Mahalo ULP-30CH Les Paul Ukulele Full Review
July 14, 2011 at 11:48 pm | Posted in Mahalo, Soprano | 10 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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Martin S1 Full Review
June 17, 2011 at 3:58 am | Posted in Martin, Soprano | 12 CommentsTags: Chris Martin, Full review, Martin, NAMM, posts, review, uke, ukulele
Ding dong the witch is dead, the witch is dead, ding dong the wicked witch is dead!!! By the witch I mean the Martin SO uke that we have had to wonder about for the past few years. I felt like Martin was missing the boat this whole time with only having one production uke and it was not worth $300, maybe $150 tops.
Yes the S1 is made in Mexico, and that pisses some off, but that is what they have to do to keep costs down. Otherwise I think this uke would be $500+. I have to applaud them for making a great sounding uke and going back to the drawing board to make the S1, and the other new ones that just came out recently, and finally joining the ukulele party…again.
Funny story about how I was able to get the S1 just before winter NAMM where the announced it. Last summer NAMM while I was in Nashville I received a random e-mail from Martin guitars that they are coming out with the S1 and replacing the SO. Not an hour later I receive another e-mail saying that the last e-mail was not suppose to go out. I had to ask when I got there. I made b-line to Martins booth and asked, and was told to not speak of it, and I didn’t really tell too many people. At least I did not put it up on Ukeeku.com. It was hard news to keep to myself. Well….over time I kept e-mailing randomly asking about it and I think I broke them down. 1 week before I was to leave for winter NAMM I get the S1 and was told that I need to put something about it on my site no earlier than 10 am the first day of the show. How was I going to make it to NAMM, be at the Martin Booth and also publish it just as they announced it? Work iPad to the rescue. I had it written and just before I walked in the door I hit publish. One of the best hit days in the history of Ukeeku.com. 5 months later and I am getting around to reviewing it. I think subconsciously I did not want to send it back, but all good things must come to an end.
Read on to see what I thought
Specs:
Soprano : 17 Fret
Tuners: Grover Friction tuners with white buttons
Nut & saddle: Bone
Top: Single Piece Solid Mahogany
Sides: Solid Mahogany
Back: Single Piece Solid Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany with a Morado fretboard
String Attachment: Knot in a slit
Finish: Satin
Case: Padded Gig bag
Full Specs:
http://www.martinguitar.com/ukuleles/ukuleles.php?uke=S1 Uke
Looks
First look: (4) By no means do I think the S1 looks cheap or ugly, it just looks plain. No bling or binding. The only inlay is around the soundhole. I commend them for using the nice gold martin lettering, it is raised, it is not just printed on, it is placed. One thing that does shine on it is the wood, it is really nice and has a lot of contrast. It actually changes color depending on the angle you look at it. If it had binding it would get a 5, but that jacks the price up another $150. Also what is up with the microscopic fret markers?
Fit and Finish: (5) I have never seen or played a Martin instrument that was not perfect in the fit and finish, well except a new SO, but that is in the past. The S1 is super nice and well made. The bracing does not let the bridge pull the bridge up at all, and it still sounds great. Every joint is tight, no glue marks, and the finish is perfect.
Sound:
Sound Type: Warm but forward. I think that the sound is what an old SO sounded like when it was new. It is the ukulele sound that you would expect if you did not play ukulele, and thought that they should sound like a full mature instrument.
Intonation: (5) With the ultra thin bridge there is no room to compensate it at all, and yet it is perfect from the nut down. I have found that many brands cannot get sopranos right to save their souls. This is something that makes it a little more, and it is worth not having to have it setup after you get it.
Volume: (5) Many sopranos are meek and don’t project at all. the few that really do project have an arched back and super light bracing. The S1 holds its own to all others and is actually loud, but still retains a nice warm sound.
Sustain: (5) Long and nice like it should be for a well made instrument.
Feel:
String Height: (Medium) Setup perfectly. Not low like an electric, and not high so it won’t buzz if there is an issue. Seems to be setup perfectly.
Neck Radius Depth: (5/8″) Basic C shaped neck,
Frets: (5) No binding and it is still smooth as butter.
