NAMM 2012 Day 2

January 21, 2012 at 9:21 am | Posted in Events, General | 5 Comments
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Here is day two of NAMM 2012. Colin Did another great job for today. I will do a full wrap-up Monday on my way home.

Martin S1 Full Review

June 17, 2011 at 3:58 am | Posted in Martin, Soprano | 11 Comments
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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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Double Soprano Cardboard Case

June 2, 2011 at 2:53 am | Posted in Cases, Soprano | 4 Comments
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necessity is the mother of invention, right? Well then, it just bore a new case!
I needed a case to hold the Brad Donaldson and the Martin S1, and figured why have 2 cases when I can just make one.

All it is made of is Found cardboard, Found 1/2″ foam, roll and half od zebra duct tape, a ton of Gorilla Duct tape, Some velcro, and a piece of rope. Took about 3 hours of fiddling with the design to get this one.

There is padding at the bottom and they slide in with a piece of cardboard between them. Then the sides fold in to fold the head in place, kind of like a wine glass box. All I know is that it works and the ukes don’t move in transit. I figure one I make enough of these I will do a full “How-To”

If you are going to Ukulele World Congress this week-end you will see this crazy thing.

Ukes Secured

Free floating Ukes

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Winter NAMM 2011 Big Report

January 17, 2011 at 11:39 pm | Posted in Events, General, Shows | 18 Comments
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Well, Winter NAMM 2011 is over and I am on my home (back to reality) so I figured I would do a big recap.  The last four days have whizzed by so fast, it is a blur of meeting vendors and walking around with 2 of the most fun people in the world (Sally and Mim).

Below I will break down stuff so you can skip around and not have to read all the boring stuff.

Trends

I have noticed a few trends with the ukulele during NAMM. The first is that ukuleles are still exploding and the market is growing, this is past fad. I was asked so many times what was going on and all I could say is that the uke is here to stay.

Pono Bamboo ukulele

Another trend is bamboo. I did a review of the Paulele already, and waiting on the Cordoba, but I saw several bamboo ukes from Pono, and I carried a Tall grass uke with me to NAMM to show people. I think it is the fact that people are trying to be more eco-friendly and trying new materials. Bamboo seems like the one for now, not sure how it will last. All I can say is that the Pono one hits every wicket on looks, quality, and sound.

Another pono bamboo ukulele

YES! a Fluke banjo uke.

The last one is Banjo ukes. Gold Tone has had the Banjolele for a long time, but it is well above the $300 mark. The holy grail, if you will, is below $300. Morgan Monroe (soon to be Eddy Finn) was the first 6” open back banjo uke that I saw at summer NAMM, but now I can find the exact same one from aNueNue and several other people.  It was funny, I went to Chesbro (Eleuke) and said “ Wow! No banjo ukes.” They responded with “wait another month or two” so it seems that everyone is getting in on the game and they seem to be all from the same factory. On the Banjo uke trend there are 2 companies that have ones out or coming out very soon, and they could not be any different. Mainland has their close back concert with a much larger head than all the little 6” head ones you see everywhere, and Flea Market Music (Flea and Flukes) banjo uke made from a small hand drum.

New products

There were so many new products, these are the ones that caught my eye.

Martin S1- I was lucky enough to get one a few days before NAMM and wrote some first impressions on it. LINK

Kala Ukadelics- We knew they were coming out with these, and they are a ton of fun. So many fun designs and they play pretty well, I think they will be about $120. For anyone who wants some fun designs and a pretty good uke, this is a winner.

Kala Ukadelic

Gold Tone Reso uke – Yes it will be $400 but it is a really awesome rose copper color and is a lot less than any other reso uke out there.

Gold Tone Reso-uke

Eddy Finn Ukes – SHS will be making these fun ukes and they range in price from $100 – $400. As you can see the sound hole is very fun with the fin, but it is even cooler than that. When I picked one up I was thinking I was going crazy, I smelled pineapples. The Ukes are rubbed with a coconut and pineapple oil so they will smell awesome. So unique and just par for the course for SHS. Ask Mim of Mim’s Ukes in Charlotte NC about them, she is getting a few of them right away. I will also getting some for review in February.

