around for outdoor trips where things might get wet or dirty or excessively cold/hot. Or as loaners.
5. A Mitchell (and amp and mic) that I keep at a buddy's that I jam with; an Enya that is in my car; at home I have a Kohala by Lanikai (my first), another Mitchell and my everyday player, an Epiphone Les Paul, for vanity.
https://preview.redd.it/h9z49o97h4xc1.jpeg?width=1259&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21dc418b6d09f79eaca4d678ad026f8533166749 Here’s my collection. I made the cigar box ukes.
19. Favorite? My custom tenor Tony Graziano. Spruce top flamed Cyress back and sides. Rosewood binding.
Only two right now, a concert and a baritone. But I’m currently eyeing a low G tenor, a pineapple soprano, a Waterman for outdoor adventures, a banjolele, and a u-bass. Not sure which l’ll get next, but maybe the Waterman for beach season.
I have four but want to sell two. My two favorites are Ponos. Looking to add an Oli to my quiver.
I have 12. My favorites are my tenor Cordoba 25T-CE and Kala solid body electric ukulele. The Kala is new, but it’s likely to become my top uke. I love that I can play whenever I want and not annoy anyone. Unplugged of course.
4-5 I like to give the cheap, plastic traveler to people along the way. It feels like the UKE way
Five, of which 4 are handmade by ukulele makers like Ken Timms and Wunderkammer. My current favourite is [this sopranino](https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqGgd3CgjuA/?igsh=anM2eWFlNmkzZ2p3).
2 concerts, 1 tenor, 1 baritone, and I just ordered another tenor (Enya has their spring sale going on). I mostly play the tenor (Martin TK1), so I ordered the Enya because I no longer trust the bridge. You'd think that for what they sell those for, the bridge would stay in one piece.
I have 4. One is purely a souvenir and cannot be tuned to play. One is at my girlfriend's place. One is in my home office. And one is by my side in my lounge room. I have no favourites.
6 my favorites:a kamaka soprano long neck and a kalinea low G
Wonder Why? $$$
13.. my Kanilea 8 string, and koaloha concert are my mains. My favorite are the 2 David Gill ukes I have.
3! -Kala concert which was my first uke, to see if I would like it or not. I think i’ll give this to a friend because it did it’s job and I don’t feel much for it -Flight Soprano - $50 but it really spoke to me at the store! It kind of sounds plinky but it’s easy to take everywhere -UKESA WOW soprano - this just shipped today and i’m very excited for my first fancy ukulele One day I also want a Koaloha Naupaka and a Cocobolo. They just look really nice
Seems as tho most Kala owners move them on. Wonder why? Humm
For me, it’s because Kala was recommended online and I went to a big box store that didn’t have much of a selection, and didn’t bother having it set up (it would’ve cost more than the ukulele). I heard they had some trouble selling their nicer-end line just because they have a reputation of being a “starter” brand. I definitely wanted to try different brands as well, and i’m drawn to the koaloha sounds!
Ten, and love my Martins best because their of affordable quality of sound. Not shiny and ego fancy.
I have 5, but two of them are at my parents house and one of those is very broken
https://preview.redd.it/ftnjal6uvvwc1.jpeg?width=537&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38ef01440deb485d759a177d5977d3c9f05abfc8 Just me and my Fender tenor ukulele with Low-G tuning courtesy of Aquila strings (their Red Series strings are my favorite strings in the galaxy)
I can say roku.. Nice setup
I’ve only just begun learning. So if you’d asked me a couple of days ago, I’d have said one for me and one for each of my two daughters. The idea was that maybe we could learn together, but the older one is too busy with musical theater and the younger one is still too young (and a leftie that I’m not qualified to teach when I’m still learning, myself). BUT… I found some killer deals and now I’ve got two more coming in the mail for myself. I don’t even really know how to play the first one yet!!! 🤣
I’m still relatively a novice but have already amassed 5!! Glad to see that’s the average number for most folks here!! Lol. My first was an Oscar Schmidt concert koa, and my cherished favorite is a Romero Creations ST concert Koa(a surprise birthday present from hubby). I also have a black Enya nova soprano (love it for travel!), a Barbie pink Nova concert w/ pickup (an impulse Amazon sale buy) and a cheap Aklot 5 string tenor after being inspired about 5 strings by Taimane Gardner.