G7th Ukulele Capo Full Review
February 7, 2012 at 6:45 pm | Posted in Capo, G7th, General | 9 CommentsTags: Capo, Full review, jamming, NAMM, Play, posts, review, uke, ukulele
I learned something new while researching this capo, yes I do research and not just pull the whole thing out of my butt. At least most of it any ways…
capo (short for capotasto, Italian for “head of fretboard”)
I had no idea that capo was short for something, I guess you can learn new things when you get old!!
Any who…I actually was able to convince G7th to give me this capo at NAMM 2011 and I figured I should actually write about it instead of just keeping it around staring at me all accusingly like.
A capo is a capo is a capo right? well I don’t know, this one is very different from the others I have used. For many years I used one of those spring loaded ones, kind of like a clothes pin design, and it worked fine. I have also had the elastic kinds to when I played more guitar. Both worked, but you had very little control of how hard they squeezed the neck and fret board.
This is different since it has no springs and you can put it on at whatever pressure you choose, and that is most defiantly different than any other I know of, at least for a ukulele.
So you know this is sold as a banjo capo, so when you go searching for one you will not be driven crazy looking for the ukulele version.
Specs:
Fits Soprano – Baritone
Finish: Matte
Weight: 1.9 OZ
Span: 1 5/8″
Full Specs:
http://www.g7th.com/capos/performance
Looks
First look: (5) It looks like a little bird skull, I like that in a sick way. It is very sleek and looks very well made. When it is on a uke it also looks really nice and almost hidden from the front view
Fit and Finish: (5) I have had this for a year sitting on my desk. I play with it all the time, by that I mean I am opening and closing it and pulling on it, and it has not broken yet. Since it is heavy it seems to be built really strong. No failures yet.
Sound:
Sound Type: I found that it does not change the sound, except pitch. I was a little worried since it had pretty soft rubber.
Intonation: (Depends) You can mess with intonation. if you press it to tight it will throw some ukes off. That being said, that is the best feature. you can make it as tight or soft as you need it to be
Sustain: (Depends) Seemed to not do anything to sustain.
Feel:
String Height: (Low) since it will bring the strings down to the fretboard the strings are super low the closer you get to the capo.
Neck Radius Depth: (1.5″) it can accommodate a 1.5″ thick neck. Most are less than 1″ at the thickest.
Tuning: (No) I would say no to tuning with it on. it has no way for the strings to slide under, like some capos that use rubber wheels per string.
Comfort: (3) This thing is heavy for its size, but once on the ukulele it is fine. My issue is that it can be a little bulky to play with when you need to get to frets near it. I have to angle it a little to make it so that I am not moving it to much. I may have big hands to.
Smell: Rubber and Metal Plating.
Final Thoughts
Someone said to me when I told them that the capo retails at $40 “I paid less for my first ukulele than that capo!!” Granted that is a low end uke, it does say something about how much it is, but………..You get what you pay for. This is a heavy duty, road ready capo. I am going to buy one when this one leaves my house (It goes to the winner of the Going Acoustic Ukulele Challenge)
Truly a nice capo that I have really enjoyed having in my case when I was too lazy to switch keys of a song, or it just was too hard to play in a key that sounded good with my voice. Take it or leave it. for some it is worth the money, for others they may have a hard time justifying the cost.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 5 |
| Sound Type | No Change |
| Intonation | Depends |
| Sustain | Depends |
| String Height | Low |
| Neck Radius Depth | 1.5″ |
| Tuning | No |
| Comfort | 3 |
| Smell | Rubber and Metal Plating. |
Places to buy on the web:
Hard time finding places that sell this uke. Found one lace that has a case just like it, but I know Ohana does not put their name on the cases.
Amazon $40.68
Elderly $39.95
Video:
Gallery:
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Ohana SK-70MG Soprano Ukulele Full Review
January 10, 2012 at 4:57 am | Posted in General, Ohana, Soprano | 1 CommentTags: Full review, Laminate, mahogany neck, mahogany sides, posts, review, rosewood fretboard, Solid, uke, uke world, ukulele
I have a deep dark secret….I am attracted to blondes, SHHH, don’t tell my wife, she is a brunette.