Tuning: (5) I am happy to see that Martin did not fall like the gaggle of other makers that use geared tuners and stayed true to the friction tuners. The Grovers are really nice once you find the right tension for the screw.
Comfort: (5) Still not as light as some of the old Martins, but pretty light and balanced. The edges are still crisp but it is comfortable to hold and play.
Sound Hole Smell: Like a new Martin. I have a Martin DC16-GTE (For sale for $1000) and it smelled just like this uke does. I think it is their oil or something that gives it that signature Martin smell. I think they should bottle it and sell it as a cologne or perfume. I would buy it.
Final Thoughts
My thing about this uke is that I want it to be better for the price, or at least look a little nicer. I can get a solid wood uke that sounds the same for about $100 less. You do pay for the name and what comes with that. The expectation of quality and perfection that they seem to have come back to on the ukuleles. I think my issue is that I feel Martin may be coming back to the regular consumer ukulele world a little late. Why did they not do this 3 years ago when it started to get hot again? The OXK was a great step and showed that they are watching the market, and the S1 is in the same vain. Thank you Martin for coming back and showing us that you care about uke players that can’t afford a $5000 ukulele, but I hope that it is not too little to late with the S1 and the others that were just announced.
Oh, one other funny thing. When I was at winter NAMM I asked “So can you show me the concert and tenor versions?” They looked at me like I was am international spy. I took that as there was something in the works and they could not tell me otherwise Chris would have to take me out.
If you think Martin is not serious about ukes, here is 14 minute video they just made, but they don’t talk about the S1 at all…so, yeah, take that how you want to.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 4 |
| Fit and Finish | 5 |
| Sound Type | Warm and Forward |
| Intonation | 5 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Medium |
| Neck Radius Depth | 5/8″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 5 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | Like a new Martin |
Places to buy on the web:
Elderly – $379
Sweet Water – $379
HD Audio Sample:
Gallery:
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Uluru II Concert Full Review
June 2, 2011 at 4:08 am | Posted in Concert, Reviews, Uluru | 5 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:
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- 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
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- 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:
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- 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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Magic Fluke Co. Firefly Banjo Uke Full Review
April 24, 2011 at 4:31 am | Posted in Banjo, Magic Fluke, Soprano | 8 CommentsTags: banjo, banjolele, Full review, Laminate, posts, review, uke, ukulele
At NAMM this past January this was the ukulele that everyone was talking about. Sure there were some really nice high end ones and K-brands that got a ton of buzz, but this was the one that I kept hearing “Did you stop by the Magic Fluke booth yet?” At NAMM it did not have a name yet, we just called it the fluke banjo uke. Also there were several different one, so watch for more (Here is the NAMM coverage I did on them)
Move forward 4 months and the firefly is being shipped to great fan fare, and they cannot make them fast enough, and people are raving about them. I was lucky to get one for a few weeks for banjo uke week, and I would be remiss if I did not have it in the lineup since it is so unique.
I do have a nagging question that I can’t stop thinking about and others have asked. Is the firefly worth $229? You can buy the hand drum for $15 on Amazon, and a maple bridge is $4. is the fluke neck, wood coordinator, and tail piece worth $210?
Read on to find out.
Specs:
The Magic Fluke co. Firefly Banjo Ukulele
Soprano: 16
Tuners: Friction with Black Buttons
Maple & Ebony 3-Leg Bridge
Nut: Plastic, but it is a zero fret
Head Material: Synthetic skin
Head Size” 8″
Rim: Acousticon pot?
Tone ring: no
Back: Open
Neck: Walnut, Wood Fretboard
String attachment: Knot in a hole
# of J-Hooks: 0
Coordinator: Wood
Finish: Matte
Weight: 1 LB
Case: Denim bag
Full Specs:
http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=263
Looks
First look: (5)although plain it is striking in its sparseness. It looks like an alien when it is near other banjo ukes since it has no j-hooks. You know it is a banjo uke right from the get go, but it is missing stuff. I think that is what attracts people to it. Also the signature fluke/flea head makes it that much more interesting to look at since it is so different than most ukes out there.
