Nice - over time since I recorded this, I've started to think it might be a bit TOO bright. May change the strings - still a very very good ukulele though
The Joe Van Loan Rare Music Archive I’m afraid I sold it...I always seem to get too worried about expensive high end instruments...I kinda like those beaters...
I have the same ukulele. I bought mine about 2 or 3 years ago. most traditional sounding ukulele i heard in a long while. I did tune mine up a whole tone and it totally changed the dynamics of the sound all together. Even more traditional if you ask me. Great ukuleles for the money. Recommend them to anybody who are after quality for a great price.Great review always have great advice. Thanks
Thank you Barry for a great review! I actually just played the S1 yesterday at a great music store and,was blown away with the sound, build, lightweight feel of it. Now after seeing the review I am going to sell a couple of my other ukes and get this beauty I love the solid mahogany body! I already own the laminate Oxk and love it so now I want this to add to my collection.
I have stood on this principle for years. "If it is something that you truly enjoy, something that truly brings you happiness, then it cannot cost too much" My 3 children are my best example. Granted, I am not comparing apples to apples here, because most certainly your Ukukele will not cause you to lose sleep while it craps its drawers for a day or two straight. Still, I'm pretty sure you get my point. Enjoy it... it is something that brought a smile to your face. And good on you for not letting that moment slip past. We often refuse ourselves things that bring us a smile, and this one, in your hands, will bring smiles to others as well. Matter of fact... it already has :)
I have had a Martin T1k for a couple years or more and I’ve found these Martins to be great! I’m planning to get the S1 in the near future to be used as a strummer. Sustain is great and the intonation is spot on. I think a lot of people tend to compare these against the K’s of Hawaii (which are always much more $). And then there are those that say they are too plain for the amount of money they cost. To each their own, but I like the satin finish and that you don’t have to worry about scratches and whatnot. As for frets and action, i like to do a little work on all my instruments (guitars and ukes), ensure frets are leveled and crowned and ends are nicely rounded, etc. My Martin had a few sharp frets and action was a bit high for my taste, but after I did some easy work to the saddle and filed fret ends, it is great. Long story short, I love these Ukes and they aren’t crazy expensive. If there are folks out there like me that don’t have endless budget for high quality instruments, these are a great option. I would like to get the concert version as well and then put a low g on my tenor (may do that in future). I’ve only recently found your channel Sir, but enjoy your reviews and demo playing. Keep up the good work.
This was my second uke, and also my last. I hardly even touch my Cordova tenor anymore, but I play my little Martin daily. If the vintage Martins are better, I can hardly imagine how, apart from fancy inlays and the Pennsylvania label. These are sweet little axes!
I found a stunning deal on the laminate 0XK a year or so ago and dearly love it. The playability is hard to beat. I'm sure the solid model has better sustain, but the laminate sound is very impressive and the build is solid as a rock. Great review.
I like the concept, and of course I am a big believer in good laminate being excellent. Martin DO use good laminate. That said, for me, it would have to be a VERY good deal. In the UK those OX series are, in my opinion, FAR too expensive.
Very fair review, Barry. You summed it up perfectly. Martin use those same Grover tuners on the style 3s. I agree they should be nicer ones. When I got my S1 after the S0, I was hooked by the jangly sound forever and it is so great to play, though I moved up to the S2. The S1 costs currently $569 Cdn dollars.
I purchased the solid KOA Martin tenor and the logo on the head is just the same. Bad form from Martin but the saving grace is the sound, absolutely beautiful.