I realized the other day that the two main ukes I actually own are spruce top ukes, I think it may have something to do with loving my first guitar, a Guild D4 (Spruce top). It seems that I review a lot of them lately. Are the spruce tops not getting a lot of love or what? I see them a lot and I know some people feel they are not traditional, but I say “Screw them”. I think they are another extension of what people are playing. Most folk guitars are made with spruce tops, so why would that not happen in the uke world as more people are playing folk type songs and want a punchy clear sound?
Read on to see what I think of this slim wasted blonde, and see if you maybe want to ask her out on a date some time.
They say blondes have more fun, and they may be right.
Specs:
Soprano : 15 Fret
Tuners: Gotoh Friction Tuners
Nut & saddle: Bone
Top: Solid Spruce
Sides: Laminate Flamed Mahogany
Back: Laminate Flamed Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany with a Rosewood fretboard
String Attachment: Knot in a slit
Finish: Gloss
Case: Not included. Reviewed with a hard case
Full Specs:
http://www.ohana-music.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29796
Looks
First look: (5) From the first look it looks like a regular glossy soprano. You may not pick it out of a crowd. It is the fine details, like the flamed mahogany and modified rope binding, and the flamed mahogany sides and back, that you notice this is a really nice ukulele. One of the things that I did not notice for a while, but knew something was different, was the bridge. It is not just some cheap squared off bridge. It has round sides that tapper down, not leaving some hard edge like other cheaper ukes. Although I wished they would have used the flamed mahogany as the headstock veneer, it is still very nice with the shinny Ohana logo and black and white binding.
Fit and Finish: (5) I gave it a 5, and I have one issue with it. Does Ohana not put their label in the middle of the headstock? The vita uke was the same way. Beside that this thing is made superbly. I found no issues at all. What I really like is the string attachment at the bridge. Sometimes with a slit style bridge you will eventually blow out a slit since they are so thin. They made a very beefy bridge with very thick walls to hold the strings and not let the knot pull out, chipping a piece with it. Beyond that it is pretty light, not the lightest, and it all is straight and good. Basically it is a well made instrument that people actually took their time with and made sure it was right, not just some quick factory build.
Sound:
Sound Type: Punchy and Clear. I have read several reviews and some places that say they sell it, but are sold out, that this is the loudest soprano they have heard. It is really loud, but it has tone too. I would say it is walking the line of a sharp sound like the Ohana Vita-uke, but does not cross over. It is not the loudest, just an FYI.
Intonation: (5) Perfect. Not a single issue to be found. The Nut is low, and it is dead on up and down the fretboard.
Volume: (5) Loud, Yes. Loudest ever, no. The loudest would be the Big Island Honu or the Bradford Donaldson. But those are 2-3 times more expensive.
Sustain: (5) Long since it is so loud.
Feel:
String Height: (Medium) Setup really well. Just where it should be.
Neck Radius Depth: (3/4″) Basic C shaped neck,
Frets: (5) No binding and it is still smooth as butter. You can see some of the slot that were made from the sides but they filled in and you can not feel a single fret on the sides. They are also well dressed and tapered off as they should be. Same thing I said about the Vita uke. Seems to be an Ohana thing.
Tuning: (5) Nice friction tuners. They are nice and easy to tune with and stay in tune.
Comfort: (5) Not the lightest soprano, but by no means a brick. Very easy to hold since the nice binding was rounded off. The balance is also really nice with the lighter tuners. it just feels right.
Sound Hole Smell: Glue with a hint of musk.
Final Thoughts
I like this ukulele. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a spruce top soprano, and at below $200 it is an amazing deal for the sound and looks. Although not a solid wood uke, it is pretty awesome. I really don’t buy into the solid wood uke idea as much, and this uke is an example of why. I think a good solid top, and nice sides are a great combination. One of my favorite guitars (I still have a couple) is a Guild D4, and it is amazing and blows a lot of $1200 guitars out of the water on sound and the low tones.
I found this uke hard to find on the interwebs. I hope more people will carry it. I know that if people could get these in their hands they will be blown away.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 5 |
| Sound Type | Punchy and Clear |
| Intonation | 5 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Medium |
| Neck Radius Depth | 3/4″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Glue and Musk |
Places to buy on the web:
Hard time finding places that sell this uke. Found one lace that has a case just like it, but I know Ohana does not put their name on the cases.