Wall of Eddy Finns

Flea Market Music Banjo Uke – I was told they will be available soon and be going for $220, but they are working on a poly fret board version to get the price down. I have to say they are a ton of fun and the lightest banjo ukulele you will find. They sound awesome to boot with the open back. When I asked about the body they said “if your wife hits you over the head with it and crack the body we can replace it pretty easily” I said “Do you know my Wife?”
On top of the banjo uke they also came out with a ton of new designs. I really dig the retro countertop design.

More Fluke banjo Ukes, coming March

Big Island Mango – I did a review last year of a SP-KT and loved it, but now they also have mango and mahogany ukes. The mahogany look like the others, but the mango are just eye catching. Sally and I fell in love with them. They will be another Uke that Mim will carry when they come out in the next few months.

Big Island Mango. Very nice

Eleuke Peanut – The one I saw was a prototype and will look different than the one pictured (Square head and a little longer butt to make it easier to hold) and they are aiming at sub $100 for it, and they have the same guts as all the other Eleukes, should be awesome. I hope to review one when they come to market.

Does anyone want a peanut?

Kala Solid UBass – I think this is really cool. I am not a fan of acoustic basses, seems like a waste. You can’t really get a loud sound out of one when a good uke is going. You have to plug it in anyways. They are so light and small; I think regular bass players will get one to travel with or to be unique.

Kala Solid UBass, 4 and 5

Spider Capo – So how many times are you like “man I wish I could change my tuning without having to retune the whole uke? We were sitting in the press area and they did a press conference on this product. It looks like fun. I was lucky enough to get one for review. I will play with it and a contest of sorts will happen in the near future. I will keep you posted.

Spider Capo

Fun

Beside annoying vendors for review stuff I was lucky enough to do some really fun things like the big uke jam that Aldrine from UkuleleUnderground.com organized, and then going to dinner with a big group of UU people, including Aldrine and Aaron of UU; nothing but laughter. Sally made a video of those that were there.

I walked by a ton of famous people, beside Aldrine who played at least 5 gigs. I saw the bass player from Blink182, Jonny 5, Steve Vai, Michael Anthony,  and many people signing autographs that I had no clue about.  I would just walk by and look. It was weird. I Know Sally saw Glen Campbell. All in all it is weird to see them walking around.

Here is a video that will blow your f-ing mind socks off! 11 string bass plugged into an amp that runs on battery and a pedal box that also runs on battery.

I also was lucky that the two people that came with me are way too much fun.  We had so many inside jokes and did nothing but laugh; there are so many great stories.

Sally and Mim

Thank You

I want to thank my readers for some of the biggest site numbers I have ever had without a contest going on. Some of you also contacted me to make sure that I did not miss any of the cool things that where there. I do this for the love of the uke and really love when people care enough to participate and keep me in the loop.

My biggest thanks has to go out to Mim of Mim’s ukes and Sally. Sally was kind enough to kick her kids out of their beds for 4 days so Mim and I could stay at her house. Both of Sally and Mim where the best 2 people to bring I could have ever wished for. Every booth I went to, Mim and Sally would get to later, they would talk Ukeeku.com up and make sure that they remembered me, it was just awesome.

More NAMM 2011 Coverage

The Best place to go for Ukulele related NAMM 2011 coverage would have to be UkuleleUnderground.com

Gallery

 

 

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Martin OXK Full Review

July 6, 2010 at 12:49 am | Posted in Martin, Reviews, Soprano | 12 Comments
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Front

I never thought that within my first year of the site that I would have the opportunity to review a Martin ukulele. Mainly most of them (actually all until now) were out of my price range of below $300. Also it is Martin, they are huge and sell some of the finest instruments in the world. 

Enough kissing butt. 

I have never been impressed with a new Martin ukulele. I own a Martin DC16-GTE guitar that I love (For sale for the right price since ukuleles have taken over my life). Many love the really old Martins from the 20′s, they are awesome and sound great. The new ones, such as the Martin S-O are just not worth the money since there are so many ukes in the same price range that sound better. That is the current sentiment for most people, and Martin is working changing that, hence the OXK. 

