North American Made Uke?

[SalFromChatham]

Howdy …

I want to pick up a concert Uke as a gift for someone, but I don’t want to buy anything from half way around the world.

Any recommendations for a concert Uke in the sub$500 range made in Canada, USA, or Mexico? I know about the Martin CK1, but wondering what else is out there.. especially made in USA?

[mjh42]

Magic Fluke.
Martin

Could be a challenge to find in your price range.

A Magic Fluke concert was my first uke. I went with solid spruce top, wood fretboard, and geared tuners. Still have it and play regularly.

[A Green Peon]

You may be able to see if Brad Donaldson can make something but still a bit above $500.

Otherwise, think a used Bonanza or Magic Fluke or Mexican Martin are your choices.

[mjh42]

https://fretmill.com/product/creed-c...-cherry-smash/

https://www.facebook.com/Creedsworkshop/



Donna LoPrinzi--might find one at the higher end of your price range.


Could go the cigar box route as well.

[SalFromChatham]

Incoming Flea. Thanks guys.

[maxed]

I'm a little late for the party, but there is a company called Mainland Ukes made in Nashville, Indiana. I looked at these a few years ago, but never purchased.

https://mainlandukes.com/

[Norsepicker]

Kelalili (Kevin's Late Life Ukes)in California are very good, hand made by him, and affordable. I've been very pleased with my tenor.

[Norsepicker]

Also, a luthier who posts under the name redir on this forum has had one in his shop last time I was in it, he's a very talented maker and I have three of his guitars and bought a uke from him for my wife. I think he's asking $600 for it if it's still there.

[rllink]

Originally Posted by maxed

I'm a little late for the party, but there is a company called Mainland Ukes made in Nashville, Indiana. I looked at these a few years ago, but never purchased.

https://mainlandukes.com/

I think the Mainland ukes themselves are made in China and then assembled in the US. I've been to their place a couple times and I own a Mainland mahogany concert uke. They are really nice ukuleles though.

[maxed]

Originally Posted by rllink

I think the Mainland ukes themselves are made in China and then assembled in the US. I've been to their place a couple times and I own a Mainland mahogany concert uke. They are really nice ukuleles though.

Thanks rllink - I didn't realize that.

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by rllink

I think the Mainland ukes themselves are made in China and then assembled in the US. I've been to their place a couple times and I own a Mainland mahogany concert uke. They are really nice ukuleles though.

This is correct.
The label on my 2 Mainland Tenors says the following:
"Final assembly in U.S.A"

While the OP is set, I will give a shout out to Mike at Mainland. These ukuleles are really good and anyone looking to step up to a solid wood instrument should give these a hard look.

[rllink]

Originally Posted by jimmy bookout

While the OP is set, I will give a shout out to Mike at Mainland. These ukuleles are really good and anyone looking to step up to a solid wood instrument should give these a hard look.

I agree. Regardless of where the parts are made, they are put together in a little shop in a small town in Indiana by a family who loves ukulele and sponsors one of the best ukulele festivals you will ever attend, The Ukulele World Congress. All at a price way below $500.

[Brent Hahn]

Originally Posted by SalFromChatham

Howdy …

I want to pick up a concert Uke as a gift for someone, but I don’t want to buy anything from half way around the world.

An instrument that was invented, give or take, halfway around the world.

[SalFromChatham]

I played a used Mainland Concert at the Music Den this past weekend… beautiful simple instrument.

[LAPlayer]

Given that there are over 12,000 ukuleles listed on Reverb, I assumed this was a joke anyway. Plus, as stated, there is no shortage of ukuleles made in North America and the U.S.