Look MA! No J-Hooks!!
Fit and Finish: (4)Some will look at the rim (Hand drum) and say “How cheap” but that is not the reason for the point deduction at all. I expect The Magic Fluke co. to use innovative materials to make their ukes, that is why we buy them. Yes the rim is a weird hardboard laminate of some kind that has the markings of a cardboard tube on the inside, but I did some research into it and it is cardboard, but a high pressure laminate for Remo for these hand drums to make them acoustically work. If you just use a cardboard tube the drum would sound dead. But the reason for the point deduction is for the way the fretboard joins the neck and the nut. On close inspection it is a little off near the body, also since they round the corners before gluing the fret board on it leaves a ridge that I feel makes it feel strange to play. The nut is just plastic looking and a bit wavy but does nothing to the sound since it is a zero fret, which I prefer in all my instruments.
Hmmm, is that a cardboard tube?
Sound:
Sound Type: Mellow but clear. This will not be the uke that gets you kicked out of a uke jam, I think it would blend in nicely, but add the banjo sound.
Intonation: (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. This one didn’t come setup and ready to play, it was very easy to setup.
Volume: (4) As I said in the sound part, it is not super loud, and that is fine for playing with regular uke players, but I expect banjo ukes to be loud and stand out a little more..
Sustain: (4) Same as a regular uke, nothing special, It would be a 5 on an all wood uke.
Feel:
String Height: (Me-Low) Not low but not high either. just right..
Neck Radius Depth: (3/4″) Same as any fluke or flea with the flat back to the neck.
Frets: (5) Perfect. Well dressed. no frets sticking out.
Tuning: (3) I found that I had to keep them really stiff to keep it in tune, but it made it really hard to tune.
Comfort: (5) 1 LB Banjo uke!! And no metal j-hooks to jab you makes it really nice to hold without any straps or having to sit to play it. I would say that is one of its big selling points.
Sound Hole Smell: What sound hole? Hint of Varnish
Final Thoughts
Right now this is the new shinny thing that is fueling many people UAS (Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome) and many people are buying them, even if they have no clue if they like banjo ukes at all. I don’t see that as a bad thing at all. It is one of the cheapest ones on the market today. For some this will be what starts them down the banjo ukulele path and they may go and explore others like a Gold Tone or one made by Aaron Keim (Bean Sprout), while others will sell them in a few months because they are not banjo uke people, and that happen all the time.
Yes this is a take on the DIY banjo uke that you could make for $50, but would it be half as good as this one, I doubt it. Making a neck, figuring out the coordinator so it does not implode, and making a nice tail piece like this one takes a lot of skill and investment to make it right and playable. That is one of the things I applaud Dale at Magic Fluke for, he finds some of the coolest ways to make ukuleles, and the Firefly is just another example of that ingenuity that he has, and the vision of the whole company to sell it.
If you are looking for a light playable banjo uke that is not starting at $300, then this is it and you will be happy with it for a long time, but I guarantee that if you like this, you will be on the path to exploring others out there. This is a true gateway banjo uke, and you will have BUAS (Banjo Uke Acquisition Syndrome) in no time.
I will not have this one at the Mighty MO Ukulele Fest, they will want it back since there is such high demand.
Review 6 done, WHOOO, No more banjo ukes to review, at least for now.
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 clear |
| Intonation | 5 |
| Volume | 4 |
| Sustain | 4 |
| String Height | Med-Low |
| Neck Radius Depth | 3/4″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 3 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | What sound Hole? Paint? Faint varnish |
HD Audio Clips:
Places to buy on the web:
Flea Market Music - $229
Gallery:
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Lanikai LBU-C Concert Reso Banjo Uke Full Review
April 23, 2011 at 5:07 am | Posted in Banjo, Concert, Lanikai | 6 CommentsTags: banjo, banjolele, Full review, posts, review, uke, ukulele
Are you sick of playing with a bunch of people and you can’t hear your own uke in the crowd? Then you need this Lanikai LBU-C banjo uke. You will never be lost in the crowd again. I guarantee that you will be noticed, whether you are good player or not!!