Martin has been making the X-series guitars for a while. Some have an aluminum top or special graphics such as Felix or Martin’s History. Very durable and stable guitars. You can take them anywhere since they are less susceptible to humidity and heat issues. Now they are coming out with a ukulele made the same way. A high pressure laminate body and a neck that is also a laminate. The big thing is that it is under $300 and sounds awesome. 

Back

Specs: Soprano : 17 Fret
Scale:13.614″
Tuners: Grover nickel friction with white buttons
bone nut & saddle
Top: High Pressure Laminate material (Hawaiian Koa pattern)
Sides: High Pressure Laminate material (Hawaiian Koa pattern)
Back: High Pressure Laminate material (Hawaiian Koa pattern)
Neck: brown Stratabond neck with solid Morado wood fret board
Case: Padded gig bag included
Full Specs: HERE  

Looks 

First look: (4) When you first look at it, it is dull, average looking, and nothing special to look at, but you know that something is different about it. To me it looks like every other standard ukulele. It is not until you really look at it do you realize that you are looking at something new.
The high def printing of the top, sides, back, and head stock will fool most into thinking it was real wood. It is when you look into the sound hole to you realize that it is not wood at all, but a laminate. One thing I noticed is that the pictures that are shown on musiciansfriend.com show the edge as rounded and not black. I played another at NAMM and it was like the one they sent me with the black line around the body.
Also the neck is also kind of peculiar. It is a sort of laminate also. I personally like it, some that I have talked with are not so impressed. Since it is made of strips of wood glued then formed into a neck it has some different patterns where the glued edges kind of shine. 

Side

Fit and Finish: (5) It is a Martin, they know how to make fine instruments. I found no issues with any of it. No glue under the bridge, frets sticking out. Not a single thing to complain about. Where the top meets the side it is perfectly joined.
The specs also say that the neck is dovetailed to the body, adding strength, unlike some the others that use an alternate materials for the body, that bolt the neck on.
There is still bracing, a neck block, and a tail block. They did not need the tail block since the sides are one piece joined below the neck, but it is there so if you do add a strap button or pick-up it will support them. 

Sound: 

Sound Type: Loud, but mellow. I was able to play a 1920′s Martin at UWC. It sounds more like that than the current S-O. Clean but held back a little. Not super in-your-face. Just a mellow nice sound, not quiet or cheap sounding. 

Intonation: (5) I take all my instruments to Martin certified repair shops. Martin knows how to make an instrument have perfect intonation. Like many of the current ukuleles that are coming to market they have compensated bridges, this does not, all the strings look to be resting on the same line. This means it is made right and does not need to be fixed after the fact. 

Volume: (5) I usually change the strings to Aquila, but not this time. The Martin Strings are really nice and seem to make a great sound. Why change it if it is working. For a soprano it is really loud and projects while keeping its mellow sound. 

Sustain: (5)  Long and loud. Fades nicely with no whine at the end. 

Feel: 

String Height: (Medium) It is where I would want it. Not high and not really low either. 

Neck Radius Depth: (3/4″) Average radius depth for a C shaped neck. 

Frets: (5) Can you call frets perky? Most frets are low and kind of look like a mushroom from the side. These seem to just come straight out of the fret board. They are a little taller than some I have seen. I find that I am able to get notes a lot cleaner than with other ukes, even when I mess it up a little. 

Tuning: (4) Seem like great tuning machines, but I am not in love. They stay in tune, it is easy to get to tune without going sharp and all that. It is just one little thing that I have seen on most of the new Martins. You will start turning and it will turn, then catch and start moving. I tried tightening and loosing, made no difference. A really small thing. Nothing like the Koloa 

Upclose of body at the seam where side and top meet

Comfort: (5) I would ding it for being heavy but it is a soprano ukulele, you don’t even notice when you are playing. The edges on the body are cut at a 45 so the it does not feel sharp at all, it may have been sanded a little too. Very comfortable to play and hold.
The neck it nice and smooth with nothing sticking out and with the classic Martin head stock it easy to get to any chord with no issues. 

Sound Hole Smell: It smells like a new Martin. I have a martin guitar and it smelled the same. Like fresh cut wood and glue. Lovely. 

