Even those of us who wouldn't buy another budget instrument for ourselves - it's useful to know about the cheaper ones if helping children to start. Thank you for covering all the options!
I bought three of these for kids. QC consistently good. Setup varied but fixable. The good thing is their durability with a two year old who stands on hers. Tried other brands which were flimsy and poorly built. But for a true low priced uke that is durable and very playable the Flight Tus travel series wins. Nice to see you trying low cost models.
When I first decided to try the ukulele, having had absolutely no musical experience, I bought a Donner concert. It was an upgrade from this one you’ve reviewed but a Donner nonetheless. It made me fall in love with the ukulele and I’ve since replaced it ten times over. Thanks Baz for all that you do for the ukulele community…you are a treasure!
I bought 3 of these for Xmas gifts to young nephews when Donner had big sale: US$22 each. I noticed that the body doesn't have an end block inside, so there is no backing to screw in a strap button, which is why it comes with the sound-hole clip-on strap.
This is my first uke! It takes a long time for the strings to stay in tune but it actually works pretty well for the cost. Also, the company often has it on sale for $20, which is what I spent on it, and it's pretty much unbeatable for that price. Just fun, jaunty way to dip your toe into the ukulele.
This was my first ukulele! The budget was right for me trying out the ukulele out on a whim during lockdown. It was good enough to get me started, and to realise I really liked the uke, so not a mistake. But I upgraded within less than a month and later gave it away.
Another fair review. Build and no sharp edges is a plus and I agree a surprise. Great for tuning practice as the first lesson. Les Dawson would have loved playing it. Have a great week.
Thanks for reviewing various-priced ukuleles. Even if someone can afford an expensive one, he/she might want one less expensive to knock around with. Your t-shirt---LOL!
I think no sharp fret ends because the composite wood does not shrink. Most sharp fret ends occur because the fretboard wood has not been properly seasoned before it was used . . . and it tends to shrink much more across the grain than along it.
Now i know why the set up at the nut end is so critical. Thanks to you i bought an instrument that was playable out of the box (once tuned) and is still doing the job. Thanks again.
Not for everyone, but the comments below suggest very good for some. We need reviews like this. For me, these reviews help me understand what to expect at various price points, and the value proposition in the market place. I want to go back now and read the reviews of the comparables you cited. Thanks for posting.
here in Mexico there is a brand called Danny uke's that has ukuleles very similar to that one, I even have a banjolele and it's not exactly the best banjolele in the world but I doubt I'll find anything better for 85 dollars... cheers 💚💚💚
Have you considered reviewing the Donner DCF-100 carbon fiber. Some concerns about the volume. Retails for about 80 dollars on Amazon Canada. Maybe compare it to the Enya Nova.
Have a look at my review (on here) of the Rosen - it's the same instrument (and not great either). None of them are carbon fiber by the way - it's a clumsy naming thing they do - it's just plastic with carbon powder added
I’ve thought about it over the years but no. Partly because I’m busy enough with reviews but really because the review is meant to be a snapshot of what you might get not what could be.
Very fair as usual Baz, the bridge is waaay better than some of the ‘square wooden block’ ones on some of the hideously made cheap ones….. however, I did notice one end of it wasn’t making contact with the body😬. Are those spacers for the tuning peg posts really metal or just ‘chrome-finished plastic’?
I totally agree ! Why do they put a tie bar on beginners instruments? People are afraid to change strings because it looks so hard. I have been hearing more and more good things about Donner over all. This one was very cheap but I would still start at the Dolphin. Not the worst sounding for a very beginner but it sounds like a hard box but passable to learn on. As usual a very far and honest review…. Thanks my friend…..DOC
@@GotAUkulele agreed! I personally learned on a $80 vangoa Soprano that had a good set up. I put on DD.. fluorocarbon strings and the rest is history. Now I Play a soprano Ohana sk-35 and. Concert Luna Sahara. 😂best in my price range.
@@drpkmurphy my Kala and my Ohana have them too. I’ll never buy another one. I dread string changes. Once, the bridge on the Kala popped loose, and split the top! My go to uke has a through the body bridge, and I love it. The strings actually hold the bridge to the top.
