Fusion F1 Soprano/Concert Ukulele Limited Edition 2011 Full Review
December 13, 2011 at 5:11 am | Posted in Cases, Concert, Fusion Bags, General, Reviews, Soprano | 2 CommentsTags: Care, Full review, NAMM, posts, review, uke, ukulele
In the nature of full disclosure, I purchased this case and bag for a really good price. The idea is that how would I review it then send it back. They would never be able to sell a used bag as new and they don’t do seconds. Who would want a second on a case?
This case is the final piece of a long journey I have been on this summer in getting my Custom Boat Paddle 12 fret. I felt that I could not just put it in a plain Jane, vanilla case. It is way to cool for that. So why not the most obnoxiously colored thing I could find? Right?
Every year Fusion Bags chooses a different instrument to do a limited case for with all the bells and whistles. This year it was the ukulele!! Lucky us.
I saw prototype last year at NAMM and have been trying to get one for review all year, and it finally happened. I was really excited about the extra backpack thingy, I did not realize at the time that you can attach another whole case to it also. long story short, I got a little over a week ago and they really wanted the review quickly so they could possibly reference it, that is if they like the review.
We shall see. Read on to see my thoughts……and concerns.
Specs:
Color: Navy Blue & Lime Green
Padding: 30mm high density foam padding for all round protection
Outer material: Jacquard hard wearing, water resistant polyester, rip stop material, fashionable piping with no visible webbing. Commuter friendly reflective panels, segment piping and print
Inner material: Soft non scratch, non fibrous quality foam backed velvet and linen interior
Inner protection: Adjustable velvet padded headstock pillow with security strap and adjustable 5mm padded strip that can be molded to shape of instrument
Pockets: 2 x A4 zipped pockets to front of bag, bottom front pocket with organizer pockets and organizer compartments
Zips: Rubber zip pulls to prevent scratching of instrument, inverted zips for slick appearance
Carry system: Ergonomic adjustable backpack straps that can be stored in the rear zipped cushioned compartment. Integrated MP3 player/mobile phone pocket in backpack strap. Padded adjustable waist belt
Handles: 2 x Chunky riveted carry handles
Fuse-on: Fuse-on system on front of bag that can attach the Limited Edition Concert Ukulele case or Limited Edition 2011 Medium Backpack
Base: Hardwearing rubber base with floor studs
Branding: Limited Edition uniquely numbered metal badge with a Union Jack rubber badge at rear of bag. Rubber logos and screen printed Fusion branding
Dimensions: (Converted for us silly Americans)
External length: 31.5″ including top handle
External width: (at widest point) 14.2″
Internal length: 28.4″
Internal width upper bout: 9″
Internal width lower bout:10.2″
Weight: 4.4 lb
Full Specs:
http://www.fusion-bags.com/products-in-ukulele-gig-bags/f1-soprano-concert-ukulele-limited-edition-2011-69774
First look: (4) If they wanted to have something go gang busters in Japan, then they did it right. The bright green and flowers are a little much for me. When I carry a ukulele around I tend to not get noticed much, with this monster, big, blue and green bag on I will noticed for blocks. Will they know It is a ukulele? I doubt it since it is pretty large and does not really have the shape of a “normal” ukulele case.
on first glance I would have to say this thing looks huge and cumbersome with the huge straps, especially so with the additional bag on it, it looks insanely big. once you get closer to the bag you can tell that it is not your usual instrument case, I could mistake it for some kind of hiking bag with the waste straps and all the pockets.
Fit and Finish: (5) This is an expensive case, no way around that, and you really do get what you pay for in so many ways. Some will only see these cases online and not be able to see all the thought that went into it. Every zipper (all 9 of them on just the case) is super nice and hardcore. Almost everything zips out or off when it comes to the inside of the case. The straps that hold the neck down are attached, but the neck rest has Velcro on it to keep it down but it has a zipper to get to the padding if you want to mod it, also all the harder plastic type foam that makes the case somewhat rigid is also assessable by way of zippers. not sure how useful that is, but still nice that you can configure it beyond the normal case. One drawback might be when I travel to NAMM with this case and the TSA see all the crazy zippers and hiding places. should be fun.
With all the zippers, the stitching and construction is perfect. you will be hard pressed to find anything wrong with it. This thing was built to last. Also any zippers that could come in contact with the instrument are kept under a piece of stretch cotton so that it will not harm anything. It is the little things like that that show the craftsmanship in the case
One neat feature is the movable neck rest and also the movable padding. I found it great for my custom Boat Paddle, since it is such a weird shape I was able to make sure it does not move, keep stuff with it, and a humidifier next to it without it touching the wood itself.
When it comes to the truly unique thing about this case, the Fuse-On system, I find it a mixed bag. I love the fact that you can buy multiple cases and attach them together. The backpack parts of the case hideaway nicely so that it can be attached to another case. I am always carrying more than one uke (3-9 depending on the event) and having a nice package I can just put on my back is sweet. I was only sent one case and the additional backpack to test, but I may have to get another case so I can have 2 with me.
One of the parts I do not like is the backpack thing that you can also buy that attaches to these cases. It is weirdly designed and awkward to use. The way it attaches is very secure and that is what I base my assumption that another case would be awesome. The bag has 2 main compartments that are not all that deep and one, the deepest, is not accessible unless it is unattached from the case completely. Also the straps don’t seem to have as nice hiding place as the case does for its backpack straps. Don’t get me wrong, it is awesome that there is a bag that attaches to the case, and it is comfortable to wear and seems to not weigh the pack down when wearing both as a set. I filled it with a ton of books, binders, sheet music, capo, tuners, stickers, and case tags. It was very full and it was really nice having it attached to the case and just throwing the whole deal on my back. There is a bigger pack and it may be better. I have not seen one.
The other thing I am not a huge fan of is how much Velcro is on the sides. I wish they would have just used clips for the Fuse-on stuff. It leaves this weird, long, stabby Velcro thing on the edges and I think it looks weird, and I also trust clips more than I would the way that they attach the bag. It seemed really secure, but I am not fan.
One last note about the case and the additional pack. even without a full frame (Like a hiking pack) this is super comfortable and configured to be worn for a long haul.
Smell: (New Shoes) Weird I know, but it reminds me a little of new shoes like the ones at target or Wal-Mart. Not overpowering,
Final Thoughts
people go gaga over the Reunion Blues cases since they are soft sided and all that jazz, and they are $115, spend a little more and you get a lot more, in my opinion. Over all this case seems like it is a bit over kill and crazy big, but if you love your ukulele and want to protect it, but not have some heavier case, then this thing plain rocks. Sure it is a little over the top, but it is a limited edition case, it is meant to be special and not like the others. I thought at first it was a waste of money, but I get it now. Sure I look like a weirdo with a reflective/lime green/navy case with a backpack attached to it (I play ukulele, I am use to it), but it is really nice and worth the money. Just know that these are not a permanent thing in the catalog for Fusion. they choose a new instrument to do this to every year. They will only be available for a limited time before they move on, and that is it. I am happy to say that it is permanent home for my Boat Paddle.
