@@GotAUkulele I think it gave something else worth looking at. I’ve always eyed up your Fluke, and the poster just falls on it as if to say “buy a real ukulele!” 😂 happy new year Baz, 🎉
Thanks Baz for all your reviews for 2022. They are so appreciated. Seeing the year out with a howler. “Premium” may be for the Joules of energy this would produce as fire wood, your face when you started picking summed up the tone.
So not an ukulele-shaped birthday cake then! Thanks for ending the year with such a funny review. Your facial expressions are priceless when you play a piece of junk. You make me laugh, you do! Anyway, Happy New Year to you and your family. All the very best for 2023.
Man, that was a rough uke. I'm guessing the "premium" comes from the cut away and comfort edge. Both were horribly done, but represent features that are more often considered upgrades on established uke manufacturers (e.g., K brands, etc.). Thanks for all you do, and here's to a great 2023!
That is an expensive firelighter! My grandson received an Enya Nova U Concert scale, for Christmas, for not a LOT more money and it's a cracking little instrument. My daughter bought it on Amazon - a fact that didn't impress me very much. However, she got lucky. Okay, there's not a lot CAN go wrong with a 'carbon' moulded uke, I suppose...but it's a known commodity at least and at a price that is basically 'great value'. I must add, I don't condone buying ANY kind of instrument (other than maybe a harmonica) from Amazon. The nightmare scenarios are too many for my personal peace of mind. Thanks as ever for the review Baz and here's wishing you , yours and other viewers of this site, a very happy New Year. Let's do it all again in 2023 👍
Hi Baz, happy new year! When I see an ukulele like this, I just SMH and think, “ what is wrong with people?” We’re starting our beginner workshops again next week. I can’t wait to see what people got for Christmas….geez.
Sorry Baz, hit comment before I had the chance to say Happy New Year to you and yours and to everyone who views and comments, I do like to read the comments. Here’s to 2023.
P.S, the great thing about your reviews it they not only show is what Uke’s are really good but they also let us see with our own eyes what to run away from. This is definitely one of them. If Simon Cowell from American Idol was judging this, he would say the quality is “Diabolically Bad”! 😂
Love your reviews-may not always agree with them-but do enjoy 'em! As a side note, you seem to have a poster falling down just over your right shoulder in the background. I actually kinda like that too! Looking forward to next year, I'm sure you won't disappoint. Many thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Looks like the RockJam ukulele sold here in the U.S. for (currently) just over $33 for soprano, about $40 for concert, about $45 for tenor. The RockJam tenor I have is very nice and clean. And I very much like the rosette design.
@@GotAUkulele - Perhaps RockJam has a little more control at the (obviously same) factory? Perhaps the RockJam rejects become Martin Smith... 😆 I avoid anything Martin Smith.
I really don't like laser etching. Having said that, my best sounding and playing instrument is an older (20 years or so I reckon) G-String concert with an ugly laser etched "Hawaiian Style" sound board. I found it hanging on the used rack in a LUS ( local ukulele store) on the Big Island of Hawaii 10 years ago. Was cheap because it had sort of been worn out nightly by a professional player. Dents, nicks and scuffs, tattered, grubby neck strap, thread bare case and of course the hideous tourist style laser etching all over the sound board. But oh my, the sounds that come out; it's priceless to me...
Happy New Year Baz! On first look it looks like a Vangoa or a similar build. On closer look it can’t compare with the Vangoas in the same category. The sound is what I call a cheap sound. Even at the price there are much better ones to choose from out there…..thanks and welcome back ….DOC
Please review the Moreup Glowing Ukulele! I asked for it for Christmas and I wish I hadn’t! The lights are cool but it’s the worst sounding ukulele I’ve ever listened too! And I think people need to know the truth about it as it’s a waste of money (mine was 99$!!!!). Great video though
Ahah, when seeing the title of the video I thought I was in for a treat, a Martin high end ukulele made in the US custom shop, and no it was definitely not that ^^. I wonder if they choose their brand name to play on the confusion with the historic guitar brand, but I do not think that anyone is going to fall for it ^^.
@@GotAUkulele Oh, I did not think about that, but yeah, in terms of search engine optimization going for Martin Smith seems to be a good idea for them, even if they are not likely to fool anyone after that.
