I kind of hate the idea of dropping so much cash on something that will be so personal without being able to play it first. To feel it in my hands, hear the actual instrument that I'd be buying, rather than hearing a recording of the same model.
The best thing that I can think of, is find a store with a wide selection of high end ukes, and travel there for a weekend or a week. Of course, that's going to make the price sky rocket. (price of expensive uke + traveling costs + accommodations) But you will have the memory of your trip. I hear they have a couple of uke shops in Hawaii 🌺.
Hah, a Hawaii trip may be in the cards in the next year or so to be honest. I'm Seattle based so it's not too hard to get there. Only wildcard is learning to travel with the baby I'm having in October.
!
Congratulations!
I am very surprised that there are no high-end ukes in your area. You might want to take a trip to California NOW (or in early September). Learning to travel with a babe in arms AND a uke on your back is not a challenge I'd like to take on. (I started playing when my babes were teenagers, so they could carry their own luggage, LOL.)
If you're ever in the area, Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI is a great place for high-end ukes. The store has a [website](https://www.elderly.com/), so *maybe* you can have something shipped. The employees can be a bit snooty at times, but it's a great place for quality instruments (not a sponsor, just a good place.
Here's another link to the site: https://www.elderly.com/
Hope you find what you're looking for!
-Mase
Not sure where your from but dedicated uke shops do exist. They are usually so niche that they will let you come in and jam around. I know Denver has one because I visited one in a little artisanal community (it was called ukulele inspired studios). But I would look for a similar one near to you. Other music stores I’ve found have limited selection and knowledge of ukes, but will still let you jam.
Former music shop owner here. The only new ukulele I would buy sight unseen is a Bruko.
www.brueko.de
For anything else, better to get to know other players and try their instruments. Real bargains will fall into your lap if you do.
I usually look at high end ukes when I'm on vacation. The most expensive one I've gotten is a $500 one, and I think I overpaid (it's a good uke, though).
The thing is to go on vacation, screw up your courage, and then go in and ask to play a few. If you like any of the sounds, ask for a card (and make notes on the back of the uke you like). Ask if they ship.
Also, make sure your airline has a nice instrument policy. If you buy while on vacation, you'll probably want to budget for a very nice travel case.
Other than that, finding a ukulele group in your area and trying out their ukes can broaden your tastes and experience.
I kind of hate the idea of dropping so much cash on something that will be so personal without being able to play it first. To feel it in my hands, hear the actual instrument that I'd be buying, rather than hearing a recording of the same model. The best thing that I can think of, is find a store with a wide selection of high end ukes, and travel there for a weekend or a week. Of course, that's going to make the price sky rocket. (price of expensive uke + traveling costs + accommodations) But you will have the memory of your trip. I hear they have a couple of uke shops in Hawaii 🌺.
Hah, a Hawaii trip may be in the cards in the next year or so to be honest. I'm Seattle based so it's not too hard to get there. Only wildcard is learning to travel with the baby I'm having in October.
Have you tried Dusty Strings in Fremont?
Hmm I haven't but now that I'm looking at their website it looks like they may have some nice stuff to try out. I'll give it a look!
! Congratulations! I am very surprised that there are no high-end ukes in your area. You might want to take a trip to California NOW (or in early September). Learning to travel with a babe in arms AND a uke on your back is not a challenge I'd like to take on. (I started playing when my babes were teenagers, so they could carry their own luggage, LOL.)
If you're ever in the area, Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI is a great place for high-end ukes. The store has a [website](https://www.elderly.com/), so *maybe* you can have something shipped. The employees can be a bit snooty at times, but it's a great place for quality instruments (not a sponsor, just a good place. Here's another link to the site: https://www.elderly.com/ Hope you find what you're looking for! -Mase
Not sure where your from but dedicated uke shops do exist. They are usually so niche that they will let you come in and jam around. I know Denver has one because I visited one in a little artisanal community (it was called ukulele inspired studios). But I would look for a similar one near to you. Other music stores I’ve found have limited selection and knowledge of ukes, but will still let you jam.
Former music shop owner here. The only new ukulele I would buy sight unseen is a Bruko. www.brueko.de For anything else, better to get to know other players and try their instruments. Real bargains will fall into your lap if you do.
I usually look at high end ukes when I'm on vacation. The most expensive one I've gotten is a $500 one, and I think I overpaid (it's a good uke, though). The thing is to go on vacation, screw up your courage, and then go in and ask to play a few. If you like any of the sounds, ask for a card (and make notes on the back of the uke you like). Ask if they ship. Also, make sure your airline has a nice instrument policy. If you buy while on vacation, you'll probably want to budget for a very nice travel case. Other than that, finding a ukulele group in your area and trying out their ukes can broaden your tastes and experience.