Please know that this is not the end of the review. After NAMM I will edit this with how it did, and if it is one carry-on or two.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 4 |
| Fit and Finish | 5 |
| Smell | New Shoes |
Places to buy on the web:
Elderly $135 for the case
Elderly $80 for the bigger pack
Gallery:
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Cooperstand Pro-Mini Ukulele Stand Full review
November 30, 2011 at 9:08 pm | Posted in Cooperstand, General, Reviews, Stands | 11 CommentsTags: Care, Full review, laser, NAMM, posts, review, Stand, uke, ukulele
If you have ever seen my wall of ukes you know I hang them by the neck. I have found that it more secure, and frankly it looks cool to boot. But when I am out playing I do not have my lovely wall or any of my large stands with me. What am I to do? That is when I rely on stands that are small enough to travel with. It has to be compact and also keep my uke from falling over and that jazz.
Last year at NAMM I was walking by a booth that had a ton of people gathered around it. I had to see what it was all about, so I elbowed my way in to see these little stands. I did not understand why they were so cool, there ukulele and guitar stands, big deal. “Cool, they fold” so what. I talked to someone and took some info on them and left. When I got home I sat down and looked at all the stuff I had taken from all the vendors and came across the flyers that I took on these stands, read a little and felt stupid for not investigating a little more. So the short of it is that I contacted them and after a bit of e-mail tag and waiting for them to catch their breath they sent me one to review. I have not had it long, but I have been traveling with it, and since this is not a ukulele I really had to shorten up the review criteria. Who cares about how the stand sounds right?
Read below for what I thought.
Specs:
Fits Soprano, Concert, and Tenor.
African Sapele construction
Inert silicon pads at contact points
Closed cell neoprene padding at exposed areas
Hard neoprene in support areas
Finish: Satin
Case: Velvet Bag
Measures 5 3/4″ x 3″ x 1 1/4″
Full Specs:
http://cooperstand.com/buypro-mini.html
First look: (5) The stand is actually pretty. I can’t say I notice music stands very often, but this one is made of really nice wood and is very different from those metal tube with foam on them. At the same time is also very unassuming since it is so small. The wood and finish are like that of a nice ukulele and it looks very expensive.
Fit and Finish: (5) Have you ever looked at something and said “OK, these people are not joking around!”? when you look at it, It looks like a folding stand, a very pretty stand, but it is a stand, it is holding a ukulele upright so you can see it in all its glory and makes it easy to just pick up your uke and play.
Many people may not appreciate the thought and the choices that went into this stand, but there are many and they are all the right ones. The wood does not matter, but it is a nice touch, it adds class and it finished really well. I am always a fan of products that use laser etching to add their logo. I think it looks really nice. The big hinge on the back is nice and beefy, and might be over kill, but is locks and is very sturdy, a good thing if you like your ukulele. Honestly the only thing I see that could break is the little hinge at the top. If a kid was playing with this it could be forced open wrong and really screw this thing up. The fact that it also opens and closed very nicely and there is no assembly is really nice too, but all those things are nice and are a small thing compared the biggest choice they made that sent this over the top for me.
The neoprene lined areas with the silicone nubs sent me over the moon with joy. I know it sounds weird, but you have to understand why this is super important. Open cell padding, like you find on cheaper (Not just super cheap) stands will eat lacquer if left in contact with it for just a few days. I have seen it happen to a guitar. The neoprene and silicone are benign and will not react with any finish, ensuring that your instrument will be safe. Another plus is that it is really grippy and will not let the ukulele slide.
Final Thoughts
Over all I really like this stand, it is a little pricey, but in comparison to the Kala stands it is right in the same price range. I do have one of the low end Kala ones that slide together and have left it in the rain and it was fine, not sure how this one would do.
In the end this one is really nice looking, sturdy, and has everything you could ever ask for in a travel stand. I really hope they come out with an Ecco version to bring the price down.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 5 |
| Smell | Like Rubber |
Places to buy on the web:
Cooper Stands – $54 Shipped
Amazon – $44 shipped if you have a prime account
Gallery:
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McNally StrumStick Ukulele Full Review
November 3, 2011 at 3:26 pm | Posted in Concert, General, McNally, Reviews, StrumStick | 13 CommentsTags: Full review, laser, posts, review, Solid, steel string, uke, ukulele
This is one of those reviews that I hate to write. I did ask the company to send me this uke to review, and they had no issue doing it. My problem is that in short this uke is a good idea gone wrong. I don’t fault McNally since they make instruments that are in a diatonic scale, meaning that if you hold down one string and strum that it will sound good. That being said they are not really ukulele builders, more of a rustic mountain dulcimer maker.
Just read on to see what I mean.
As a side note, they are made pretty well and care was taken in making it. It just is not a good form for a ukulele. Also please take a look at their site for a blast back to early 90’s web design
http://strumstick.com
Specs:
Concert: 15 fret
Tuners: Geared
Nut & saddle: Plastic
Top: Solid Spruce?
Sides: Solid Spruce?
Back: Solid Spruce?
Neck: Solid Spruce?
Strings: Steel, attached with a loop on a post
Finish: Matte
Case: Fitted Gig Bag
Specs:
http://strumstick.com/html_pages/Ukelele%20Strumstick.htm
Looks
First look: (4) Although it is weird looking, I have to not totally knock it for how it looks. It looks fun and like nothing you will see normally. That being said, yes it is not the prettiest thing in the world either.
Fit and Finish: (2) My guess on how this thing is made is that they get a 2 X 4 cut a notch down the center, spread the sides a part and stick a piece of wood between then to make the sides and neck. Then fit some pieces of wood on the top and back and trim it down to the body, then sand liberally. The next step would be to slam some frets on the “neck” and call it done.
Now to be fair, it is not sloppy or done without care. Everything is straight, and there is a really nice laser cut sound hole. The action is really good and all that, but the wood choice is weird and the neck is 2” thick?? Also the finish on the “Fret Board” makes it impossible to bend the strings at all. It is just done quick and cheap.
Sound:
Sound Type: Tinny and shallow. There is no sound box, I would have to say I would put a pickup in it.
Intonation: (4) Pretty good. Not really off and it seems good up and down the fret board.
