Enya NOVA GO carbon fiber acoustic guitar for under $200 - is it any good?
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- Опубліковано 20 кві 2023
- We got ourselves an affordable Enya Music NOVA GO carbon fiber / carbon composite acoustic guitar, and put it through its paces! 🎸
These guitars may have some interesting advantages over normal wood guitars. The most obvious is that the material they are made of isn't affected by the weather! You'll have to watch the video to learn more! 😉
I apologize my voice is rather soft on many parts, I had been talking non-stop the day we filmed it so when the cameras were finally rolling, my voice was shot! But it should come through clear on headphones (always recommended when listening for an instrument review), and for your convenience, I edited the subtitles/captions to make sure they make sense.
#carbonfiberguitar #novago #guitar - Розваги
I’ve had this guitar for a week now (the SP-1 version), and changed the strings to Thomastik Plectrum AC110. That made the action perfect-easy to play for a beginner like me. I’m SO happy I bought it. Good review!
Thank you! 😊
Yes we also felt the strings were a little rough on the fingers, besides being a tiny bit high. Bill had another guitar he brought with him which had some Thomastik strings that were delightfully smooth!
Having a hole on top of the guitar is actually a killer-feature because the player can hear the guitar much better. I accidentally stumbled into this fact when removing the electronics from an acoustic guitar.
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing!
Bought one thanks to this review
Hope Enya notices
Thanks for the video!
Enya should send you the electronic version. This was a good promotional video. You spoke of all the things that makes the instrument special. It is a great free advertisement for Enya. One of the better videos highlighting the guitar. You even knew they had change the case design. Good job.
Thank you! 😊
I sent them a link to the video after I published it. Haven't heard from them yet, but it would be pretty cool if they wanted me to make videos of more of their stuff.
@@SculptyWorks For sure.
this was a good promotional video. today is 7/11 and amazon is having their come one, come all suckers sale! and this guitar is going for 149$ on a flash deal. right now 30% of them are supposedly sold and i'm leaning towards trying one out.
Not to pick on your guitar playing, but I'm really glad you had a fantastic guitarist try it out.
Yeah, my playing still needs some work before I can expect people to want to listen to it. 😉
@elissahunt “Not to pick on your guitar playing”, as you pick on his guitar playing. I can’t wait see/hear your video on guitar playing.
@@Roger-zx4jiyeah, you don't understand sarcasm.
@@SculptyWorks,as someone with low confdidence in my own playing for years , these sort of comments do make their mark , I praise your response, amd im sure your great at whatever style/song or own sound you choose to enjoy , thanks for video
I could really see myself picking up one of these for camping or taking with me on my bike. I'm impressed! The world of guitar just got easier to get into!
That's something I kinda forgot to bring up on the video (because the cat decided to climb around my back when I was thinking of it), that being a carbon composite, they are pretty much weather-proof, they won't go out of shape because of change in humidity or temperature, and they won't come unglued if they get wet. 👍
Totally worth it for the price. I got this about a week ago and use it as my travel, beat’em up guitar.
* The setup and intonation was perfect out of the box. At least mine was.
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Nice!
Yeah this is an excellent review. I'll be buying this guitar for sure now. I would like to see you and your friend review the electric Enya Go. Cheers
It's not affected by heat/humidity. I have one in silver/glitter with incredible liquid gloss finish (3 times the price: $5 hundred something). The electronics were destroyed in shipping. No problem, I just tore them out. It's one continuous pearl drop of luminous glitter (blinding in the sun) Always plays in tune. I replaced the strings with thicker nickel plated and lowered the lower bridge with one I miraculously had on hand. Better intonation than my other Ebony guitars. It's possibly bullet proof.
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Yeah, my first thought was that it looked small, but it does have amazing sound! It was fun listening to Bill play around on it. And bonus, we got to see Boo as well as Ash! Aspiring fellow guitarists? ;)
Bill is an amazing player! And the guitar is small but oddly it doesn't feel small once in playing position.
Boo and Ash were both very curious about it, so I managed to sneak them in at the end. 😉🐈😸
The cats stole the show! :D
Thanks for your review. It was really cool to see a good player being surprised it was so good and to see him take the guitar through its paces. Really interesting. I hope Enya do send you one with bells and whistles - I’d love to hear what you think about it.