amazing review! Thank you so much! A friend wants to sell me his 4 years old Martin s1 (for only 300€) but I've never had an ukulele before and I was actually lining towards getting me a concert uke, I just found it easier to play because you have more room and it fits better in the arms. But the sound of this Martin is incredible. Now I don't know what to do haha
Hi Barry. Well you have finally reviewed an ukulele that I own. That goes a distance in understanding some of your views in these lovely reviews you do. You are pretty much spot on here. When I purchased my S-1 I was disappointed with the fret wire dressing. I talked to a luthier friend he said this would correct itself. It did! took a month or so. I totally agree with your decision to upgrade the friction tuners. I suggest you consider a set of GOTOH UPTs planetary tuners. ($60 US). The reason: If you take this uke out camping where weather conditions vary it is much easier to deal with tuning on the fly. There is one thing about martins in general that you may not realize. If you do not buy from Martin direct you can normally purchace any martin for about 60% of list price from any accredited Martin dealer. My S-1 listed for $500 I got it for $300 just for asking. I have a high end Martin same discount. UMMV In Canada my friends pay about 63% of list. Enjoy your new uke brother.
I'll have to check it out. You might want to caution folks about the GOTOH UPTL's. There have been some reports that with someheadstocks and hardshell cases structural damage has occurred to the ukes.
I totally agree with you on the made in Mexico point because what most people don’t realize is that some of the finest acoustic guitars especially classical and flamenco style have been built in Mexico for decades. So it just makes sense the Spanish do a superb job at making ukuleles as well. Even though when they first started making electric guitars, the quality was horrible, they’ve really come a long way and are also now making excellent quality electric guitars as well.
In a hundred years, it will be a vintage ukulele, and it sounds like someone will still be playing then from the quality you describe. Thanks for another great review.
got my S1 a few weeks ago like new for $250. It's from 2013 and has Bolivian rosewood bridge and fretboard and Honduran mahogany body and neck. I would have not bought it if it was the current African mahogany and sipo wood bridge and fretboard that they have been using for years now. This thing sounds amazing and the build quality is flawless. I probably wouldn't have bought it new for $400 but for $250 it was a no brainer and it's nicer than a current new one. If they were using the same materials today that they did then, I would consider buying a new one. It's fantastic construction and sound quality and this one sounds as good as a U.S. made current soprano. The little bit of age it has is probably why it sounds better than so many new ones I have heard and it's broken in. I now see why there is so much love for Martin sopranos. Sure I would like to have a vintage S3 but they are at least $2000 for a good condition one and they aren't that far apart in tone. For me it's about bang for the buck and this is untouchable for it's price of $250. Close your eyes and this could be an over a $1000 uke by the way it sounds. I guess that is why it has been the most copied uke in history and for good reasons. I will buy a vintage one someday but I can't justify it now because my playing doesn't warrant me having one. I can't complain and the price was good and I jumped on what I knew was a good deal and this punches way above it's weight class for tone and playability
Sweet review of a future classic. I agree, for a solid wood instrument, the price is not bad. I also agree when you said it sounds like a soprano should. I have noticed that some sopranos just don't have that "jangly" soprano sound and sound more like a concert! Great video!
My Wife has a large collection of Ukuleles, and we have 4 vintage Martin Ukuleles. If anybody knows Ukuleles, and has handled a lot, if you have picked one up, just to look at it you know you have something different in your hands. They are light, much lighter than any other playable Ukulele. Then you play it, and it has a great tone, and a very strong volume for such a small instrument. I don't know about the newer ones, they may be just as good, but I know the old ones are better than most Ukuleles that cost far more.
This one has gorgeous sound, and I appreciate that Martin has put a mark on the third fret. All ukuleles should have that. Sometime in the future, when I can afford it, I'll get this Martin Soprano 😃 Thank you so much for a very good review! You're the best! ❤
I was lucky to find a Centennial style 1 a few weeks ago. Bought it because it doesn't have that ugly decal. Looks good, smells good, easy on the fingers, and it sounds so amazing
I am looking at a used S1 that appears to be in very good condition. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. What is the tune you are playing at about 7:30? I’m glad I have found your reviews. Thanks.
incredible sustain for a soprano! What an instrument! Many sopranos are boxy and tight. This is in a different league. And forgive me if I'm wrong but wasn't the original Martin uke always a soprano? Do they make different sizes?
The original Martin was very similar in design to this one, (except for technical improvements in some components) Up until about 1920 or 1921 the action was much higher though.