Final Thoughts 

Front of headstock

A funny thing happened at the UWC. Martin was nice enough to express ship me the OXK so I would have it for the UWC to show it off. Since you can’t buy this uke yet, as of the time I am posting this review, no one had even seen one yet. When I got there I started showing it off and letting people play it. The reactions were kind of weird. Those who owned Martin ukes said the same thing. “I don’t like it, sounds weird” then they would play it for a little while longer or pick it up later and basically do a 180. They said they actually really liked it. Everyone else thought it was great also. One great thing about it was the fact that it never really fell out of tune due to temp changes. It was 90 then in the 70′s later that night. Held up like a champ. 

I also wonder if this is a way to be more “green” since less wood is used to make it. Just a thought. 

Back of the Head

 

All Rating on a scale of 1-5
Click here for an explanation of reviews

First Look 4
Fit and Finish 5
Sound Type Loud, but mellow
Intonation 5
Volume 5
Sustain 5
String Height Medium
Neck Radius Depth 3/4″
Frets 5
Tuning 4
Comfort 5
Sound Hole Smell like a new Martin

Places to buy on the web: 

Elderly Music: $279 Expected arrival date 08-18-2010
Musiciansfriend: $279 Available 08-31-2010 

Video: 

Summer NAMM 2010 Moment

June 19, 2010 at 6:34 pm | Posted in Shows | 1 Comment
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Chris Martin Holding his ukes

One of the many moments at NAMM. More to come in the next couple days.

Ukulele World Congress 2010

June 9, 2010 at 3:51 am | Posted in Events, Shows | 4 Comments
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What do you get when you have a bunch of ukulele players come to an old hippy commune to play a 8 hour open mic, camp, eat and jam all day long?

A FRICK’N GOOD TIME!!

Stage durring the day

I missed last year’s UWC and I was really bummed and I am so happy that I was able to go this year. The atmosphere is like nothing else. The thing is that it is not a festival but more of a large party to celebrate the ukulele and its community. There are no formal classes, but you learn a ton if you want to. There are no headliners waiting backstage to go on and wow the crowd. Trust me there were plenty of people there that could be the headline act at most any ukulele festival (Dominator, Ukulele Zoey and Jodi AKA Gigapus, Flea Bitten Dawgs, Shani Fawni, and Mike from Mainland Ukes to name a few)The great thing about the UWC is that the performers are everyone there. Everyone has a chance to go and play and get a big round of applause no matter how they did. I am a little embarrassed that I screwed up my set on Friday night. I got up there sang a Flaming lips song then tried to do doc of the bay and could not remember it at all and I really wanted to go back on Saturday to redeem myself but by the time I got back to camp the signup sheet was way to full. When I got off the stage I was greeted by Ukulele Zoey and a bunch of others who made me feel like I was not a total screw up and everyone applauded just as loud for me as every other person that went up there. It is a great place to get up and sing for people if you have never done it before.

Dominator and I

Things to know about the UWC, a lessons learned if you will.

1. Come Friday; There are a lot of people there on Friday and the potluck is amazing. Also if you show up Friday you can explore Nashville and all that fun stuff Saturday.
2. Bring some food and plenty to drink, not just beer. At this year’s, like last years, there was a potluck that is made up of food that the locals bring. it was good. Saturday you will more than likely spend away from camp exploring so you can eat in town. So there is no need to bring full meals, just bring snacks and stuff to share with everyone.
3. Be prepared for any weather. If you are camping make sure that you have clothes for Hot, cold, and wet.
4. Sign up for open mic as early as you can. If you wait you will go on at 1am. People are allowed to stay up there as long as they like, most did 3-4 songs.
5. Be prepared to buy a new ukulele. You may tell yourself that you don’t need it. It is hard to not go to Weed Patch or Mainland and fall in love.
6. Be prepared to stay until 4 pm on Sunday. There was a ukulele class from 11 -4. I heard it was pretty cool
7. Get on Ukulele Underground and start participating in it. The UWC is also a place for many people who communicate on the forums to actually meet and have a “family reunion” of sorts. It will help when you get there.

FIRE

I had a great time and hope that it happens again next year. One of my big highlights was going to David Gills house to see his workshop. That story is coming soon.

Please comment below with your experiences or go to the Ukulele Underground forum where people are already posting their favorite moments.

More pics on the facebook group page

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