Not as bad as it could have been, for the price point. Shame about the set up, surely decent strings wouldn't cost that much extra? No dust bag seems an omission to me
I don't tend to review different scales of the same model - I have reviewed the tenor though www.gotaukulele.com/2019/03/world-of-ukes-eden-origin-tenor-ukulele.html
Such a shame about that high nut. An instrument I would think of giving away to a child but only after I've set it up. When busking with my uke, I sometimes recommend to parents a cheap uke for their children - unless they are obviously knowledgeable about setup, I won't recommend this one.
I think with even those I DO like at this price they all need some work. This just didn’t get as much right as the Octopus, Bumblebee or Dolphin but it’s close
Even those of us who wouldn't buy another budget instrument for ourselves - it's useful to know about the cheaper ones if helping children to start. Thank you for covering all the options!
Agreed!
I bought three of these for kids. QC consistently good. Setup varied but fixable. The good thing is their durability with a two year old who stands on hers. Tried other brands which were flimsy and poorly built. But for a true low priced uke that is durable and very playable the Flight Tus travel series wins. Nice to see you trying low cost models.
Agree about Flight travel ukes. They are consistent with good intonation, and I love them, not just for travel.
Agreed - better than most in their category
When I first decided to try the ukulele, having had absolutely no musical experience, I bought a Donner concert. It was an upgrade from this one you’ve reviewed but a Donner nonetheless. It made me fall in love with the ukulele and I’ve since replaced it ten times over. Thanks Baz for all that you do for the ukulele community…you are a treasure!
Thanks for sharing!
I bought 3 of these for Xmas gifts to young nephews when Donner had big sale: US$22 each. I noticed that the body doesn't have an end block inside, so there is no backing to screw in a strap button, which is why it comes with the sound-hole clip-on strap.
Yep - no tail block
This is my first uke! It takes a long time for the strings to stay in tune but it actually works pretty well for the cost. Also, the company often has it on sale for $20, which is what I spent on it, and it's pretty much unbeatable for that price. Just fun, jaunty way to dip your toe into the ukulele.
It’s not bad in this category, but I think it is beatable, sorry
Great (and fair) review as always. I'd love to see you make and review one of those 'build your own' kits!
Been mulling them over - just need to find time!
This was my first ukulele! The budget was right for me trying out the ukulele out on a whim during lockdown.
It was good enough to get me started, and to realise I really liked the uke, so not a mistake. But I upgraded within less than a month and later gave it away.
Yep - not the worst out there
Excellent review,as usual! BTW, LOVE and NEED your shirt!
Thanks!
A very happy Easter Barry. Enjoy the weather and roll on next review 😄😄
Thanks Richard
Another fair review. Build and no sharp edges is a plus and I agree a surprise. Great for tuning practice as the first lesson. Les Dawson would have loved playing it. Have a great week.
Thanks!
Thanks for the review! I love your tee shirt.
Thank you too!
Thanks for reviewing various-priced ukuleles. Even if someone can afford an expensive one, he/she might want one less expensive to knock around with. Your t-shirt---LOL!
Thanks!
Great review, Baz! Donner has come a long way from their early stuff. Almost there!
Almost!
I think no sharp fret ends because the composite wood does not shrink. Most sharp fret ends occur because the fretboard wood has not been properly seasoned before it was used . . . and it tends to shrink much more across the grain than along it.
A great video. Happy Easter.
And you!
Thanks for reviewing. Always curious. I think I will stick with Makala for gifts for children.
Good choice!
Now i know why the set up at the nut end is so critical. Thanks to you i bought an instrument that was playable out of the box (once tuned) and is still doing the job. Thanks again.
My pleasure!
Not for everyone, but the comments below suggest very good for some. We need reviews like this. For me, these reviews help me understand what to expect at various price points, and the value proposition in the market place. I want to go back now and read the reviews of the comparables you cited. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Joe!
I wouldn't buy it now 6 to 7 years into playing but it definitely sounds better than my first uke. But the real star is that shirt. Love it.