I realize this thread is going on five years old, but I am pretty sure since you're the channel operator, you'll get notice of its posting. I commented to you before that I felt, for myself at least, I didn't feel like I was really playing and advancing on the ukulele if I wasn't proficient on the soprano. I wanted a good solid-wood soprano that I'd always like. I was close to pulling the trigger on the Ohana SK-39 because I was completely captivated by its appearance notwithstanding your helpful remarks about Ohana varying a bit reproducing the Martin Style 3. Your comment about the 33mm nut width is what clinched it for me. I have two Lanikai sopranos with 37mm nuts, the same as the S1. Ukulele nut widths are a challenge to me at the best of times, so why, I thought why go even narrower than what I have? I have seldom read or heard you acclaim build quality as you did on the S1. I'm a happy 8-year owner of a Martin C1K, so I had an idea of what I was getting. It arrived Friday, without the rosewood fingerboard and bridge (Sipo, blame CITES I suppose), and with an attractive gig bag. My hardshell case arrives tomorrow. Your reviews of both the SK-39 and the S1were critical to my (good) choice. Thanks for your critical looks at both of them.
just bought one i told my localmusic shop i saw one on ebay 349 shipped whichi did they said we would love to sell you one for that no tax .so i strummed it wow i love it so its mine.cool review thanks
I have this ukulele and prefer it to the vintage Kamaka white label soprano I sold. I’d prefer a gloss finish but aside from that it’s a total winner for me!
Do you prefer sopranos over concert size and is it because of sound, hand size or both? Also is it easier to fret chords on a soprano over a concert size? Just curious. Great demo by the way!
It is tragic what they have done to this uke now. The build isn't even even close to what it once was. Sad really. It would be interesting to get your views on the current version of the Martin S1. Until then I will be searching for a good used one on the uke boards.
The S1 sounds great in mahogany wood but do you think the S1K made of Koa would be to bright a tone for a soprano sized ukulele? I’m asking because I’m about to buy one of the two really soon but since I discovered that Martin has discontinued the S1K Koa and all that’s left is the stock still in the stores, I want to act soon but I don’t want to buy the Koa if it’s to bright. However, if it’s not too bright, I want to buy one right away. Mainly because they just released it this year and have already stopped production the same year. Therefore, it may become a bit of a rare item in the future.
Hello, I am planning to purchase a ukulele. The price range is under $100. Could you please give me some recommendations for the models that worth the money. I am looking for concert model. Thanks!
All I can do is direct you to my full list of reviews - these represent all the ukuleles I have tested in great detail. They are in price brackets, and basically anything with a score of 8 out of 10 or above gets my recommendation. Here's the list www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
Great review of a great instrument. You have to figure that with such quality building of which Martin is world famous. That the ukulele that you now hold in your hand today will be held by your grandson's son.
I just ordered one of these. Typically a concert player but this winter have taken a shine to the tunes from 20’s and 30’s that just need that soprano jangle and bark. Was curious about if you noticed any change to the sound /feel after it was good and broken in?
Baz, have ever had the opportunity to play the 1T IZ model? As they are getting close to $2k, one would assume they would be of quality of the Hawaiian models? Oddly there aren’t lots of reviews 9n them but they look lovely.
That is the ukulele i definitely want to buy along with a good case, well taken care of it should last a lifetime, i think it's worth the money and can't wait to get one, thanks for the great review 👍🏆.
I was wondering about the previous model: Martin OXK, somebody is selling it, second hand, for 160 english pounds, any good? or too cheap made? I have read that the laminate in this particular model, is not so good
They are not wound. On sopranos I tend to wind the A and G pegs the other way as it keeps the string straighter out of the nut - less bending can prolong life a bit and is more stable
Yeah, there are a few about. If you can get one of these for that price you are doing well. Other option are the UK luthiers like Rob Collins and Ken Timms - they both make superp sopranos at that sort of budget
GotAUkulele yeah i will do off of rob colin’s at some point but i will have to wait for that for a few months so i will get a factory made one first as i’m very impatient
Not played a KTS-4 Brent, but have a KTS-5 awaiting review - don't normally pre-judge reviews but the Kiwaya sounds much more rounded and a bit warmer, whilst having the same bite and bark. To be fair - some of that may be in the very different strings they have when they arrive - but I think that's only part of it. I think the Kiwayas are far less bright full stop
Brent E. I have a Kiwaya KTS-5 and have just ordered the Martin S1. The Kiwaya is superb but lacks bite in my opinion. Better for picking than strumming.