Volume: (4) If it had nylon strings there would be no way to hear it. The steel strings make it be heard.
Sustain: (2) It is not like I am muting it with my sleeve, but it dies super quick. I expect more out of steel strings
Feel:
String Height: (medium-low) The strings are where they should be.
Bridge
Neck Radius Depth: (2″) Cut a 2 X 4 in half long ways, round the edges. That is what it is like
Frets: (2) The frets are good, they are not the issue. The fret board as whole sucks, too wide, cannot bend and dents since it is so soft
Tuning: (3) I am not sure the pictures do it justice, but the tuners are, as I can tell, cheap classical tuners that have the 3rd tuner cut off.
Classical guitars have tuners that come in 3s on each side.
Comfort: (3) Like a Risa Solid, this uke requires that you use a strap to play it. I find that the one that they included is really uncomfortable and ugly to boot. Also the super thick neck makes it extra weird to play
Sound Hole Smell: Woodshop
Final Thoughts
Ukuleles are compact enough; there is no reason to make them smaller. I have to commend them on a good try since they did pay attention to things like a nice case, and the nice laser cut sound hole inlay. Beside those things it is a total disaster from the tuning pegs to the posts that hold the custom strings that you can only get from them. The floating bridge looks nice, but is really weirdly placed, and trying to play this thing is really strange. I might be the fact it has steel strings that confuses my fingers or the tension of them, but I found this thing a bear to play. I also did not care for the sound either. Playing with others you get really dirty looks, worse than playing a reso-banjo uke in a crowd of “Normal” uke players.
I would say this thing is not for me. I think I could spend my $200 on something a little nicer.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 4 |
| Fit and Finish | 2 |
| Sound Type | Tinny and Shallow |
| Intonation | 4 |
| Volume | 4 |
| Sustain | 2 |
| String Height | Medium -Low |
| Neck Radius Depth | 2″ |
| Frets | 2 |
| Tuning | 3 |
| Comfort | 3 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Woodshop |
Places to buy on the web: You can find regular StrumSticks online, but not the Ukulele
Only place I have seen them is on their site LINK – $198
Currently the cart does not work, may have to call to order.
Response from StrumStick
“We make the Ukelele Strumstick strictly for fun and its unique sound. There are plenty of great regular ukes out there, we were not trying to make yet another traditional Uke. This has steel strings, and a tiny soundbox, it has a banjo/mandolin kind of sound, and nobody needs it. But, it is a fun character sound, it is all handmade, and the Uke has a long history of interesting novelty varieties being made. The woods are Padouk, Spruce, and Maple, all solid woods. (Not all spruce as listed in the review). This is an instrument made to be inexpensive (as handmade instruments go), simple, but well made of high quality materials, for a specific niche purpose. It is not supposed to sound like a regular Uke, and it is supposed to be as small as possible. I have no issue with anyone not liking the sound (or the looks), but I must say, no 2×4′s were slammed with frets in the making of this instrument.”
HD Audio Samples:
Gallery:
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Boat Paddle Custom M No Strings Attached Review
August 6, 2011 at 1:26 am | Posted in Boat Paddle, General, Reviews, Tenor | 6 CommentsTags: posts, review, uke, ukulele
I have not done a NSA (No Strings Attached) review in a long time. So far most of the vendors are nice enough to let me play the instrument for a few months then I review them. Sometimes that is not an option and I do a quick play and look over the ukulele and give my impression based on the little time I had with the uke. In this case I don’t think the actual owner would have been cool with me delaying her getting her custom uke, and I don’t blame her. So here we are with a NSA of a Custom M style tenor from Boat Paddle ukuleles.
Just keep in mind that this was a quick play of the instrument, but…I have played a ton of Boat Paddle ukes. The ratings are all going to be awesome since it is a $1700 uke…and it should be super awesome.
Here is the quick rundown on the owner. Her name is Danielle Asernault and she currently lives in South Korea, but was in the states climbing and traveling. Not sure what brought her to Boat Paddle, but she wanted a custom uke, and Jerry was happy to do it.
Here are some links so you can get to know her.
http://www.dirtbagstyle.blogspot.com/
http://www.picklepresspoetry.blogspot.com/
And some songs that she did.
http://soundcloud.com/danielle-arsenault/sets/music-by-mustache-fable-and/
I was at Boat Paddle to get my concert 12 fret started and Jerry had Danielle’s uke there. I figured since I was there I could do a quick thing on it. How often do I get to play really nice custom ukes? Also I think Boat Paddle makes great ukes that more people should know about, and I am not just saying that because I will soon be a proud owner of one.
Read on and I will try to explain why Boat Paddles are so great, and what on this uke makes my heart go pitter patter.
Specs:
Tenor : 19 Fret
Tuners: Grover Stay-Tite 18:1
Nut & saddle: Bone saddle, and Bone and Metal Nut
Top: AAA Red Spruce
Sides: AAA Cocobolo Rose wood with Maple Binding
Back: AAA Cocobolo Rose wood
Neck: Mahogany with an Ebony Fretboard, Custom Heart MP Fret markers
String Attachment: Tie
Finish: Gloss with a Dark Sunburst Top
Pickup: Mi-Si Acoustic Trio
Case: Being delivered with a Fremont case
Full Specs:
http://www.boatpaddleukuleles.com/
Looks
First look: (5) I would have to say that when I first saw it I was already in love, hell it has hearts on it. The tobacco sunburst finish on top that matches the natural darkness of the rosewood sides and the contrasting maple binding are attributes that you can’t help but notice. The heart inlays are not for me, but I am guy (You know, all manly like and stuff). The inlay is really sharp; don’t get me wrong, I am not a hearts kind of person. I would do flames and skulls if it where mine. One of the unique things about all Boat Paddle ukes is that you can tell that it is not a regular uke from a mile away. The M style is so sexy and also very elegant with the large curves and sharp edges. I love how the body is not symmetrical, it just gives it such style.
Fit and Finish: (5) Of course it is perfect. Super high gloss and everything is done with highest of care. I think the only thing that Jerry does not make by hand are the tuners and the fret wire, and I know if he wanted to he could do both (Interesting fact about jerry. He was a master blacksmith for many years). One of the great things about Boat Paddle ukuleles is that Jerry is not afraid to look at the instrument that he just made and fix the issues it may have. I have seen him cut the back off a uke he completed, and I mean high gloss buffed out, to fix the bracing because it did not sound right. That to me is amazing and shows that he is only happy with perfection.
Sound:
Sound Type: Bold and Smooth. I think the low G makes it sound bold to me. I would not say that it is guitar like, defiantly a ukulele, it is a confidant sound.