Thank you! 😊
I don't know if I'll hear from Enya Music, our relationship got a bit sour when I got another guitar of theirs with a poorly glued bridge and they left me hanging, but who-knows! 👍
@@SculptyWorks Enya should realise that if someone posts a truthful and critical review it makes the reviewer's opinion and their other reviews more trustworthy. You've posted a good Enya review and one that pointed out some faults - means I'm more likely to trust what you have to say. In a world of people just liking things because they were given them free, a truthful opinion is a valuable thing.
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@@diannewilliams1585 👍👍
If Enya is interested, I just ordered the electric version while watching your video.
Cool! Let us know what you think of it when you get it? 👍😊
Thanks mate!
👍
Thank you for reviewing this guitar. I found your video while researching the Enya Ukuleles. They have a Soprano and a Concert sized version of their Ukuleles that look identical to this guitar. Your video showed up on the side and I clicked to watch.
The only thing I didn't agree with in your review was when you said it looks like a toy. I actually think it looks great, a carbon fiber, all one piece, sleek guitar. Especially since you don't see anything that looks like this, it's almost a one-of-a-kind. And with your friend's review stating this is astounding (his word), it seems like this is a good choice for a carry-anywhere guitar.
I was actually struggling to find any downsides to it, so it came down to simple aesthetic preference. I do think it looks nice, but it's a bit too simplistic in design, which is good because it gives it sleek lines and keeps manufacture cost down, but it's also bad because it makes it look like it came out of a mold, like a plastic toy. 😉
But mind you, that was me trying really hard to find something bad to say, just so I could point out at least one con. I'm truly impressed by this little guitar. 👍
@@SculptyWorks I understood what you meant when describing the guitar, and I was just saying I think the design looks good because of the sleek lines. I haven't seen this type of guitar on the market, especially from the brand name manufacturers. Then when your guest was playing it, you could see he was very surprised at how well it was playing and sounding. And being the first time I've seen an Enya guitar, I was pleasantly surprised at the sound coming from it.
Thanks again for your review, I think you did a great job, like you said, trying to find something wrong, and only finding the frets needed polishing and not quite liking the lines. I'm thinking of buying one because of your video.
@@marcd1981 Yeah, I was also truly amazed at the sound. I've played carbon fiber violins, and I have never found one I thought sounded better than a mid-level student model. Most sound pretty awful, so I was expecting a very nasal and dull sound from the guitar, but no, it's open and clear and quite resonant.
I'm sure EnyaMusic will love the publicity they're getting. They made a good product at an amazing price point, I think they deserve it. 😊
@@SculptyWorks Exactly, I'm finding the same thing with their Ukuleles. Everyone reviewing them thinks they are great, especially at the price point.
A guy in Thailand did a drop test on that Ukulele about 1 meter above the floor without major damage. Only tiny spot almost unnoticable.
Really liked this review. Hoping you get the amplified version.
Thank you! 😊 I haven't heard back from Enya Music on that, but gonna keep my fingers crossed. 🤞
I just ordered the Nova Go Mini, size is 1/4 for 72 usd (discounted price) can't wait for it to arrive.
Cool! Let us know how it turns out! 👍
Very nice!
😊
I'm tempted to buy one of these and bolt on a P90 pickup to turn it into a tiny jazzbox. Has anybody tried a similar stunt already?
I'm seriously considering picking one up. I can see it's quite small, so definitely won't be my main guitar, but A. I'd definitely find some songs I'd prefer to use it on, 2. it could be a very good backup on stage, and III. it'd be a guitar I'd be comfortable with taking on vacation, due to the really high durability.
Another thing in regards to action, specifically at the bridge-end--it's much easier to lower the saddle than it is to raise it on any acoustic guitar (as well as many other instruments), so it's generally left at the higher end.
I don't use it often, but every time I pull it out I'm amazed by how much guitar you get for so little $$$ (relatively speaking). The size has become the major issue for me, it feels a bit too small. I think if they made this in the size of a Les Paul it would be the perfect carbon fiber guitar!
It's just a genuinely fun guitar.
Any updates on it? How do you like it?