Nice, really cool looking and the sound is pretty good too. You got me thinking about getting this one. Yeah, too bad we can't send Trump to Mexico (for good). Great review!
Barry, hate to say it but it sounds like a banjo. I recently bought a thirties S-1 for $425. out the door, with original case. There are a lot of 30s thru 50s Style oughts around which is what you have, Not style 1. Real vintage Syle 1 had the tortoiuse binding, so they're calling the cheapest version a style 1. That's bad taste at the least. Do a video comparing your Mex S0 against a vintage SO, That would be a relevant video.... sm from Peoria Illinois
There’s certainly NOT a lot of Vintage Martins about in the UK though, and those that are FAR exceed the price of the new model. By a factor of two or three!
I got one of these a couple of weeks ago. It is the best ukulele I have ever played. Say no more.
Nice - over time since I recorded this, I've started to think it might be a bit TOO bright. May change the strings - still a very very good ukulele though
@@GotAUkulele so what strings do you use now after a year.
@@akipachoekie Sorry - I don't get into string discussions. besides - i sold the ukulele!!
Do you still have it? I would love to see videos of you playing it instead of the Rogue.
The Joe Van Loan Rare Music Archive I’m afraid I sold it...I always seem to get too worried about expensive high end instruments...I kinda like those beaters...
I have the same ukulele. I bought mine about 2 or 3 years ago. most traditional sounding ukulele i heard in a long while. I did tune mine up a whole tone and it totally changed the dynamics of the sound all together. Even more traditional if you ask me. Great ukuleles for the money. Recommend them to anybody who are after quality for a great price.Great review always have great advice. Thanks
Thanks!
I bet this sounds great for Blue Grass and Old Time. Of course you need to be handy with Key of F fingerings.
Thank you Barry for a great review! I actually just played the S1 yesterday at a great music store and,was blown away with the sound, build, lightweight feel of it. Now after seeing the review I am going to sell a couple of my other ukes and get this beauty I love the solid mahogany body! I already own the laminate Oxk and love it so now I want this to add to my collection.
Dont think these are a disappointment. Enjoy
I have stood on this principle for years. "If it is something that you truly enjoy, something that truly brings you happiness, then it cannot cost too much" My 3 children are my best example. Granted, I am not comparing apples to apples here, because most certainly your Ukukele will not cause you to lose sleep while it craps its drawers for a day or two straight. Still, I'm pretty sure you get my point.
Enjoy it... it is something that brought a smile to your face. And good on you for not letting that moment slip past. We often refuse ourselves things that bring us a smile, and this one, in your hands, will bring smiles to others as well. Matter of fact... it already has :)
I have had a Martin T1k for a couple years or more and I’ve found these Martins to be great! I’m planning to get the S1 in the near future to be used as a strummer.
Sustain is great and the intonation is spot on. I think a lot of people tend to compare these against the K’s of Hawaii (which are always much more $). And then there are those that say they are too plain for the amount of money they cost. To each their own, but I like the satin finish and that you don’t have to worry about scratches and whatnot.
As for frets and action, i like to do a little work on all my instruments (guitars and ukes), ensure frets are leveled and crowned and ends are nicely rounded, etc. My Martin had a few sharp frets and action was a bit high for my taste, but after I did some easy work to the saddle and filed fret ends, it is great. Long story short, I love these Ukes and they aren’t crazy expensive. If there are folks out there like me that don’t have endless budget for high quality instruments, these are a great option.
I would like to get the concert version as well and then put a low g on my tenor (may do that in future).