Brindley’s $179 Shipped for the Ukulele
Uke Republic $65 for the case
HD Audio Sample:
Gallery:
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Ohana CKP-70 Vita-Uke Full Review
January 8, 2012 at 4:10 am | Posted in Concert, General, Ohana | 6 CommentsTags: Full review, Laminate, posts, review, Solid, uke, ukulele
What is a vita-uke? I understand how a normal uke looks and why a pineapple is called a pineapple, but what is a vita? According to Frets.com “They were called “Vita” after the famous Vitaphone movie shorts in which Roy Smeck appeared.”. In short it is one of the most famous ragtime uke styles. If you know about ragtime you know about Roy Smeck and all the stuff he did. In my opinion he was one of the best uke players in the world and did great things with it musically and also did not make it seem like a toy but a fun and real instrument. If you click on the Frets.com link up above you can see what an original vita-uke looks like. It is basically the same as the Ohana CKP-70, except for some small thing like the more defined seal sound holes and the tuners and head are very different. I have had the pleasure to play a few real vita ukes over the years. They are super light and really loud. One of the hard things to see in the pictures is that the old ones had an arched back, where the Ohanas don’t. Not a big deal, it is just different. The reason you don’t see a lot of the old ones is mainly because they were super fragile and broke easily. They were made to play, not to last.
Read on to see what I thought of this crazy big butted thing.
Didn’t Freddy Mercury have a song that went “Fat bottom ukes you make the uke world go round”?
Maybe not.
Specs:
Concert : 12 Fret
Tuners: Open Geared
Nut & saddle: Bone
Top: Solid Spruce
Sides: Laminate Mahogany
Back: Laminate Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany with a Rosewood fretboard
String Attachment: Knot in a slit
Finish: Satin
Case: Not included. Reviewed with a hard case
Full Specs:
http://www.ohana-music.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29790
Looks
First look: (5) Are those seals for sound holes? No they are not, but close. I think this is a beautiful uke. the light wood top with a ton of grain that you can actually see is really nice. The binding on the top and bottom really makes this a nice looking ukulele and something that has a lot of workmanship and detail. From across a room you either know what it is or you are scratching your head, either way you smile.
Fit and Finish: (4)although it is a looker, it has some small cosmetic issues. The build
Glue On the neck
over all is really good with all the structural thing being spot on when it comes to straight bridge and neck and the frets are all perfect, there are none sticking out. Where I found issue is in minor things such as a little glue mark under the bridge, fret board on the body, and some at the neck joint can be seen. Also there are sanding marks on the fretboard, most noticeably where it meets the body. To be extra picky, the Ohana label is not centered on the headstock. All non-issues overall and do not have any effect on the playability or sound. For a sub-$200 (Street price) uke it is really well built.
Glue under the bridge
Sound:
Sound Type: Clear but sharp. When I say sharp I do not mean the notes. the sound cuts. it is not mellow or real warm like a mahogany. Since it is a spruce top it would be expected to be sharp, This one is the sharpest sound I have heard. Another key note is that since it is a 12 fret the sound is different from strumming above the fretboard compared to where I think it is meant to be strummed, between the top of the sound holes and the point of the fretboard. Roughly the 14-16th frets.
Intonation: (4) it is pretty good, could be better. If you are sensitive to intonation then this may not bother you so much. I could see someone going in and changing the saddle to have the E be a little more forward than the rest and it might be better. Also the nut is a little high making some first fret chords a little sharp if you press to hard. Plenty of room to get it perfect if the person knows what they are doing. It is very playable up and down, it goes noticeably off at the 7th fret area.
Volume: (5) Between the spruce and the huge butt on this uke it is loud, maybe annoyingly to some. I play spruce top most of the time and this one does not disappoint. I would not say it is banjo uke loud, but when you hit it, it screams
Sustain: (5) Long since it is so loud.
Feel:
String Height: (Low-Medium) Setup really well when it comes to string height except the nut could be lower.