@@danimalspoptart Sorry to disappoint, but I'm afraid I don't have one yet
I decided to buy this guitar, thank you for your review. It cost me 246$ because I am from EU, but I hope that it is still worth it :)
Could you please point me to the guide how to polish the threats?
That's awesome that you bought one, but I'm sorry to hear about the price difference. It seems everything is more expensive in Europe these days.
mMm myabe I should make a video on polishing the frets! 😉
I'm sure there are tutorials out there, but the process is very simple: You either completely remove the strings or loosen them up so that you can move all of them out of the way safely, then you put some form of masking tape (painter's tape?) on the fingerboard on the spaces between the frets. Depending on how rough they are, very gently sand them with 400-grit sandpaper, then go over them harder with 0000 steel wool. Remember you want to polish them, not alter their shape, so you need to be careful with the sandpaper, but the steel wool won't remove any significant amount of material, it burnishes the sanded frets, so you can (and should) go harder with it. It's a bit of a project, because there are so many, but nothing really technically difficult. Just make sure to protect the fingerboard! 👍
Hey there. Great vid. Is this the 1/4 size on 3/4 one please?
Thanks! 😊
The NOVA GO is a 1/2 size guitar.
The SP1 is great!
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Come on Enya let's have the electric one to test. 🎸
I'll wait a few days for the video to get some views, then I'll send it to them, maybe it will help! 😉
I'm thinking about buying one for my 10 y/o niece who is very tiny. The fact that it's so small is a feature for me.
👍
Enya also makes a Go “Mini” that is roughly half this size.
Thank you for the review. How did polish the frets? Do you think the action could be lower with generating buzz?
To polish the frets (I should make a video on it!), you take off all strings... Hint: Slack them enough that you can pull them out of the bridge instead of the tuners, it's easier to put them back on that way if you're not going to be changing strings. ...take off the strings, mask the fretboard space between frets with masking tape, and depending on how rough the frets are, use sandpaper, something around 400 grit should be enough to smoothen them but not enough to risk taking off too much material. Sand them all with 400, then 600, then 1000 grit sandpaper, and do a final pass with 0000 steel wool. You can use a buffing wheel afterwards but I find it overkill. It's a bit of a process. 😉
I like action that's as low as possible without buzzing, and I was able to do that by sanding the bottom of the saddle. You have to be very careful to keep it even. Don't mess with the zero-fret unless you know what you're doing, because that one you can't replace if you take off too much. 👍
@@SculptyWorks thank you very much. Appreciate the detail. Do the guitar tubers hold well ?
Last question. What Guage strings would you use? Thank you very much.
@@tannertucker22 I personally like the Elixir Medium (.013-.056) strings.
@@tannertucker22 "guitar tubers"? I'm not familiar with that part of the guitar! But if you meant 'tuners', I'm truly amazed by how nice they are, considering how little this whole thing costs.
great insightful review ... kudos to you for getting a real pro guitarist to demo it. Can one put a pickup in it?
Thanks! 😊
I don't know how you'd put a pickup in it, since it doesn't have the conventional soundhole and all to reach inside, but the 'acoustic-electric' model comes with the pickup built into it.
It has a pre drilled hole for the piezzo pick up under the bridge.
@@marvinraymauring5003 That's right, it does!
I'm looking at getting this to learn on. I have smaller hands than the average person, so my friend recommended looking into a smaller guitar.
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I just got this guitar. How did you know the type of strings it came with? Mine are just in a zero-label silver bag.
That's what's listed on Enya Music's website, so I'm taking their word for it. 😉
What does it mean high on action? Like on high notes the strings are far from board?
"high action" means the strings are far from the fretboard, yes (not necessarily only the high notes), which makes it harder to press down on them, making it unpleasant or difficult or outright painful to play.
a little high on the action great for slide. just bought one.
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I was on Amazon a few days ago because I needed to pick a little guitar and saw this. Dismissed it and purchased my piccolo. I almost wish I got that instead. Almost.
You needed a guitar, and bought a piccolo? They are somewhat unrelated, aren't they? 😉
@@SculptyWorks No no no lol! I needed a piccolo guitar, aka tenor guitar.