I've honestly no idea what it is - I just play it by feel
That t-shirt, though! 😂🤣😂
here in Mexico there is a brand called Danny uke's that has ukuleles very similar to that one, I even have a banjolele and it's not exactly the best banjolele in the world but I doubt I'll find anything better for 85 dollars... cheers 💚💚💚
I have one just like it ,have had it for 3 months still goes out of tune every day. When time allows I will add flora carbons and see what happens
Good idea
Have you considered reviewing the Donner DCF-100 carbon fiber. Some concerns about the volume. Retails for about 80 dollars on Amazon Canada. Maybe compare it to the Enya Nova.
Have a look at my review (on here) of the Rosen - it's the same instrument (and not great either). None of them are carbon fiber by the way - it's a clumsy naming thing they do - it's just plastic with carbon powder added
A fair review. How about a follow up where you do some changes and make it better? A Got a Ukulele version maybe?
I’ve thought about it over the years but no. Partly because I’m busy enough with reviews but really because the review is meant to be a snapshot of what you might get not what could be.
Grazie.
Much appreciated Marco!
I picked up an unused one of these with all the parts in a charity shop for £10, a great buy!
Very fair as usual Baz, the bridge is waaay better than some of the ‘square wooden block’ ones on some of the hideously made cheap ones….. however, I did notice one end of it wasn’t making contact with the body😬. Are those spacers for the tuning peg posts really metal or just ‘chrome-finished plastic’?
It's screwed down so a small gap is no biggie - spacers are metal
I totally agree ! Why do they put a tie bar on beginners instruments? People are afraid to change strings because it looks so hard. I have been hearing more and more good things about Donner over all. This one was very cheap but I would still start at the Dolphin. Not the worst sounding for a very beginner but it sounds like a hard box but passable to learn on. As usual a very far and honest review…. Thanks my friend…..DOC
Yep - Dolphin and the others I mentioned still beats it - not a horror show though
@@GotAUkulele agreed! I personally learned on a $80 vangoa Soprano that had a good set up. I put on DD.. fluorocarbon strings and the rest is history. Now I Play a soprano Ohana sk-35 and. Concert Luna Sahara. 😂best in my price range.
I’ve been playing ukulele for 10+ years, and I still hate restringing those tie bar bridges. It’s not a classical guitar, for Pete’s sake.
@@MsNickie1001 I absolutely agree I hate the ties but I do have one. My Luna sahara concert is a tie.
@@drpkmurphy my Kala and my Ohana have them too. I’ll never buy another one. I dread string changes. Once, the bridge on the Kala popped loose, and split the top!
My go to uke has a through the body bridge, and I love it. The strings actually hold the bridge to the top.
Not as bad as it could have been, for the price point. Shame about the set up, surely decent strings wouldn't cost that much extra? No dust bag seems an omission to me
Comes with a cloth bag
They no longer have this on Amazon unless it’s being sold under a different name. 🤷♀️
I’ve no idea.
Do you have a school backpack that color matches your purple uke?
Ermm.. no?
review eden origin concert pls
I don't tend to review different scales of the same model - I have reviewed the tenor though www.gotaukulele.com/2019/03/world-of-ukes-eden-origin-tenor-ukulele.html
@@GotAUkulele nvm, i bought world of ukes zedro 2 gloss concert for 130 pounds bargain instead. 😄
Bought this one to keep it, did you?
Ha ha!
What the hey, stretch out those strings for a few weeks, file the nut slots a tiny bit... >>> okay uke to trust kids with at a family picnic!
Yep!
Shame about the action. But its definitely no Ready Ace.
No - leagues above that one!
@@GotAUkulele a log with dental floss is better than a Ready Ace.
Such a shame about that high nut. An instrument I would think of giving away to a child but only after I've set it up. When busking with my uke, I sometimes recommend to parents a cheap uke for their children - unless they are obviously knowledgeable about setup, I won't recommend this one.
I think with even those I DO like at this price they all need some work. This just didn’t get as much right as the Octopus, Bumblebee or Dolphin but it’s close