Neck Radius Depth: (3/4″) Basic C shaped neck,
Frets: (5) No binding and it is still smooth as butter. You can see the slot that were made from the sides but they filled in and you can not feel a single fret on the sides. They are also well dressed and tapered off as they should be.
Tuning: (5) It tunes, stays in tune, does not get bound up. Nothing to complain about. Wished they would use friction tuners..
Comfort: (5) With its fat end to hold on to it is easy to hold. Also that sweet backend can be rested on your leg to hold it up. The edges are nice with the binding, so that is also a plus on long playing sessions..
Sound Hole Smell: Glue.
Final Thoughts
If you are a ragtime nut, then you should have one of these in honor of Roy Smeck. Or you want a solid spruce top ukulele, then this would also be a good choice. With it being extra loud and very different, and we know uke players like to be different, this can be a real winner. I would change the strings to something warmer like Worth browns to mellow out the sound and cut some of the sharpness.
If I ever own one I would also buy the case for it since it is made for it. If Ohana stops making the cases then you will out of luck and have a hard time finding a hard case for it. I tried putting it into my Fremont case and it did not fit. The butt was to wide.
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 and Sharp |
| Intonation | 4 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Low-Medium |
| Neck Radius Depth | 3/4″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Glue |
Places to buy on the web:
Elderly – $149
Ukuleleworld.com – Just the case $73
HD Audio Sample:
Gallery:
-
- Sanding marks
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- Glue under the bridge
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- Glue On the neck
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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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Brad Donaldson Vintage-S Full Review
July 26, 2011 at 9:50 pm | Posted in Brad Donaldson, General, Soprano | 9 CommentsTags: Full review, Koa, posts, review, uke, ukulele
What if I told you that you could buy a solid koa soprano ukulele for $300 new? Most would say I had to of stolen it, or that it has something wrong with it. Now what if I said it was made in the U.S.A? I would think people would call shenanigans and ask what sweat shop is actually making them. This is no joke. Brad Donaldson out of Eugene Oregon is doing just that. Making a $300 solid koa ukulele that rivals most ukuleles that are 3-4 times the price.
Why you may ask? Well it is simple; Brad loves you and the U.S.A.
Sappy, I know, but Brad (Known as Bradford on the Ukulele Underground) is one of the few that I call garage builders (like David Gill). These are the people that are retired, have a good pension, and like to make ukuleles and feel that it is better to get well made instruments in people’s hands than make money at it. While talking with Brad the other day he said that he played a bunch of Chinese made ukes that where nice, but he knew he could do it better and decided to take them head on. Although he can’t push out the quantity, his quality is worth every penny. Also he feels like it is better that there are more ukes made in the states. If you talk with him you can tell he has a real passion for making musical instruments, and ukuleles I would say are his favorite.
So on with the show…Brad contacted me after hearing that I like the small makers and love reviewing their ukes. I was lucky enough that he was able to get it to me before Ukulele World Congress so I could show it to everyone. I had it in a double case with the Martin S1, let’s say the S1 did not fare well in comparison.
Heres how he explained what he was sending to me in the e-mail
“It is based on a 1920 Jonah Kumalae. The two big differences are I add a bridge patch and a raised fretboard. It will be all solid koa, with PegHed tuners, normal retail price is $299”
And while he was building it he was nice enough to send me and my reader’s pictures.
On a side note; when you order yours, be prepared for the most over protected packing you have ever seen. The amount of protection that Brad uses when shipping his ukes is insane! Mine came in a box lined with cardboard, then a tomb was made of hard pink insolation, and in that wad a bubble wrapped and taped uke. He claims that none of his ukes have ever been damaged in shipping and I believe it.
Specs:
Soprano: 12
Tuners: PegHed tuners (Like these from Elderly)
Nut & saddle: Bone
Top: Solid Koa
Sides: Solid Koa
Back: Solid Koa
Neck: Koa Neck, Koa Fretboard
String Attachment: Knot in the body
Finish: Gloss
Case: No case included, but shipped so well it will blow you away.