I’ve only recently found your channel Sir, but enjoy your reviews and demo playing. Keep up the good work.
Thanks!
This was my second uke, and also my last. I hardly even touch my Cordova tenor anymore, but I play my little Martin daily. If the vintage Martins are better, I can hardly imagine how, apart from fancy inlays and the Pennsylvania label. These are sweet little axes!
They really are!
I found a stunning deal on the laminate 0XK a year or so ago and dearly love it. The playability is hard to beat. I'm sure the solid model has better sustain, but the laminate sound is very impressive and the build is solid as a rock. Great review.
I like the concept, and of course I am a big believer in good laminate being excellent. Martin DO use good laminate. That said, for me, it would have to be a VERY good deal. In the UK those OX series are, in my opinion, FAR too expensive.
GotAUkulele The normal US street price at the time was about $270. I got I shipped with the gig bag for $160. Hard to pass up for that price.
I'd agree - I'd buy one at that - you also have the benefit of the dollar being the dollar - in the UK, those Martin OX's are over $400!!
Rick next time you consider a Martin ask for a discount. See my comment to Barry.
Very fair review, Barry. You summed it up perfectly. Martin use those same Grover tuners on the style 3s. I agree they should be nicer ones. When I got my S1 after the S0, I was hooked by the jangly sound forever and it is so great to play, though I moved up to the S2. The S1 costs currently $569 Cdn dollars.
Thanks Peter - glad you liked it !
Thanks!
Thanks so much Bonnie!
Ok Barry, I just won one today on eBay for $275!!! I can't wait to record and play this little beauty!!!!!
And now i've heard it - good job!
I purchased the solid KOA Martin tenor and the logo on the head is just the same. Bad form from Martin but the saving grace is the sound, absolutely beautiful.
The logo they use IS a travesty
amazing review! Thank you so much! A friend wants to sell me his 4 years old Martin s1 (for only 300€) but I've never had an ukulele before and I was actually lining towards getting me a concert uke, I just found it easier to play because you have more room and it fits better in the arms. But the sound of this Martin is incredible. Now I don't know what to do haha
WOW I wasn't expecting such a sweet tone that's really something else compared to most sopranos, imagine the BOOM if it was fitted with aquilas!
+tillsy23 not sure id ever put aquilas on an instrument like this myself . Would muddy the tone terribly!
Hi Barry. Well you have finally reviewed an ukulele that I own. That goes a distance in understanding some of your views in these lovely reviews you do. You are pretty much spot on here. When I purchased my S-1 I was disappointed with the fret wire dressing. I talked to a luthier friend he said this would correct itself. It did! took a month or so. I totally agree with your decision to upgrade the friction tuners. I suggest you consider a set of GOTOH UPTs planetary tuners. ($60 US). The reason: If you take this uke out camping where weather conditions vary it is much easier to deal with tuning on the fly. There is one thing about martins in general that you may not realize. If you do not buy from Martin direct you can normally purchace any martin for about 60% of list price from any accredited Martin dealer. My S-1 listed for $500 I got it for $300 just for asking. I have a high end Martin same discount. UMMV In Canada my friends pay about 63% of list. Enjoy your new uke brother.
Thanks Tommy - and great minds think alike - since this review video was recorded - I fitted a set of Gotoh UPT's to it!!
I will be curious to see how your future reviews on tuners come out Barry.
I did write a short piece on the website about the Gotoh tuners Tommy - I actually filmed this review video weeks ago and since changed them..
I'll have to check it out. You might want to caution folks about the GOTOH UPTL's. There have been some reports that with someheadstocks and hardshell cases structural damage has occurred to the ukes.
Not heard that Tommy - how can they cause damage?
I totally agree with you on the made in Mexico point because what most people don’t realize is that some of the finest acoustic guitars especially classical and flamenco style have been built in Mexico for decades. So it just makes sense the Spanish do a superb job at making ukuleles as well. Even though when they first started making electric guitars, the quality was horrible, they’ve really come a long way and are also now making excellent quality electric guitars as well.
