Like banjo there are alternative tunings. The soprano uke's strings are usually nylon. There is also an alto and baritone version. I found a large uke can take Martin wound metal alloy guitar strings on the bottom. On PBS there is a rerun of the 2012 Shimabukuru "Life on four strings" 5/23 - perhaps it is in your neck of the New England woods too.
It appears 'Shima" uses the traditional tuning. If you tune in fifths you need very large cello like finger stretches on some things but tuning fourths and a third gives tight harmonies.

I am surprised how resonant and vibrato friendly they can be. Small guitars and ukes are more mellow than large guitars. I have a $60 Guitar Center Mitchell (MUB 705) that is exquisitely made. I'm sure one can spend more.

With a pick (Ick) they have some volume but why?