Full Specs: No Specs, just his site.
http://donaldsonukuleles.com
Looks
First look: (5) Before I received it I knew this thing was a looker. The French polish on it really brings the wood grain out and makes it really nice. I also noticed that the waste seemed smaller and that weird shape would pull me toward it if I saw it in a shop. The simplicity of the design and inlays (Just around the sound hole) make it seem so plain, but also vintage, even though it is brand spanking new. One thing that caught me that makes it a little weird is that there is no logo on the head stock, but I can see how that would not be in the style of a vintage uke.
Fit and Finish: (4) Let me start with why I gave it a 4 out of 5. Brad makes amazing ukes, there is no doubt in that. I will have him build me one someday, but I see some issues with his finishing on this uke. I have been told that he does not do gloss all that often and that he prefers a matte finish, just as I do. I also know that he rushed this uke out to me so I would have it for UWC, in saying that I know that some of this is due in part to that. What I found is that I see little dots in circular pattern in the finish. I think this is caused by putting it on a non-slip mat while it was still tacky, almost unnoticeable unless you are looking for issues. The other things I saw had to do with sanding marks. The bridge has some finish on it and some of it was sanded off at the top, and also there are sanding marks at the 12 and 13 frets, all minor things that make no difference in the sound. I have found that many of the garage ukulele builders have small issues when it comes to finishing. Over all this is one of the best made instruments I have ever played. I see no pulling up at the bridge, it is so sturdy but light and it just sings. For $300 you would be hard pressed to find a uke that sounds like this. The only changes I see that I would make would be to angle off the saddle at the edges, since they kind of stick out, and fret markers at 3 and 12. But I might be picky.
Sanding Marks on fretboard
Sound:
Sound Type: A very forward mellow sound. What does that even mean? I found that this uke is very clear and almost on the verge of over the top, but is keeps it’s mellow Koa sound that you expect.
Intonation: (5) Perfect. Just like all other details of this uke, he pays close attention to intonation.
Volume: (5) One of the loudest sopranos I have ever played.
Sustain: (5) LOOOOOOOOOOOONG and clear.
Feel:
String Height: (medium-low) The strings are where they should be.
Neck Radius Depth: (3/4″) C shaped neck but with a flat edge that makes it feel really wide.
Frets: (5) You can see them from the sides, so it is not bound, but there is no place you can feel them. They are angled and rounded off on the edges as they should be. Frets do not feel super low, but they are. Very easy to make every note crisp and clear.
Tuning: (5) I have never had PegHed tuners before (Geared peg tuners, just like these from Elderly). Super smooth operation, I may put them on all my nicer ukuleles. Stay in place and super easy to use. Is it me or does it blow your mind that he uses $80 tuners?
Comfort: (5) One of the lightest ukes I have ever played. I am always surprised when I pick it up and it is so super light. If I had a scale I would weigh it. Also all the edges are nice and rounded and it just fits so perfectly in my arm to hold it. The other thing I noticed is that it is super balanced. The body and head seem to not be heavier than the other, which makes it super nice to hold and play for a long time.
Sound Hole Smell: Woodshop
Final Thoughts
As you can see by the scores, I think this uke is a must have. I think in general having a Brad Donaldson of some sort is a must have. The combination of woods, workmanship, sound, and price make this uke spectacular, especially in the price range. I have met a few people that have one on order and can’t wait to get theirs.
I think brad is one of the main reasons that I love the ukulele. I have never heard of any other community that is willing to make something just for the reason of making the world a better place. It is not about the $$$, it is about making people happy, and himself happy. That is a great thing, and I think many of us could learn something from him.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 4 |
| Sound Type | Forward Mellow |
| Intonation | 5 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Medium -Low |
| Neck Radius Depth | 3/4″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Woodshop |
Places to buy on the web: Not Super easy to find online
Have to e-mail or call. WEBSITE
HD Audio Samples:
Gallery:
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- Sanding Marks on fretboard
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Mahalo ULP-30CH Les Paul Ukulele Full Review
July 14, 2011 at 11:48 pm | Posted in Mahalo, Soprano | 9 CommentsTags: cheap, Full review, Laminate, posts, review, uke, ukulele
Let me start with a little legal junk. This is not a Les Paul uke. The Gibson Les Paul uke does exist and it is not the same as this one. There are subtle differences, and it may kind of look like it in some ways.