I am not allowed to play this unless I am in a room with a closed door on the other side of the house when my wife is home, no joke. This thing is as loud as it gets and it throws the sound out with great force, and it demands to be heard. I am not sure if this is a good thing or not.
Specs:
Lanikai LBU-C
Concert : 18 Fret
Tuners: Antique Brass Open Geared
Maple & Ebony 3-Leg Bridge
Bone Nut
Head Material: Synthetic skin
Head Size” 8″
Rim: 6 Layer Flame Maple
Tone ring: Yes
Back: Flame Maple Resonator
Neck: Mahogany, Rosewood Fretboard
String attachment: Wrap Around a post
# of J-Hooks: 12
Coordinator: Metal
Finish: Matte rim, resonator, and neck, Antiqued Brass hardware
Weight: 4.5 LB
Case: Fitted Bag
Full Specs:
http://lanikaiukes.com/laniblog/ukuleles/stage-series/
Looks
First look: (5) Of all the banjo ukes I have seen this one comes the closest in looks to an aged banjo. When you first look at it, it looks really pretty and rich. There is nothing shinny on the whole thing, and it is the matte look that’s makes it stand out because it it not actually all blinged out with chrome.
Fit and Finish: (4) It is very pretty with its old-time charms and finish. All in all it has a lot of really nice choices like the antiqued brass and the flamed maple, but it has some finishing issues. some of the maple is not stained evenly and the screws that hold the resonator are not even at all. Also the flat black paint on the rim scratches really easy. Besides that the unstained maple binding is really nice.
Sound:
Sound Type: LOUD and the most like banjo.
Intonation: (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. This one didn’t come setup and ready to play, it was very easy to setup.
Volume: (5) there is only one way to make it louder without adding a pick-up, an uncoated plastic head. The fact that it has a tone ring and a resonator make it almost too loud. If you want to drown out everyone, or play with a guitar player, this is the ukulele for you.
Resonator Seperate from the Rim
Sustain: (5) It just keeps ringing and ringing forever.
Feel:
String Height: (Me-Low) Not low but not high either. a very playable setup. The nice thing about having it as high as it is it makes it so you can really attack it without any issues of buzz.
Neck Radius Depth: (7/8″) Thick, just like a banjo maker would make it. I think this is a necessary evil since the head is so heavy. You would not want a thin neck if you are grabbing it or holding it from the neck all the time.
Frets: (5) Perfect. Well dressed and low as can be. And as I always say, a bound fret board is the way to my heart. I like the added touch that it is bound with maple.
Tuning: (4) The geared tuners are nice but a little stiff even after I loosened them a little.
Comfort: (5) I play it sitting down, and that is the best thing to do with it. holding it or straping to yourself may not be the most comfortable thing to do, but the resonator makes up for that issue. since it adds about an inch or so the rim it seems in the right place resting on your lap while playing.
Sound Hole Smell: What sound hole? Paint?
Final Thoughts
Of all the banjo ukes this is the nicest looking, but I don’t think it is for me. It is a little too heavy and way to loud. I would have a hard time singing with it, but that does not make it a bad banjo uke, it is just not my style. I think this would a great ukulele for someone in a band that needs to have the banjo uke front and center. it looks cool, it sounds really nice and full, and it will blow the socks off anyone expecting it to be a timid instrument since it is a ukulele at heart.
I have to say this is the only ukulele that I have ever reviewed that I truly believe that you could beat someone to a bloody pulp, wipe it off a bit and play them a happy little ditty. it is a tank.
I will have this one at the Mighty MO Ukulele Fest this May if you want to try it out.
Review 5 done, 1 more to go.
All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews
| First Look | 5 |
| Fit and Finish | 4 |
| Sound Type | LOUD and most banjo like |
| Intonation | 5 |
| Volume | 5 |
| Sustain | 5 |
| String Height | Med-Low |
| Neck Radius Depth | 7/8″ |
| Frets | 5 |
| Tuning | 4 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Sound Hole Smell | What sound Hole? Paint? |
HD Audio Clips:
Places to buy on the web:
Elderly - $489
Gallery:
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