In a hundred years, it will be a vintage ukulele, and it sounds like someone will still be playing then from the quality you describe. Thanks for another great review.
Without a doubt!
got my S1 a few weeks ago like new for $250. It's from 2013 and has Bolivian rosewood bridge and fretboard and Honduran mahogany body and neck. I would have not bought it if it was the current African mahogany and sipo wood bridge and fretboard that they have been using for years now. This thing sounds amazing and the build quality is flawless. I probably wouldn't have bought it new for $400 but for $250 it was a no brainer and it's nicer than a current new one. If they were using the same materials today that they did then, I would consider buying a new one. It's fantastic construction and sound quality and this one sounds as good as a U.S. made current soprano. The little bit of age it has is probably why it sounds better than so many new ones I have heard and it's broken in. I now see why there is so much love for Martin sopranos. Sure I would like to have a vintage S3 but they are at least $2000 for a good condition one and they aren't that far apart in tone. For me it's about bang for the buck and this is untouchable for it's price of $250. Close your eyes and this could be an over a $1000 uke by the way it sounds. I guess that is why it has been the most copied uke in history and for good reasons. I will buy a vintage one someday but I can't justify it now because my playing doesn't warrant me having one. I can't complain and the price was good and I jumped on what I knew was a good deal and this punches way above it's weight class for tone and playability
Sweet review of a future classic. I agree, for a solid wood instrument, the price is not bad. I also agree when you said it sounds like a soprano should. I have noticed that some sopranos just don't have that "jangly" soprano sound and sound more like a concert! Great video!
Thanks for the great review Baz. You have made me just order one! Don't tell "'er indoors."
Ouch, sorry!
My Wife has a large collection of Ukuleles, and we have 4 vintage Martin Ukuleles. If anybody knows Ukuleles, and has handled a lot, if you have picked one up, just to look at it you know you have something different in your hands. They are light, much lighter than any other playable Ukulele. Then you play it, and it has a great tone, and a very strong volume for such a small instrument. I don't know about the newer ones, they may be just as good, but I know the old ones are better than most Ukuleles that cost far more.
Some of the old Martin's are marvels - it's hard to buy them though and there are a lot of damaged ones out there for silly prices. Treasure them!
Ended up in the music store today, and found this ukulele to be the best out of all their stock. I really want one! Great review, Baz ✌🏼❤️
Thank you!
This one has gorgeous sound, and I appreciate that Martin has put a mark on the third fret. All ukuleles should have that. Sometime in the future, when I can afford it, I'll get this Martin Soprano 😃
Thank you so much for a very good review! You're the best! ❤
Thanks Marie - this soprano gets a lot of bad press, and never understood why - I think they are pretty damn good!
I was lucky to find a Centennial style 1 a few weeks ago. Bought it because it doesn't have that ugly decal. Looks good, smells good, easy on the fingers, and it sounds so amazing
Yes, I do prefer those over the standard S1. Shame they were a limited run
I am looking at a used S1 that appears to be in very good condition. Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
What is the tune you are playing at about 7:30?
I’m glad I have found your reviews. Thanks.
See link in video description!
incredible sustain for a soprano! What an instrument! Many sopranos are boxy and tight. This is in a different league. And forgive me if I'm wrong but wasn't the original Martin uke always a soprano? Do they make different sizes?
They do make different sizes, and always did I think
The original Martin was very similar in design to this one, (except for technical improvements in some components) Up until about 1920 or 1921 the action was much higher though.