Now for real life…this is a Les Paul ukulele. Mahalo made some small changes to the body, but we all know what it is supposed to look like. I think it is funny how Mahalo has had it out for years and Gibson finally just released the Epiphone Les Paul this year.
One of the best parts about being a uke player is that you can afford many more ukes than guitar players can buy guitars, and this one is just fun to own, and it is SUPER cheap. I would buy one just to make it awesomer (Yes, AWESOMER).
Read the review below and at the end I will compare what I know about the Epiphone to this Mahalo and tell you what I would do if I owned it.
Specs:
Soprano : 19
Tuners: Geared Nickel with green buttons
Nut & saddle: Nu Bone
Top: Laminate Maple
Sides: Laminate Maple
Back: Laminate Maple
Neck: Mahogany with a Rosewood fretboard
String Attachment: Tie
Finish: Sunburst and Gloss
Case: Custom shaped gig bag
Full Specs:
http://www.sagamusic.com – Not on the site currently
Looks
First look: (5) This uke is unique looking in so many ways. I love the sunburst finish and the fact it looks like a Les Paul with the body shape, tuners and trapezoid fret markers (Something the Epiphone version does not have)
Fit and Finish: (4) Far from perfect, but this is a cheap uke and it is amazing that they are able to make it so cheap. It has some cosmetic issues like discoloring in the binding, but overall it is built fine. I wish they would use a lower and less chunky bridge. The bridge on it is too tall and they needed to bring the saddle down a lot to make the strings low.
Sound:
Sound Type: I would liken it to any laminate uke. A little muted with very little depth to the sound.
Intonation: (3) Not awesome, but to be expected. Beyond the 7th fret it gets a little off as you go down. I think it is funny that they have a compensated saddle; you would expect it to be better than it is.
Volume: (4) Not a screamer. It puts out sound well enough. I would put a cheap pickup in it any ways.
Sustain: (4) Not super long, but it lasts long enough to not seem lacking.
Feel:
String Height: (Medium) Playable. Not much room for improvement.
Neck Radius Depth: (3/4″) Basic C shaped neck.
Frets: (5) Bound fretboards make it much easier for the builder to not mess up and have frets sticking out the side. The frets are nice and low.
Tuning: (5) I am normally a traditionalist when it comes to what tuners should be on a uke, but for a rocking one like this I have to say they nailed it with the jade green knobbed geared tuners. They are almost just like the old LP guitars that you see from the 60’s. Good choice, and work well to boot.
Comfort: (5) With the width of the neck being the same from nut to 19th fret it feels nice and wide. Usually the neck is narrower at the nut and widens as it gets closer to the body. Also the nice finish makes the edges nice and rounded off. I think that with a pickup it would add the needed strap button to make it easier to rock out.
Sound Hole Smell: Elmers Glue
Final Thoughts
I have 2 thoughts on this. The first is that I would say this would be a good uke to start with if you have never played an instrument before. It plays fine and it is fun and very rock and roll.
The other side is that I would get one of these as a project uke. In so many ways I wish I could take stuff from the Mahalo and the Epiphone and make the perfect Les Paul ukulele. The Mahalo had the right trapezoid fret markers, along with the right tuner buttons. It is missing the right head stock, pick guard, and a pickup. The headstock is not doable, but the pick guard and pickup are. I would buy THIS pickup and then just make a pick guard from some thin vinyl. I might also see if I could come up with a different bridge since the one on it is a little clunky.
Epi v. Mahalo
I would say that it is worth the $52 no matter what. With enough distortion (After you put a pickup in it) it will sound awesome.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 4 |
| Sound Type | A little muted |
| Intonation | 3 |
| Volume | 4 |
| Sustain | 4 |
| String Height | Medium |
| Neck Radius Depth | 3/4″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Elmers Glue |
Places to buy on the web:
HD Audio Sample:
Gallery:
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- Epi v. Mahalo
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Mahalo Uke-Banjo –Red Cedar Full Review
July 12, 2011 at 1:43 pm | Posted in Mahalo, Soprano | 7 CommentsTags: banjo, banjolele, cheap, Full review, Laminate, posts, review, uke, ukulele
I am so confused by this ukulele for so many reasons. For starters is NOT a banjo uke! It is a camp uke, and I told Saga music that over a year ago. The other thing is that the name says cedar, but is actually a solid spruce top with laminate mahogany sides and back. I think the proper name would be Spruce top Camp uke. By no means is this a 1925 Lyon & Healy Monkeypod Camp Uke, but being round like a frying pan makes it a camp uke, just like being oval-ish makes a uke a pineapple uke.