At first I thought it was a joke, but I see a contradiction in this so called "ukulele". The cutaway. Only individuals who really can play ukulele, have use for the inner frets, but those persons would probably not spend a penny on this "premium shit" 😂😂 However, thanks for a well done review. You're the best as always 😍 I wish you and your family a happy new year! ❤
Did this fall out off the ugly tree cos if they did it hit every branch on the way down or did they cut to the chase and carve it from the ugly trees dead limbs?
I dread running into people with ukulele that are this bad that are proud of them. Cause I just can't not say anything but I also feel bad because they kind of get hosed when they buy something like this
Premium, to me that's one of two things, exceptionally well made of the best ingredients or just cheap crap that someone needs to talk up... As you've asked the question I'll guess it's the latter..
That “comfort edge” looks like the old fashioned black window putty they used to put in those cheap ass aluminum frames window’s edges to insulate them back in the 70’s. It never insulated anything and was really there just to keep the glass from falling out. My point? The makers of this ukulele used a very cheap filler that is just about as laughable as most of the cheap corner cutting idealism that originated in the 70’s. It was always meant to give the customer NOTHING while still charging them something. But as you mentioned with the frets, tuners and finish as well as intonation, that seems to be the overall theme of this so called “premium” ukulele. For 50 bucks you could get a nice beginner’s Kala or Mahalo.
The intonation is way off. That thing is going to put a kid off playing not encourage them to take up playing ukes. The whole uke looks a mess with no redeeming features. Happy New Year Baz!
This is the first one where I just had to fast-forward the sound sample section because it was hurting me to listen. Painful. Must have been hard for you to carry on playing.
Martin Smith used to be the really cheap (re)brand that you bought if you couldn't afford the cheap brand. Now they are even out competed in that area. They should have called it the Pro just so you know how poor it would be.
I guess you could say it is their premium line, in other words, the very best ukulele in a line of pretty crappy ukuleles, so not really saying very much is it?
What mess this thing is! Given the huge retail footprint of Amazon, you do a service to the uninformed with these reviews. I know you have reviewed ukes from Amazon before and I recall you may have found one (some?) acceptable, but this? No no no. I hope a first-time buyer sees this review and is warned away from this one. Good review. Happy New Year.
Oh my! What a bit of rubbish this ukulele is. It should be renamed the Martin Smith Hot Mess Soprano. Happy New Year, my friend! You will get to cleanse your ukulele palate in the new year!
6:45 😂 love how the Uke Room poster behind you can’t even bear to hear this tune up 😮😅 even I withered with that!
Ha ha - yes, I noticed that in the edit!
@@GotAUkulele I think it gave something else worth looking at. I’ve always eyed up your Fluke, and the poster just falls on it as if to say “buy a real ukulele!” 😂 happy new year Baz, 🎉
Dear Baz, thanks for all those reviews in 2022. enjoyed all of them very much. I wish you a happy new year!
Happy new year!
Thanks again Baz. Hope you have a premium New Year! In the truest sense.
Same to you!
Reminds me I have a few fences board I need painting, looking forward to next year’s reviews brilliant work
Thanks 👍
Thanks Baz for all your reviews for 2022. They are so appreciated. Seeing the year out with a howler. “Premium” may be for the Joules of energy this would produce as fire wood, your face when you started picking summed up the tone.
Ha ha!
I loved when he said “heh” at the end.
@@nickiemcnichols5397 😂 Got to agree, largest exhale of disappointment I have heard in a while. All the best.
Ouch! Thank you for all your reviews - from the superb to the avoids! Have a great end to the year and a fabulous 2023!
Happy new year!
I dread to think what their entry level is like. Happy New year Barry best wishes for 2023.
Review linked in the written review - appalling!!
So not an ukulele-shaped birthday cake then!
Thanks for ending the year with such a funny review. Your facial expressions are priceless when you play a piece of junk. You make me laugh, you do!
Anyway, Happy New Year to you and your family. All the very best for 2023.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Man, that was a rough uke. I'm guessing the "premium" comes from the cut away and comfort edge. Both were horribly done, but represent features that are more often considered upgrades on established uke manufacturers (e.g., K brands, etc.). Thanks for all you do, and here's to a great 2023!
There's nothing else that could be premium - and even those are lousy!!
That is an expensive firelighter!