Intonation: (5) One of the coolest things about Boat Paddle is the nut. If you look it has no slots cut out. He uses metal pins to separate the strings. The whole nut is shaved down to the proper height. The preciseness that Jerry uses to setup each instrument means that there is no need for setup after you buy it, and it will be perfect.
Volume: (5) I am not use to playing tenor ukuleles. This uke seemed really full and loud. I was amazed how the whole thing vibrated, including the neck.
Sustain: (5) Of any uke I have played, ever, this one rang the longest. When I was making the sound sample I was blown away how long it went between the different sections. The funny part was that I did not play the uke that hard, I used a soft touch since the uke was not mine and it was going to be picked up some time soon and it still rang like I just hit it with everything I had.
Feel:
String Height: (Medium) Setup perfectly. This is one of those things that I did not really pay attention to. It played really easily and seemed like it too no effort to make each not clearly. It did not feel like an electric guitar either. I had to use my normal pressure to make the notes and cords.
Neck Radius Depth: (Not Sure) Basic C shaped neck. Note the fact that the M Style does not have a heel like other ukes. Jerry uses this really cool neck attachment method where it is slid into the front block. Look on his site for pictures of it.
Frets: (5) No binding and it is still smooth as butter. Great care is taken to make sure that each fret is dressed and is perfect.
Tuning: (5) With geared tuners it was super nice to tune. The unique nut also helps since the strings have nothing to stop them from moving.
Comfort: (5) Surprised by the weight. This uke felt a little heavy, where most of his other ukes seem so light. It might be the fact that I am not use to the tenor size, and this one also had a pickup installed. It was super nice to play. The M style really lends itself to being played sitting down, although I had no issues playing standing up. For a uke like this I would use the strap button that the pickup makes since having it plugged in will possibly make it a little weird to just hold.
Sound Hole Smell: Like a woodshop. A mix of fresh cut wood and lacquer.
Final Thoughts
Some might say that $1700 is crazy for a ukulele, but if you compare his prices to most any high end custom ukulele builder he is cheap. A uke like this from DeVine or Collings would be $2500+. I would have to say that this is one of the most beautiful ukes I have had the honor of playing, and I have played my share of lookers. I would be hard pressed to knock it for any reason, well…except for the hearts J
Jerry at Boat Paddle is a true craftsman. He is always researching and thinking about what he could do differently and what makes a ukulele truly sing. I love sitting down with him and talking about what it takes to build a uke. He always points out that many builders come from the world of guitars, and that is all well and good, but the ukulele is a different monster. There are things that work for ukes that would make a guitar implode if you braced them the way he does his ukes. I would say that the M style uke is one of the ukes that show his full understanding of the complexity of making a truly amazing ukulele and Daniele’s is truly a work of art.
Funny thing about Jerry is that he has been a craftsman for 20+ years. I have been told he was one of the best blacksmiths in North America. He wrote the Blacksmiths Journal (227 issues in total) for many years. The work he did as a blacksmith was really cool, at least the stuff I have seen, like a guitar stand that weighs a good 40 lb. I asked him what he likes to do better, Build ukes or metal stuff, and he gave the greatest answer. “It is a matter of what color you want your boogers to be. Black or brown. I prefer Brown for now”
I would recommend that you play a Boat Paddle ASAP. They are worth every penny. I know he will be at the Milwaukee uke fest this year, and will hopefully come to Ukulele World Congress like he did last year. If all else fails get your butt to New Haven Missouri to his shop.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 5 |
| Sound Type | Bold and Smooth |
| Intonation | 5 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Medium |
| Neck Radius Depth | Not sure |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Woodshop |
HD Audio Sample:
Mic
Pickup
Gallery:
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Bridge Bone Beads Review
June 19, 2011 at 9:40 pm | Posted in Products, Reviews | 3 CommentsTags: Bone, Care, Full review, home made, posts, review, uke, ukulele
What is not having to tie your strings to the bridge worth to you? Is it worth $11? For me it is not, but for some I can see this being a great product. The Bridge Bone Beads set that I received from Rosette Guitar Products came in a while ago and I finally had time to install them. I am lucky that I have 2 sets of almost identical ukuleles to try them on.
I put the white set on one of the Tall Grass Bamboo ukes (The non-port hole one) and the other I put on one of the Eleuke acoustics. If you expect them to do anything to sound then do not buy these, 
they made no noticeable difference in sound, but….they seemed to change the tension or feel of the strings. I think the sharper angle that the strings come in at makes the strings feel like they are tighter. Makes sense. On a banjo you see that some have an extra piece that hold the strings down, this is done to add tension behind the bridge. Same kind of thing happens when you use these Bone Bridge beads, or any other bead that makes it so you don’t have to tie the string to the bridge. Here is a post of what my friend Andy uses.
- Andy’s Pearls
I can’t pan this product, nowhere does it say it will improve tone or sound, and I see how it can improve response since the strings have more tension on them. Otherwise it delivers on the quickest string change, and it is easier to change strings. Adding unique visual character? I think it looks like the ukes have teethe, especially the Tall grass with the white ones. Beyond that it does its job holding the string to the bridge with the added bonus of not having to tie a single knot. Also a lot of thought went into the product. They shave down the side that faces the soundboard so it will not buzz, and it is made of a known material that will not kill the sound, bone.
I use to play guitar before the ukulele took over my life, and I am a pack rat. I saved the little beads that were on the ends of the strings I used. I now use them when I string any of my tie on bridges. Others have used nice round pearls or other bead to do the same thing. Cheaper by a long shot. A few cents per string compared to a few dollars per string, but the DIY methods you need to tie knots to hold it in place. Both ways work and have their pros and cons. it is a matter of what you think it is worth to you.
Where to Buy Them.
http://www.southcoastukes.com/stringuide_files/BBBs.htm
Weird thing is that you save $1 if you buy them with strings.
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Uluru II Concert Full Review
June 2, 2011 at 4:08 am | Posted in Concert, Reviews, Uluru | 4 CommentsTags: Full review, posts, review, uke, ukulele
Uluru (You-Lou-Roo) At least that is how Wade Johnston says it in his video
Why is Wade making a video for Uluru you may ask. The Answer is simple, his dad started Uluru ukuleles. How cool would that be? Wade was/is one of those internet made ukulele stars that all the young girls swooned over, I met him 3 years ago, almost to the day of me writing this, at a bushman luau. Nice guy, had a few fans that came to see him, not my style but I see the attraction to his music. Not sure what is up with wade currently, site is out of date and so is his YouTube.
On the flipside, How cool would it be to start a Uke company and have a son that is known in the uke community?
Read on to see what I thought of it.