@@YeOldeThrashDude Oh I see! I didn't know they made those! 😊
I just got one- shell bag.
You can adjust the action with the truss rod and saddle height. But maybe most beginners have no clue on how to do it.
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Should a beginner start with this guitar?
I'm a beginner and I'm using it and enjoying it so far, so I'm going to say yeah! 😉👍
Adjustable truss rod?
Yes, it has an adjustable truss rod.
Intonation slightly off (sharp as you go higher)
Absolutely his technique. Not a single note was clean
What us the width of the nut?
1-5/8"
El tipo de rojo es muy pesado y hace críticas sin tener fundamentos mientras el que toca la guitarra parece estar muy a gusto con la guitarra, se ve sorprendido de lo bien q suena la guitarra y es con la opinión que me iré más el otro tipo es bastante pedante
"This is... tiny" You sure you're not a giant? jk
Idk too much about guitars but that sounded smooth.
Also Ash wants to hear you play.
Ever seen a dreadnought guitar? They're big enough they could have their own ZIP code! 😉
Ash actually likes the guitar, he likes to climb on my shoulder when I'm trying to practice and hang out with me there. 🐈
@@SculptyWorks I think I seen those before just never kknew the name.
Ash wants to make sure you are doing well and want you to improve.
Yes, the kitty is very helpful. 😊🐈
The string spacing at the bridge is way out
It was meant as a complement to him as an experienced guitar player but . . . I am not sure he took it that way. 2:15 LOL
😁
Is it actually carbon?
Sure it's not some polymer?
It's a composite material. It /probably/ has carbon fibers in it, but it definitely started its life as a liquid that was injected in a mold, not the woven carbon fiber cloth that everybody thinks of when they think 'carbon fiber'. 😉
They do make one that has a top with woven carbon fiber cloth, but it's a significantly pricier model. I've asked if they want to send me one for review, but haven't heard back.
The neck dive business is a deal breaker for me. I really hate that.
It can be pretty annoying.
Meh, of course they are about 280€ on this side of the ocean. :( Otherwise it looks like a pretty nifty little thing.
That is a significant price difference! 😮
It is about 240USD now with shipping and customs from US.
I think you're not looking hard enough. I've seen em for less than 200 USD just about everywhere unless you're looking for the SP1 electric acoustic version
@@Dlogreen I could not find it anywhere in EU for less than 280 Euros.
Importing from non EU market means going through customs that adds to the price together with shipping.
So, I brink my kitaar to my frent to play. You laaik?
this guitar is a piece of trash. The D and G strings on mine are very twangy and cannot be tuned accurately compared to the other strings. Shame.
Get a replacement?
How would I go about lowering the action ?
You need to very carefully sand (or file) the bottom of the saddle until you remove enough material that it's at the correct height. 👍
@@SculptyWorks thanks I'll probably just buy a French horn instead and blow it out my ass!!!
I bought the more expensive model. I'm shipping it back. It's well made, beautiful, and sounds very good. The action was too high and turning the truss rod didn't help.
The truss rod isn't for adjusting the action, you need to modify the saddle on the bridge for that.
@@SculptyWorks Thanks for that. Usually the truss rod controls the action. I sent it back. I'm not a luthier so I don't know how to do things like that. But thanks for letting me know. It confused the hell out of me when the action wouldn't change.
@@user-vj6wr8zi3l You're right, the customer shouldn't be expected to have specialized knowledge, these should come set up right from the seller.
The truss rod adjusts the relief, or the 'bow/hump' of the neck. Adjusting it will affect the action but it is not the correct way to do it. The correct way to adjust the action is on the height of the saddle (and the nut to some degree; for proper action, the saddle, the truss rod, the nut, and the frets must be right).
@@SculptyWorks Thanks for the extra information. I didn't know that. In the past I always adjusted the truss with a turn or so and problem solved. Sadly they sent out a guitar that needed more than that. It's too bad because build and sound quality were very good. It was unplayable for me and I wasn't going to spend even more to make a new product right. Have a good one friend! All the best!
@@user-vj6wr8zi3l Yeah, the truss rod will change the 'arching' of the neck, and that will affect the action, but there's better (more complicated) ways of doing it. 😉
Seams to be out of tune, a lot !