I realize this thread is going on five years old, but I am pretty sure since you're the channel operator, you'll get notice of its posting. I commented to you before that I felt, for myself at least, I didn't feel like I was really playing and advancing on the ukulele if I wasn't proficient on the soprano. I wanted a good solid-wood soprano that I'd always like. I was close to pulling the trigger on the Ohana SK-39 because I was completely captivated by its appearance notwithstanding your helpful remarks about Ohana varying a bit reproducing the Martin Style 3. Your comment about the 33mm nut width is what clinched it for me. I have two Lanikai sopranos with 37mm nuts, the same as the S1. Ukulele nut widths are a challenge to me at the best of times, so why, I thought why go even narrower than what I have? I have seldom read or heard you acclaim build quality as you did on the S1. I'm a happy 8-year owner of a Martin C1K, so I had an idea of what I was getting. It arrived Friday, without the rosewood fingerboard and bridge (Sipo, blame CITES I suppose), and with an attractive gig bag. My hardshell case arrives tomorrow. Your reviews of both the SK-39 and the S1were critical to my (good) choice. Thanks for your critical looks at both of them.
Thanks for sharing!
just bought one i told my localmusic shop i saw one on ebay 349 shipped whichi did they said we would love to sell you one for that no tax .so i strummed it wow i love it so its mine.cool review thanks
Excellent!
I have this ukulele and prefer it to the vintage Kamaka white label soprano I sold. I’d prefer a gloss finish but aside from that it’s a total winner for me!
Can't beat those Kamakas!
@@GotAUkuleleor those Martins!
Do you prefer sopranos over concert size and is it because of sound, hand size or both? Also is it easier to fret chords on a soprano over a concert size? Just curious. Great demo by the way!
Sound and feel. For me they just represent the true ukulele
It is tragic what they have done to this uke now. The build isn't even even close to what it once was. Sad really. It would be interesting to get your views on the current version of the Martin S1. Until then I will be searching for a good used one on the uke boards.
Why, what have they done to it? Just checked and apart from the bridge being Sipo on some stock now - it's no different?
Got one last week. Love it! Sounds and plays better than my much more expensive Kiwaya. 😊
Great to hear!
The S1 sounds great in mahogany wood but do you think the S1K made of Koa would be to bright a tone for a soprano sized ukulele?
I’m asking because I’m about to buy one of the two really soon but since I discovered that Martin has discontinued the S1K Koa and all that’s left is the stock still in the stores, I want to act soon but I don’t want to buy the Koa if it’s to bright. However, if it’s not too bright, I want to buy one right away. Mainly because they just released it this year and have already stopped production the same year. Therefore, it may become a bit of a rare item in the future.
Never played one - sorry
It would be great to see it compared against the sigma sum 2s
Thanks for the review! What hard case are you using to protect your S1 uke?
Just a regular kinsman hard shell
Hello, I am planning to purchase a ukulele. The price range is under $100. Could you please give me some recommendations for the models that worth the money. I am looking for concert model. Thanks!
All I can do is direct you to my full list of reviews - these represent all the ukuleles I have tested in great detail. They are in price brackets, and basically anything with a score of 8 out of 10 or above gets my recommendation. Here's the list www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
....This my go to channel for peace of mind...;--),,,,,,,,,
Thanks!
Great review of a great instrument.
You have to figure that with such quality building of which Martin is world famous. That the ukulele that you now hold in your hand today will be held by your grandson's son.
Thanks!
I just ordered one of these. Typically a concert player but this winter have taken a shine to the tunes from 20’s and 30’s that just need that soprano jangle and bark. Was curious about if you noticed any change to the sound /feel after it was good and broken in?
I didn't keep it that long - was for review.
@@GotAUkulele Thank you. For some reason I was thinking you were keeping this one.
Baz, have ever had the opportunity to play the 1T IZ model? As they are getting close to $2k, one would assume they would be of quality of the Hawaiian models?
Oddly there aren’t lots of reviews 9n them but they look lovely.
Played one but not for long enough to review it. They are nice but i wouldn’t personally pay the asking price
thanks may get one some day,
but
blew out the ukulele budget buying a used KoAloha pineapple
That is the ukulele i definitely want to buy along with a good case, well taken care of it should last a lifetime, i think it's worth the money and can't wait to get one, thanks for the great review 👍🏆.
My pleasure!
Ya, you really like that one. Good review and great point on the gig bag. Peace.
You must have an incredible ukulele collection. Lovely instrument
They are not all mine Davide (though this one is!)