Specs:
Concert : 19 Fret
Tuners: Gotoh Friction tuners with wood buttons
Nut & saddle: Bone
Top: Solid Mahogany
Sides: Solid Mahogany
Back: Solid Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany with a Rosewood fretboard
String Attachment: Knot in a slit
Finish: Matte
Case: None
Full Specs:
HERE
Looks
First look: (4) The website for it even says that it is boring looking, and I think it works for this uke. One of the things that stands out to me is the rounded bottom. At first you don’t realize what is different until you compare it to another ukulele that have a flat bottom. This girl has a nice round bottom, and it brings all the boys to yard if you know what I mean.
Fit and Finish: (5) For a mass produced, solid wood ukulele, under $300 it is really nice. The finish is perfect and everything straight and you can tell a lot of thought was put into every aspect of this ukulele. I love how everything is just smooth. I could not find one issue such as glue or frets sticking out. Now it is not perfect. the bridge is pulling the top up a bit since it lacking in bracing, and that is causing the saddle to be lowered to its almost lowest state while leaving the action a little high. Keep in mind this is common in most ukuleles that I see. If you pay $400+, it better not have that issue.
Sound:
Sound Type: Forward and slightly mellow. She sings. Not a trapped note in her.
Intonation: (4) At the 12th fret it is about 5% off, for most this will never be noticed. Some of this is caused by the bridge pulling up on the top.
Volume: (5) Loud. I think the big back end on this uke gives it a lot to work with. Also the larger sound hole lets all that sound out. It feels like someone really thought and may have experimented with the depth and the size of the sound hole to make sure that it would be nice and loud.
Sustain: (5) Long and nice.
Feel:
String Height: (Med-High) Although the saddle is low, the stings are a little too high.
Compensated
Neck Radius Depth: (5/8″) Basic C shaped neck but skinnier than “Normal” ukes,
Frets: (5) You really have to look, but it is bound. I love a bound fretboard. it is the fastest way to my heart. The frets are also really well dressed and care was taken to make sure they were perfect.
Tuning: (4) It had friction tuners!!! That is how I think all should come. This one seems to go sharp really quick when tuning. I think the nut slots are a little tight and cause it to hold just enough that when it is about in tune, it lets go and you go sharp.
Comfort: (5) I have only played a few other concerts that are as light as this one is. Also the super rounded edges, larger body, and lighter friction tuners make it a dream to hold. Also the thin neck and super smooth finish make it very easy to move up and down the fretboard.
Sound Hole Smell: Slight smell of chicken. Weird thing is I am vegetarian and not sure how that could happen in my house.
Final Thoughts
I may get shot, hung, shunned for saying this, but I would say this is contender to the mainland mahogany ukuleles. The Mainland is $30 cheaper, beside that I would say I would put these toe-to-toe on everything else. It sounds really good and plays like a dream. I hope that more people can try these out and see how good a product Steve Johnston is putting out.
Things to note. Since this is a little bigger, you can buy a case from Uluru. Mine came with the case so I can bring it around to all the fests and uke meetings I go to. I would have to say that if you are going to spend $250, I would get the case to protect it.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 4 |
| Fit and Finish | 5 |
| Sound Type | Forward Mellow |
| Intonation | 4 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Med-High |
| Neck Radius Depth | 5/8″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 4 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Chicken |
Places to buy on the web:
Flea Circus Music – $245
HD Audio Sample:
Gallery:
-
- Compensated
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David Gill Concert Cedar Fluke Full Review
May 22, 2011 at 9:08 pm | Posted in Concert, D.S.Gill, Reviews | 5 CommentsTags: fluke, Full review, review, Solid, uke, ukulele
In full disclosure I must tell you that I have been to David’s house/workshop a few times and consider him a friend, but when I purchased my Concert Pineapple he did not give me any kind of deal or discount. I paid the normal $350 (that was what he charged at the time, I think he might of raised his prices a little, like $10-$20 since then) and I may in the future ask him to build me a fluke tenor, but I will pay the normal price like everyone else, so on with the review!!
I think around Christmas David sent me a picture of this uke and asked me to review it and tell him what I thought. I was like “Hells yeah!!” I love my pineapple and figured that this would also be just as nice if not better. When I got it, my mind socks were completely blown off. Partly because of the smell when I opened the box. It smelled like cedar, not just a little bit either, with a hint of smoke (Yes, David gill smokes around the ukes, so they smell like smoke for a little bit if you get them from him directly, just so you know) The smoke smell went away in a week but the cedar is here to stay. When I show it to people I say “Smell my hole!!” most think I am crazy, but once they do it they light up and say “That is so awesome”.
NOTE: this uke is sold. After the Mighty MO, one of the people contacted David and bought it. I will send it out Monday morning. I hope it likes Kansas City Missouri.
Specs:
Concert : 18 Fret
Tuners: Open Geared
Nut & saddle: Bone
Top: Solid Aromatic Cedar
Sides: Solid Aromatic Cedar
Back: Solid Aromatic Cedar
Neck: Mahogany and Walnut with a Rosewood fretboard
String Attachment: Knot in a slit
Finish: Matte
Case: None
Full Specs:
He has No Webpage
Looks
First look: (5) When David sent me the picture of this, it had a mahogany version in it too, I was blown away. I thought the cedar one was the prettier of the two by far. When I got it I was just in awe of how it is just striking to look at. It is so different with the white lines of the cedar in the middle and the other two little lines. The back is equally as nice, he even left the little knots in. Most people would never use that part, but he did and it makes it so much cooler. I love the way he book matched the top, back, and headstock veneer. Also if you look the fretboard it is also really nice with its super tight grain and diamond shaped fret markers. I think the fact he leaves all his ukes plain, with minimal decoration is really his signature style, but never seem boring.
Cloudy finish with some scratches
Fit and Finish: (4) Yes, I love this uke, but it is not perfect. I see two issues with it. The first is the finish is a little spotty in parts. Near the fretboard on the body it is kind of dull and easily scratched and dented. I play all the review ukes like I own them, and sometimes that is a little hard, and my Concert Pineapple has the same issue, the finish is a little too thin and scratches easily. The other issue is that the top is not perfectly flat. I think the minimal H-bracing lets the bridge come up a little, making the top not perfectly flat. By no means will this effect anything with sound, intonation, or the setup. He sets up his ukes so low it is unbelievable, and there are no buzzes or issues. I have had my pineapple for years now and it has the same issue but has stayed super stable.