My grandson received an Enya Nova U Concert scale, for Christmas, for not a LOT more money and it's a cracking little instrument. My daughter bought it on Amazon - a fact that didn't impress me very much. However, she got lucky. Okay, there's not a lot CAN go wrong with a 'carbon' moulded uke, I suppose...but it's a known commodity at least and at a price that is basically 'great value'.
I must add, I don't condone buying ANY kind of instrument (other than maybe a harmonica) from Amazon. The nightmare scenarios are too many for my personal peace of mind.
Thanks as ever for the review Baz and here's wishing you , yours and other viewers of this site, a very happy New Year.
Let's do it all again in 2023 👍
Those Nova's are a lot of fun!
I would never buy a harmonica from Amazon! Maybe a kazoo…..
Hi Baz, happy new year!
When I see an ukulele like this, I just SMH and think, “ what is wrong with people?”
We’re starting our beginner workshops again next week. I can’t wait to see what people got for Christmas….geez.
Know what you mean Nickie
Knew from the opening music it was a, ahem, a howler.
Sorry Baz, hit comment before I had the chance to say Happy New Year to you and yours and to everyone who views and comments, I do like to read the comments. Here’s to 2023.
And to you and yours Mike
Best wishes for 2023 Baz 🥳
And to you Alan!
That comfort edge reminds me of a haircut my mother gave me when I was about 9. Looked like she did it with a knife and fork.
Ha ha!
P.S, the great thing about your reviews it they not only show is what Uke’s are really good but they also let us see with our own eyes what to run away from. This is definitely one of them.
If Simon Cowell from American Idol was judging this, he would say the quality is “Diabolically Bad”! 😂
Definitely!
Love your reviews-may not always agree with them-but do enjoy 'em! As a side note, you seem to have a poster falling down just over your right shoulder in the background. I actually kinda like that too! Looking forward to next year, I'm sure you won't disappoint. Many thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
It wilted in disgust at the ukulele being reviewed...
@@GotAUkulele LOL !!!
Looks like the RockJam ukulele sold here in the U.S. for (currently) just over $33 for soprano, about $40 for concert, about $45 for tenor. The RockJam tenor I have is very nice and clean. And I very much like the rosette design.
We don't have RockJam over here - this Martin Smith was terrible though!
@@GotAUkulele - Perhaps RockJam has a little more control at the (obviously same) factory? Perhaps the RockJam rejects become Martin Smith... 😆 I avoid anything Martin Smith.
Here’s to a PREMIUM ✨new year, Baz 🥃
And you matey!
A LEMON! more of these in '23 please Baz...
I'm sure there will be!
There has to be. People need to be forewarned, and Baz is the best at this.
Thanks!
No problem!
I really don't like laser etching. Having said that, my best sounding and playing instrument is an older (20 years or so I reckon) G-String concert with an ugly laser etched "Hawaiian Style" sound board.
I found it hanging on the used rack in a LUS ( local ukulele store) on the Big Island of Hawaii 10 years ago. Was cheap because it had sort of been worn out nightly by a professional player. Dents, nicks and scuffs, tattered, grubby neck strap, thread bare case and of course the hideous tourist style laser etching all over the sound board. But oh my, the sounds that come out; it's priceless to me...
I'd take laser etching on a G-String brand uke!!!
All the best for 2023!
Thanks
I suspect they are also hoping people will mumble the “Smith” as they read the name.
I suspect there is no accident in the use of the name Martin!
😂 they can mumble it all they want, the second it’s played the first note the intonation will scream the SMIIIIITH for them 😅
I was going to smooth my old boots but I don't think that they are that bad, relatively speaking.
Happy new year
Thanks Raymond
A Premium Review - Thank You.
My pleasure!
Happy New Year Baz! On first look it looks like a Vangoa or a similar build. On closer look it can’t compare with the Vangoas in the same category. The sound is what I call a cheap sound. Even at the price there are much better ones to choose from out there…..thanks and welcome back ….DOC
Happy new year!
Please review the Moreup Glowing Ukulele! I asked for it for Christmas and I wish I hadn’t! The lights are cool but it’s the worst sounding ukulele I’ve ever listened too! And I think people need to know the truth about it as it’s a waste of money (mine was 99$!!!!). Great video though
Not heard of one before - will check it out
@@GotAUkulele thank you, love the content
Ahah, when seeing the title of the video I thought I was in for a treat, a Martin high end ukulele made in the US custom shop, and no it was definitely not that ^^. I wonder if they choose their brand name to play on the confusion with the historic guitar brand, but I do not think that anyone is going to fall for it ^^.
