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Juan
Aloha
USA
16 Posts |
 Posted - 09/08/2004 : 03:40:43 AM
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Hello,
I've read a lot of good things about the Fluke ukes. Has anyone played, bought or otherwise took it out for a spin. It kind of looks like it belongs in King Arthur's Court but many say that sound and playability are awesome for under $200. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Juan
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goto636
Aloha
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2004 : 09:10:57 AM
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Hi,
One of the very first ukuleles that I bought was a Tenor fluke with a rosewood fretboard. I bought a Tiki Fluke from the Tiki-King so I paid more than a standard Fluke. I really like this ukulele.
Pros:
It sounds incredible
Stays in tune up & down the neck
Great price for the sound & the feel
Cons:
Due to the rounded back is a little slippery to hold
I have no experience with the molded fretboard, but some owners have reported problems seeing the black molded frets. And there is some concern about wear on the fretboard from the strings. But others will have to address those issues.
Good luck! |
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marzullo
`Olu`olu
USA
923 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2004 : 09:25:24 AM
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hi juan,
we got my father in law a fluke tenor, and i've played it a lot. i pretty much agree with goto636's evaluation. it has, to my ears, a bit of a banjo sound to it, but it's a well made responsive ukulele.
before getting a fluke, though, try to do a side-by-side comparison with a lanikai. many of my friends replaced their flukes with lanikais. they have comparable prices, and the lanikai, like the fluke, is an inexpensive quality ukulele.
aloha,
keith
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Keith |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2004 : 11:20:11 AM
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| Keith, you mean inexpensive quality-ukulele rather than inexpensive-quality ukulele, right? |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
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wdf
Ha`aha`a
USA
1153 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2004 : 11:27:25 AM
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| Sheila has a Flea (soprano version of the Fluke - roughly a hundred bucks) and is happy with it. It doesn't compare with her old Martin soprano, though. |
Dusty |
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marzullo
`Olu`olu
USA
923 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2004 : 1:38:25 PM
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craig, thanks for the correct grouping. both are good quality ukes that don't cost a lot.
i've never tried playing a flea...
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Keith |
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Pops
Lokahi
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2004 : 2:56:51 PM
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| I've had a Fluke concert for almost 2 years. For the money they're a wonderful deal. They play well, have great intonation and project well. |
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Lowell
Aloha
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2004 : 6:55:10 PM
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| These things are awesome. My family and I all play several different size Kamaka's and are very, very loyal to Kamaka (We have 4). But my daughter owns the Fluke and I gotta tell ya, this thing rocks. For a little flair, I bought her the Mookoolele (looks like cowhide). Odd to hold at times on stage (but aren't all ukes?) Incredible tone and volume. She plays it daily and makes it sound like a million bucks. I have recommended that if my students can't buy a Kamaka, that they buy a Fluke or a Flea. Several have. And not one complaint among them. When Uncle George Kahumoku stayed with us in Ventura he played the heck out of it and had alot of fun with it. So that is my long winded way of saying go get one! Aloha, Lowell |
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Juan
Aloha
USA
16 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2004 : 7:40:41 PM
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Lowell,
Thanks for the imput on the Fluke. Now for a follow up question: As a loyal Kamaka owner and player, have you had a chance to play a Koaloha? It seems that these two companies are pretty closely priced and share a high level of craftsmanship in their ukes. Thanks in advance.
Juan |
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Lowell
Aloha
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2004 : 01:53:45 AM
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Aloha Juan
I have been really lucky to play most ukes out there because of family on my wife's side (Hawaiian) and just being in the business for so long. I do like Koaloha, nice tone, durable, good overall feel. But at that level, I'm still just really stuck on the Kamaka. I think on stage and in a microphone especially, they hold up better than just about anything. I know I always pay more for Kamaka than the others offer, but for me it's how they play in my living room at midnight for me and the all important stage durability and tone we need when we perform. I guess it really does come down to what your ear needs to hear. That's how I buy all of my instruments. Tone, baby, tone. |
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marzullo
`Olu`olu
USA
923 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2004 : 8:46:21 PM
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i'd like to support lowell's point: it's about tone. and, what you like in tone is a personal thing. when buying ukes, guitars and wine, i never buy without trying it first.
aloha, keith
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`Ilio Nui
`Olu`olu
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2004 : 9:31:23 PM
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I've said before, I've never bought a guitar. They buy me. It's usually feel and tone, which as Keith said, is a personal thing. Having said that I did buy a hand made uke from Dennis Lake (Po Mahina) sight unseen and am totally amazed by it.
Mahalo,
Dave |
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goto636
Aloha
USA
32 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 7:31:55 PM
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quote:
Having said that I did buy a hand made uke from Dennis Lake (Po Mahina) sight unseen and am totally amazed by it.
You just can't go wrong with a Po Hahina. I have a mango tenor and it is an "amazing" instrument. |
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`Ilio Nui
`Olu`olu
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 8:31:39 PM
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Steve,
You're right about Po Mahina. I've known Dennis for a few years and ordered a Mango back and sides, spruce top, with Koa bindings. He delivered it at Aloha Music Camp. It was played and admired by many. The next step is to have him build me a guitar. He's a wonderful craftsman and great human being.
Dave |
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marzullo
`Olu`olu
USA
923 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 8:49:49 PM
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quote:
Having said that I did buy a hand made uke from Dennis Lake (Po Mahina) sight unseen and am totally amazed by it.
Very good point (and a very good uke!!)... I've put my faith in his capable hands too. I did the same with Paul Kitakis and am delighted that I did.
With luthiers like Dennis and Paul where you've tried their instruments before, you can be more trusting.
Keith (dreaming of my future po` mahina)
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`Ilio Nui
`Olu`olu
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2004 : 10:37:35 PM
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Keith,
The way you play uke, you're more deserving of it than I am. I appreciated you playing it for me so I know what it's supposed to sound like. May your days be filled with Po Mahinas and any other ukes you want to play.
Since this thread is about Flukes. I like the way they play. I even convinced my old friend Rick Leachman, who owns Off Shore Music in Santa Cruz to stock them. Those of you in that area should check him out. He's an independent music store and a cool guy. Besides, he's a great alternative to the majors.
Dave |
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