Cloudy Finish
Beyond that this is how an engineer would build a ukulele, because that was what David was before he retired. Everything has a purpose and is all centered around playability and sound. Notice how the perfiling is backwards, that is so the top can vibrate more. The bracing is the way it is and is not attached to the side so it can vibrate freely. Also the neck is attached with a dovetail joint to make it super strong and it also adds to the sound and feel of the instrument. The most amazing thing is the neck. Notice the dark walnut stripe? that is not for looks, it is sandwiched in the middle with the grain going the opposite direction of the mahogany to add a ton of strength to the neck without having a truss rod. The sum of these things, and many others I did not mention, make this one hell of a uke.
NOTE: Most, if not all of David’s ukes fit in regular cases. I have a Fremont Concert case for my concert pineapple and the cedar fluke fits perfectly.
Sound:
Sound Type: Mellow with a punch. Sounds weird but this is a mellow sound, and I figure through time it will change a little.
Intonation: (5) This is where he shines. I have never played a $350 uke that is as perfectly on as all of his ukes are. it can actually be annoying. If it is not in tune, you know it. When I play this one I kept the tuner on as I played. Every chord and note was spot on. When I play a G, both in the normal way and the barred at the 2nd fret, the tuner says G with the needle dead center.
Volume: (5) Loud and it projects. with the giant sound board it just sings. I had no issues hearing my uke when I played with others at the Mighty MO uke fest, so when I screwed up it could be heard J.
Sustain: (5) Long and nice.
Feel:
String Height: (Low) Do I dare say too low? This is so low that it is like butter to play, and that is one of the many reasons I love mine and this one is no exception.
Neck Radius Depth: (5/8″) Basic C shaped neck but skinnier than “Normal” ukes,
Frets: (5) Not a bound fret board, but you will never feel a fret on the side. Also the frets are not super low, making every note super crisp.
Tuning: (5) I always wish for peg tuners, and if you ask David he can do that, if he has not already put the geared ones on. The open geared tuners that he uses are super light and do not make the uke head heavy at all.
Comfort: (5) When people pick up this uke they are amazed how light it is. it looks like a tank. The nice rounded edges and the shape of this makes it super easy to hold an play without a strap. The neck attached at the 15th fret gives you tons of room to play all the way down the neck.
Sound Hole Smell: Cedar Chest. Its aromatic cedar, what did you expect?.
Final Thoughts
I thought long and hard about buying this uke myself. I am glad someone bought it. I want a tenor version anyways, at least that is what I tell myself when I cry myself to sleep at night thinking about it leaving me soon. In reality, David makes awesome ukes and I think he is part of a small group of garage builders who have great ukes, that they make, well…in their garage in their spare time, or as a way to stay busy. Usually they are inexpensive and super well made. Basically they cover their costs of tools and wood, and a little more to buy more tools and wood to keep going and growing as ukulele builders. I have found a few other garage builders, Brad Donaldson is one I just started talking with, and he is sending me one of his this week. I think that some feel it is a risk to buy a uke from these types of builders, but really you get so much more for your money and they usually will go way beyond what other higher priced people would do. This is fun for them, not all about business and making a living. Please do not think I am knocking people like Chuck of Moore Bettah, or Jerry Boat Paddle, it is their profession and they make ukes that are works of art and you know you are getting the best uke. All I am saying is that some of these guys that may put out 50 ukes a year tops are worth a try. I recommend David to anyone who is looking for a great uke below $400. He does not do massive inlays or use AAAAAA woods, but it is amazing how they sound for the price.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 4 |
| Sound Type | Mellow and Punchy |
| Intonation | 5 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Low |
| Neck Radius Depth | 5/8″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Cedar Chest |
Places to buy on the web:
Weed Patch Music in Nashville, IN usually has them on hand
Contact David Gill to see what he has or to ask if he will make a specific one
Gill-David@sbcglobal.net
HD Audio Sample:
Gallery:
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- Cloudy finish with some scratches
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- Cloudy Finish
-
- Backward Lining
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Tall Grass TG-C and TG-CS Full Review
May 21, 2011 at 8:46 pm | Posted in Concert, Reviews, Tall Grass | 4 CommentsTags: bamboo, Full review, posts, review, Solid, uke, ukulele
For 2011 I predicted that Banjo ukes and Bamboo ukes would be the big things, banjo ukes I would say happened, bamboo not so much. I am not sure why bamboo is not that hot of a material right now. I think it may have something to do with being new and untested for ukuleles, great for floors, but how well will it stand the test of time on ukuleles?
Last January someone on the Ukulele Underground forums asked if anyone had heard of Tall Grass Ukuleles. I had not, so I looked into them and found out that they are being sold out of Chicago! How cool is that? so I contacted Josh and asked if I may review one of his ukes and ended up going over to his apartment to pick 2 of them up. I wanted to get one before I went to NAMM so I could show it off to the other ukulele players, and I would have to say there was a lot of interest. Fast-forward 5 months and I still have not done the review. Where does the time go?
These are currently the only 2 models of Tall grass that they sell, the TG-C (concert) and the TG-CS (Concert with a side hole) and they were nice enough to let me review both. Since they are pretty much identical I will point out the slight differences I found in them as we go.
Specs:
Concert : 14 Fret
Tuners: Sealed Geared
Nut & saddle: Composite
Top: Solid Bamboo
Sides: Solid Bamboo
Back: Solid Bamboo
Neck: Mahogany with a Rosewood fretboard
String Attachment: Tie
Finish: Matte
Case: None
Full Specs:
http://www.tallgrassukuleles.com/
Looks
First look: (5) One of the things about other bamboo ukes I have reviewed (The Cordoba and Paulele) is that they are very monotone. Just that one yellow bamboo tone from top to bottom. My friend Alex Nailed it when he said “I think they would be so much cooler if they had some kind of contrast, like a rosewood fretboard or something” and I agreed. The Tall Grass ukes have tons of contrast with the rosewood bridge, fretboard and binding. Makes for a really nice looking ukulele. Wish it had something around the sound hole, but no big deal, still really pretty.
Fit and Finish: (3) For a mass produced uke made in China it is OK, and for the price it is pretty darn good, but it does have some issues. I noticed the saddle on one is really low but the strings are kind of high. On closer inspection the top is being pulled a bit by the saddle. This has to do with the fact that it is not braced all that well. Since I have had them they seem to have not moved at all, and I have had them most of the winter, and now that it is nicer they seem stable. Just don’t expect to be able to lower the strings all that much. Also it is built like a tank. The sides are pretty thick, along with the top. I hope that in time, as they are more use to the working with bamboo, they can thin it out and make it more light and add bracing and maybe they can stop screwing the bridge down to the body. All in all the finish is nice and the binding is done really well, but where are the fret markers? It is a small thing, but for a beginner it means the world.