I think there is no doubt they are working on the fact that google searches for 'Martin Ukulele' will get them hits too.
@@GotAUkulele Oh, I did not think about that, but yeah, in terms of search engine optimization going for Martin Smith seems to be a good idea for them, even if they are not likely to fool anyone after that.
Happy new year Barry.
Many thanks
At first I thought it was a joke, but I see a contradiction in this so called "ukulele". The cutaway. Only individuals who really can play ukulele, have use for the inner frets, but those persons would probably not spend a penny on this "premium shit" 😂😂
However, thanks for a well done review. You're the best as always 😍
I wish you and your family a happy new year! ❤
And to you!
I think the paint "flaws" add a wonderful, handcrafted, premium touch... NOT!!! 😂Thanks for all the reviews, good and bad in 2022. Happy New Year!!
Thanks for watching!
Did this fall out off the ugly tree cos if they did it hit every branch on the way down or did they cut to the chase and carve it from the ugly trees dead limbs?
ha!!
I dread running into people with ukulele that are this bad that are proud of them. Cause I just can't not say anything but I also feel bad because they kind of get hosed when they buy something like this
Premium, to me that's one of two things, exceptionally well made of the best ingredients or just cheap crap that someone needs to talk up... As you've asked the question I'll guess it's the latter..
Quite!
Yikes! Glad this wasn't my first ukulele. Happy New Year to you and your viewers/readers/subscribers.
Same to you!
That “comfort edge” looks like the old fashioned black window putty they used to put in those cheap ass aluminum frames window’s edges to insulate them back in the 70’s. It never insulated anything and was really there just to keep the glass from falling out. My point? The makers of this ukulele used a very cheap filler that is just about as laughable as most of the cheap corner cutting idealism that originated in the 70’s. It was always meant to give the customer NOTHING while still charging them something. But as you mentioned with the frets, tuners and finish as well as intonation, that seems to be the overall theme of this so called “premium” ukulele. For 50 bucks you could get a nice beginner’s Kala or Mahalo.
Agreed!
The intonation is way off. That thing is going to put a kid off playing not encourage them to take up playing ukes. The whole uke looks a mess with no redeeming features. Happy New Year Baz!
Yep - way off - nut is WAY high (as is the saddle)
😆
This is the first one where I just had to fast-forward the sound sample section because it was hurting me to listen. Painful. Must have been hard for you to carry on playing.
Yep - it's incredibly underwhelming!
Martin Smith used to be the really cheap (re)brand that you bought if you couldn't afford the cheap brand. Now they are even out competed in that area. They should have called it the Pro just so you know how poor it would be.
Ha ha!
My goodness that is not a good uke. There are much better options out there for beginners. Great review!
Totally agree!
"This one looks like a ukulele at first glance". Not really a lot else to say after that, eh?
Nope!!!
Oh, it's "PREMIUM" Why didn't you say so sooner? LOL
@@paulkleinkramer5065 Ha haaa!!!
"Premium" provided your standards are low and your fingers are made of rocks
I guess you could say it is their premium line, in other words, the very best ukulele in a line of pretty crappy ukuleles, so not really saying very much is it?
No, not really!
yes that is crap
What mess this thing is! Given the huge retail footprint of Amazon, you do a service to the uninformed with these reviews. I know you have reviewed ukes from Amazon before and I recall you may have found one (some?) acceptable, but this? No no no. I hope a first-time buyer sees this review and is warned away from this one. Good review. Happy New Year.
Thanks!
Happy New Year! 🎆
This is the sound that gives sopranos, and ukuleles in general, a bad rap. 😒
Sopranos never get a bad rap from me (well this one excepted!) - my favourite scale!
@@GotAUkulele me too. 👍
This is terrible, even the uke picture in the booklet looks like those toys sold in ALDI. :D
I know!
You had no joy whilst playing... 😔
None!
Oh my! What a bit of rubbish this ukulele is. It should be renamed the Martin Smith Hot Mess Soprano. Happy New Year, my friend! You will get to cleanse your ukulele palate in the new year!
Happy new year!