I was wondering about the previous model: Martin OXK, somebody is selling it, second hand, for 160 english pounds, any good? or too cheap made? I have read that the laminate in this particular model, is not so good
They are not bad Davide - great build quality. I'd pay 160 for one I think, but not the full asking price
Thank You ;-)
I test this ukulele on a store, now they're using Grove pegs and not Gotoh (i think 1:4 ratio)
It was Grover pegs on this one
@@GotAUkulele really? In the Martin's web says "Gotoh" It seems to me
@@ukulelesuky5698 Just looked - just says ‘Nickel Uke Peg’. Doesn’t say Gotoh - either way - when I reviewed this they were definitely Grover..
Why does it appear that the A and g strings are wound on the pegs the wrong way?
They are not wound. On sopranos I tend to wind the A and G pegs the other way as it keeps the string straighter out of the nut - less bending can prolong life a bit and is more stable
Great vid
Thank you!
Right now, the Martin s1 is cheaper than an Eastman eu3s, in Sweden.
Good deal
@@GotAUkulele I paid 5995 skr for my Eastman, and 5779 skr for the Martin.
$ 1 is about 10,3 skr.
Which do you prefer, this or the Ken Timms soprano?
The Timms by quite a large margin!
Tiny Tim’s baby right here!!! RIP
Great video...thank you for sharing
My pleasure, and thanks!
ive been trying to get a ukulele that sounds like for about 300 quid it’s taking allot of research
Yeah, there are a few about. If you can get one of these for that price you are doing well. Other option are the UK luthiers like Rob Collins and Ken Timms - they both make superp sopranos at that sort of budget
GotAUkulele yeah i will do off of rob colin’s at some point but i will have to wait for that for a few months so i will get a factory made one first as i’m very impatient
thanks for the suggestions
Nice review. I was waiting for creep. Haha
Anyone out there know how this sounds compared to the Kiwaya KTS-4?
Not played a KTS-4 Brent, but have a KTS-5 awaiting review - don't normally pre-judge reviews but the Kiwaya sounds much more rounded and a bit warmer, whilst having the same bite and bark. To be fair - some of that may be in the very different strings they have when they arrive - but I think that's only part of it. I think the Kiwayas are far less bright full stop
Thanks Barry, I look forward to the review. I'm definitely looking for a soprano with a warmer, less tinny sounding.
Could be the way to go. A fair bit more expensive though
Brent E. I have a Kiwaya KTS-5 and have just ordered the Martin S1. The Kiwaya is superb but lacks bite in my opinion. Better for picking than strumming.
The setup intonation on mine was very poor.
Adjustable though - it's why I always recommend buying from a specialist ukulele dealer who will check an instrument over and adjust before sale.
Nice, really cool looking and the sound is pretty good too. You got me thinking about getting this one.
Yeah, too bad we can't send Trump to Mexico (for good). Great review!
Wow, it's quite loud for such a small uke
It is indeed - louder than some tenors I have played!
Did you order your hard case from Martin or do you order from a different brand?
No - I just bought a regular tweed covered Kinsman case
Barry, hate to say it but it sounds like a banjo. I recently bought a thirties S-1 for $425. out the door, with original case. There are a lot of 30s thru 50s Style oughts around which is what you have, Not style 1. Real vintage Syle 1 had the tortoiuse binding, so they're calling the cheapest version a style 1. That's bad taste at the least. Do a video comparing your Mex S0 against a vintage SO, That would be a relevant video.... sm from Peoria Illinois
There’s certainly NOT a lot of Vintage Martins about in the UK though, and those that are FAR exceed the price of the new model. By a factor of two or three!
awesome
Yay I love Martin ukuleles please do more if you can! 😄👍
There is another somewhere on this channel - would like to do more.
You have simply got to be kidding me? Dont tell me the logo is a sticker
It is indeed
@@GotAUkulele thanks for the answer. That is very weak from martin...
😁
Bad sound sorry
Care to elaborate? (And no need to apologise)