HMMM, Screwed down Bridge?
Sound:
Sound Type: Clear and Mellow. I have to say that the one with the side sound hole is a little more open sounding.
Intonation: (3) Not sure why, but both have some issues with intonation. They are in perfect tune but as you go past the 5th fret the chords sound a little off. I checked it and they are pretty off at the 12th fret. I think a little work on the saddle might help, but if you are super sensitive, this will not work for you. I do have to say that it is on par with a Oscar Schmidt OU-2 and ukes like that. If these ukes were $50 less I would say that the intonation is what you would expect.
Side sound hole makes it look like a laminate, but it just has a piece that supports the hole.
Volume: (4) I don’t know if it is the side sound hole or what but the TG-CS is louder than the TG-C. They are both pretty loud, not screamers and no real booming sound like from a spruce top.
Sustain: (3) Dies pretty quick.
Feel:
String Height: (Med-High) Kind of high, and not much room to fix it..
Neck Radius Depth: (3/4″) Basic C shaped neck,
Frets: (5) I would swear that the fretboard is bound. it is sealed so the frets are very well dressed and you can not feel them on the sides of the neck
Tuning: (5) Sealed geared tuners make it pretty easy to tune and they stay in tune. Wish they were peg tuners, or that it was an option.
Comfort: (4) This thing is heavy to hold and a bit head heavy due to the sealed geared tuners, other than that it has really nice rounded edges and a smooth finish so it is real easy to slide up and down the neck.
Sound Hole Smell: Glue.
Final Thoughts
Look how pretty the grain of the bamboo is with the nice dark binding
I commend Tall Grass for the eco-friendly angle they are going for. Bamboo is one of the fastest renewable resources in the world, and takes no pesticides to grow, and it does make a pretty good uke. I have reviewed a few others and have found that it is so new that many people are still not able to master it. You can tell that the builders are a little hesitant to make it too thin, especially in mass produced instruments like the Cordoba 25CB and the Tall Grass ukes. I have seen some that make it work, like the Paulele and one from Pono, but they are $200+. The 2 Cordobas I received were both cracked because I suspect they were too dry when they were made. The Tall Grass seems super stable and show no issues like that all, but they are a bit thicker and have a much thicker finish on them. As a testament to how tough they are, Josh actually dropped one on a hardwood floor and it was perfectly fine. Just a small blemish in the finish (It is the TG-CS I reviewed!)
I would say that they need to maybe do a little work on the design of this uke, but for $148 and $170, they are great ukes. I think that if they could charge $200+ if they improved the intonation and made the top a bit thinner with better bracing. I would buy one as a travel uke for the most part. It does not react to different humidity levels, and heat has no effect on it. The other thing I would do is put a pickup in it. Since it is not a monster on volume it would make a great stage instrument, reducing the chance for feedback.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 3 |
| Sound Type | Clear and mellow |
| Intonation | 3 |
| Volume | 4 |
| Sustain | 3 |
| String Height | High-Medium |
| Neck Radius Depth | 3/4″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 5 |
| Comfort | 4 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Glue |
Places to buy on the web:
Tall Grass Ukes TG-C $148 TG-CS $170
HD Audio Samples:
TG-C
TG-CS
Gallery:
-
- HMMM, Screwed down bridge?
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- Side sound hole makes it look like a laminate, but it just has a piece that supports the hole.
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Kala Round About Amp Review
May 4, 2011 at 2:04 pm | Posted in Amp, Kala, Reviews | 6 CommentsTags: Amp, Full review, jamming, Kala, posts, review, uke, ukulele
How many amps can you think of that are marketed specifically to the ukulele players? I only know of one and it is the Kala Round About. Sure there are plenty of acoustic amps that work with a ukulele, HERE is a great thread on Ukulele Underground.
Kala was nice enough to send me the Round About when they sent the travel soprano that I reviewed last February, and I have been playing with it ever since. (Sorry to have it so long Rick) I have tried it with every ukulele that can plug into it, and my Martin guitar also. The current list is a soprano Risa solid, the Eleuke Acoustics I recently reviewed, and a Eleuke solid.
I did this as close to my regular reviews as I could, but since some things don’t apply, like intonation, I made some small changes.
Specs:
Kala Round About Amp
Output: 10 amps
Speaker: 5″ 8 Ohm
Input Jack
Headphone Jack
Volume (Master)
Treble Control
Bass Control
Power Switch
Full Specs:
http://www.kalaukulele.com/Amp.asp
Looks
First look: (5) When I saw the Round About for the first time it was at summer NAMM last year and thought they looked really fun. The tweed caught my eye the most. it is so old school rock that I had to check it out. It looks so simple and fun. I was skeptical of its size, it is only 10″ tall, but is seemed like it could be fun.
Fit and Finish: (4) This thing is cute and all and there are no cosmetic issues with it. it is tight as can be with nothing out of place or crooked. My issue is that 1. I can’t see what is inside of it. The screws are for decoration. I like to know what is inside. This is the first amp I have had that does not come apart. Also I am not a fan of an attached cord. Being a computer nerd I have a ton of those 3 prong cords and I like the fact that I can pull them off of my other amps and throw them in a gig bag and not worry about having to wrap it up around the amp.
Sound:
Sound Type: Clear. Since you only have treble and bass, it is really simple to balance out the sound. Wish it had some effects or chorus to play with.
Volume: (5) It is a practice amp and does not need to make your ears bleed. I did turn it all the way up and it did great. gets loud enough to piss my wife off and make the dog run away.
Final Thoughts
If I read one more thing about how it is the same as this, I will scream. It is twice the power and not run on batteries. Yes it is going to be twice as much, it is twice the amp! Yes they are both round and have similar knobs, but that about all they have in common.
As I see it, it is a good practice amp or something that you would bring onto a small stage to be heard. I like how simple it is to use, no fiddling with tone and gain to get a nice clean sound. If you want to change the sound then get a Zoom pedal like this one. I used it several times and found that it sounded better coming out of the Kala amp than my little Fender Frontman 15. mainly because It was just a clean sound and did not distort the pedal at all.
Could you buy a cheaper amp? Yes.
Would it look as cool? No.
If you bought it would you be happy? Yes, for sure
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 4 |
| Sound Type | clear |
| Volume | 5 |
Places to buy on the web:
Gallery:
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Eddy Finn v. Lanikai 6″ Banjo Ukulele Full Review
April 19, 2011 at 3:35 am | Posted in Banjo, Eddy Finn, General, Lanikai, Reviews, Soprano | 2 CommentsTags: banjo, banjolele, Full review, Laminate, posts, review, uke, ukulele
For the first review of Banjo Uke Week we have a double header. The Eddy Finn EF-UB-1 versus the Lanikai LB6-S.
