Ukeeku – A place to reflect on ukuleles and ukulele reviews

Gold Tone GU-100 Full Review

This is short because I was just like “Meh” about this uke. I just could not get excited about it. Gold Tone is known for making the premiere banjo uke, This is not their strongest product, It was the only one under $300 they make. I know that I am not going to be invited to do another review for them anytime soon either after this. But this is what I thought. I struggle with reviews like this, but if a company is willing to send something then I should be honest.

Specs:
Soprano : 12 Fret
Tuners: Open Geared
Wood nut & compensated saddle
Top: Solid Mahogany
Sides: Laminated Mahogany
Back: Laminated Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany with a Mahogany fretboard
Finish: Matte
Case: Hard case
Full Specs:
http://www.goldtone.com/products/details/w/instrument/85/GU-100-UKE

Looks

First look: (3) Not a looker by any means. Looks like a cheaper ukulele. Just a flat finish. that really does not show any grain pattern at all. I would pass it by if I saw it in a store. The top is really thick and is noticeable at first glance.

Fit and Finish: (3) Well made with no real issues that affect playing. They did sand down the fret board a little when they dressed the frets. beside that no glue marks. Over all it is well made and sturdy, I know it would last a really long time, it just looks cheap. Seems like a quick factory built uke that is set up in the states.

Sound:

Sound Type: Quiet and mellow. With a really thick top it hinders the sound output.

Intonation: (5) This is where I think it really shines. Someone took the time to make a bridge and saddle that made each string perfect all the way up and down the fretboard. The saddle was set for each string.

Volume: (3) It came with some GHS strings on it and I replaced them with Aquilas and it was still pretty quiet. Although it has a solid top, it is really thick.

Sustain: (4)  Not long, but ok. Nothing to write home about

Feel:

String Height: (Medium) Not super low, but felt ok to play.

Neck Radius Depth: (7/8″) A little bigger radius depth for a C shaped neck.

Frets: (5) Low and rounded. Near the nut they sanded down the fret board a little. just a sign of an inexperienced tech, or someone did not care. Could not feel them from the side which is good.

Tuning: (5) With the geared tuners it makes it very easy to tune. It stayed in tune pretty well after it was humidified properly and the strings settled.

Comfort: (4)  A little heavy but the corners are nice and rounded. No sharp edges.

Sound Hole Smell: Like Elmer’s glue. nothing inspiring

Final Thoughts

When I saw the uke at NAMM I thought it would be a good instrument, hell it is made by Gold Tone. But I guess they just don’t have this one dialed in or it is there to round out the catalog.

All Rating on a scale of 1-5
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HD Sound Sample

Places to buy on the web:

Amazon $179 – It says concert, but it is the only one I found. The GU-100 is a soprano.

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