I am happy to see the camp uke being made since it is such a fun shape, and Mahalo actually has 3 to choose from.
Today I am reviewing the Mahalo Uke-Banjo –Red Cedar, one of the 39 ukes under the Mahalo name. Saga also makes Hamano and Diamond Head ukes.
I won’t lie, I have been playing this uke on and off, and every time I have a different opinion of it. It is a weird uke. Read more to get the full picture.
Specs:
Soprano : 14
Tuners: Gold with black plastic buttons
Nut & saddle: Nu Bone
Top: Solid Spruce
Sides: Mahogany Laminate
Back: Mahogany Laminate
Neck: Mahogany with a Mahogany fretboard
String Attachment: Knot in a slot
Finish: Matte
Case: Custom shaped gig bag
Full Specs:
http://www.sagamusic.com/catalog/details.aspx?ProductID=UB-30RC
Looks
First look: (2) I have one word for how it looks, Cheap. You would never know that it has a solid spruce top. It looks like nato (Basic nondescript wood used in really cheap ukes). Also with the slide on Mahalo logo at the top it does not help. My friend Alex said to me other day “The headstock looks like a tongue depressor”.
Fit and Finish: (3) I would give it a 2, but it is a really cheap uke. There are glue marks all over, and the finish is uneven. I also noticed that the grain is raised on the sides and back, probably caused from a really wet stain. The bridge is straight and so is the neck. For the most part it is cosmetic and to be expected of a uke in the price range. One big thing that I noticed is that the top is stupid thick. Not sure why they braced it, it is so thick.
GLUE!!!
Sound:
Sound Type: It depends on if you are the player or the person listening. When I play it I hear it but it is really muted and seems trapped, but if I have someone else play it or I make the front face me it sounds clear and punchy. I would liken it to an old-time sound. After a little while I figured out the difference in sound. I have a small belly that I press the uke against, well, if it is not pressed against my belly it sounds so much better! I guess the sound depends on how fat you are.
Intonation: (3) I expected so mush more from this uke since it has this really nice compensated saddle, but a lass it is not that good. I would give it a 2, but it is fixable if you lower the action…I think.
Volume: (4) When standing in front of it is loud. Although the player might think it is very muted and dead sounding. This thing is in need of a side port-hole.
Sustain: (3) Not long, but that contributes to the old-time kind of sound
Feel:
String Height: (High) It is higher than it should be. It can be lowered since there is no pulling.
Neck Radius Depth: (3/4″) Basic C shaped neck.
Frets: (4) Not bad. You can kind of feel the frets on the side, but I have to forgive it a little for the price. My fingers are not caught on them and over all they are not sharp.
Tuning: (4) I do like traditional friction tuners, and these work. They are very cheap plastic tuners, I would upgrade them.
Comfort: (4) Weird to hold compared to a standard ukulele since it has a round body and the bridge is so far back, but they make things a little easier with the strap button on the butt of the uke standard. Using a strap makes it pretty comfortable to play. I did find the edges a little sharp and I had to hold it just in back of the bridge and ended up muting it a little when I did not use the strap.
Sound Hole Smell: Elmers Glue
Final Thoughts
I am not super impressed by this uke. As first uke or a beater I would say that it is ok, but I would go with a cheap Oscar Schmidt over this one. It is fun looking and the other versions are nicer looking but play the same.
I just wish they would change the name to Camp Uke.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 2 |
| Fit and Finish | 3 |
| Sound Type | Depends on how fat you are |
| Intonation | 3 |
| Volume | 4 |
| Sustain | 3 |
| String Height | High |
| Neck Radius Depth | 3/4″ |
| Frets | 4 |
| Tuning | 4 |
| Comfort | 4 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Elmers Glue |
Places to buy on the web:
HD Audio Samples:
Gallery:
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- GLUE!!!
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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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