NOTE: Eddy Finn is Morgan Monroe, they decided to come out with the Eddy Finn brand to separate the banjo from the ukulele world, really no big deal, Just in case you are wondering about a Morgan Monroe banjo uke that looks the same…it is.
To say this is a competition would be funny, these two are really the exact same thing except for a couple small choices, like head material and hardware finish. These are really just 2 banjo uke from quadruplets that came from different parents! the other 2 are the aNueNue Banjo Ukulele I Soprano and a Rally soprano that you see in the UK and eBay.
In the end it is which one speaks to you. Do you like the headstock, the finish, or the type of head they used. Because they are the same in every other way.
Read on to find out more about these brothers from different mothers, or is it sisters from different misters? I can’t decide.
Specs: marked the differences in red
| Eddy Finn EF-UB-1 (E for scores) Soprano : 19 Fret Tuners: Open Geared Maple & Ebony 3-Leg Bridge Bone Nut Head Material: Coated Plastic Head Size” 6″ Rim: 8 Layer Mahogany Tone ring: None Back: Open Neck: Mahogany, Rosewood Fretboard String attachment: Knot # of J-Hooks: 10 Coordinator: Metal Finish: Satin, Chrome hardware Weight: 2.5 LB Case: Padded gig bag Full Specs: http://www.eddyfinnukes.com/EF-UB1-Banjo-Juke.html |
Lanikai LB6-S (L for scores) Soprano : 19 Fret Tuners: Open Geared Maple & Ebony 3-Leg Bridge Bone nut Head Material: Synthetic Skin Head Size” 6″ Sides: 8 Layer Mahogany Tone ring: None Back: Open Neck: Mahogany, Rosewood Fretboard String attachment: Wrap Around a Post # of J-Hooks: 10 Coordinator: Metal Finish: Satin, Antiqued hardware Weight: 2.5 LB Case: Padded gig bag Full Specs: http://lanikaiukes.com/laniblog/ukuleles/stage-series/#specs |
Looks
First look: (E:4 L:5) One of the great things about writing a review is that I get to state my opinion.. The reason for the point difference is that I think the Lanikai is much nicer on first inspection if you looked at them side-by-side. The antiqued hardware and synthetic skin head gives it this really old-time feel that people equate banjos in general with. The Eddy Finn is fine and nice, but it looks like a boring banjo. But as my late stepfather use to say “Opinions are like assholes..everyone has one, and they all stink”.
Fit and Finish: (E:5 L:5) I look at both of them and find no issues with either. They are both have no glue marks or frets sticking out and everything is as straight as can be on both. The only small, and I mean so stupid that I even mention it, is that on the Lanikai’s coordinator rod there are some small scratches from when they adjusted it. It is such little thing that I almost didn’t mention it.
See the little scratches?
Sound:
Sound Type: The sound is different between the two, just like siblings, they kind of sound alike except for some small differences. the Eddy Finn is a brighter in comparison to the Lanikai’s mellower sound, but that may have to do with the strings and the head difference. The Eddy Finn has a coated plastic head with clear strings of some sort, while the Lanikai has a synthetic head with Aquilas (assume they are Aquilas). Just another choice that makes them just a little different. one major similarity is the shallow sound since it is samll and the head is stretched over the rim instead of a tone ring
Intonation: (E:5 L:5) If the intonation is off, it is your own fault for the most part. most banjo ukes are shipped with the bridge laying down and you have to set it up, or find someone to do it for you. These were both easy to setup. I will have another article this week talking about the basics of setting up a banjo ukulele.
Rim Laminate
Volume: (E:4 L:4) You would think that since they are banjo ukes that this would be a 5, right? These will both over power most ukuleles, but in the banjo world they are pretty tame. I say this because I have a smaller banjo uke and it is way louder because it has a tone ring. Neither of these do and I think it really makes a difference. On one side I think that is due in part to cost. Tone ring = $100+ more on most banjo ukes.
Sustain: (E:5 L:5) Looooooooooooooooooong.
Feel:
String Height: (E:Med-Low L:Med-Low) Since both of them have coordinator rods and where setup right from the factory. they seem to be as low enough, but there is a little room if you want it lower
Neck Radius Depth: (7/8″) a lot thicker than a regular ukulele, it tappers out to a full inch at the 12th fret. Solid is a word that come to mind.
Frets: (E:5 L:5) Both are perfect. Normally to get no frets sticking out. I was amazed.
Tuning: (E:4 L:4) I found that with both I would turn the tuner and it would move up to the right place then just go sharp. I think the tuners work fine, it is just really annoying when you have to play around for a minute or two to get it in tune.
Comfort: (E:4 L:4) I found that since both did not have an armrest that it was hard to hold comfortably. I used a Uke leash to correct the issue by latching one to the a j-hook above the neck and another below the tail piece. NOTE: Never attach anything to the bolt that hold the tail piece in place, it can make it move and cause you issues.
Sound Hole Smell: What sound hole? The rim smells like glue
Final Thoughts
If you add up the scores, sure, the Lanikai wins by a point, but it is for cosmetic reasons, and that is lame, instruments are about sound, right? I think so, and in that way they are tied. It really does come down to which one do you prefer, oh and price, since the Lanikai is about $60 more. just like some people love koa over mahagony, or a spruce top. Is one better than the other? Not really, it is a preference and part of the sound that you want. The great thing about a banjo uke is that you can change more about it than a standard ukulele to get the sound you want. you have strings like a regular uke, but you can change the head and bridge until you find that sound that you want.
Review 1 and 2 done, 4 more to go.
And if the pictures look nicer than usual, it is because my wife is starting to help with that.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
Eddy Finn EF-UB-1 Lanikai LB6-S
| First Look | 4 | First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 5 | Fit and Finish | 5 |
| Sound Type | Bright and shallow | Sound Type | Mellow and shallow |
| Intonation | 5 | Intonation | 5 |
| Volume | 4 | Volume | 4 |
| Sustain | 5 | Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Med-Low | String Height | Med-low |
| Neck Radius Depth | 7/8″ | Neck Radius Depth | 7/8″ |
| Frets | 5 | Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 4 | Tuning | 4 |
| Comfort | 4 | Comfort | 4 |
| Sound Hole Smell | What sound Hole? | Sound Hole Smell | What sound Hole? |
HD Audio Clips:
Eddy Finn
Lanikai
Places to buy on the web:
Eddy Finn – Music Land Central- $219
Eddy Finn – Daily Music -$209
Lanikai – Elderly Music – $269
Lanikai – Google Search – $269
Gallery:
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