Hey Baz this mahalo is just a cheaply made ukulele no matter the price. It really wouldn’t take much for them to have a little better quality control. It has a muffled sound and yes.. flat! I don’t even think it is good for a beginner. Sounds a little better then a toy! Nice review as always… thanks…..DOC
Yikes 😬 Something that sounds that horrid isn’t even worth the $45. For that money and for $10-$20 more, you can at least get one with good intonation, which is what matters to me. Otherwise you have a wall hanging or fire kindling.
From your review there's much to like. Hopefully Mahalo can see this review and improve the quality, if they value their potential market. It looked nice from a quick glance though but prefer wood finished ukuleles.
Is there much to like? Honestly - I could do a setup on this to fix the intonation, and dress the frets - but it still would sound one dimensional and lacking any character. It's very very generic. Mahalo have not improved their output for the near 20 years I have known them!
Sorry, I meant 'there is much to dislike', I agreed with your review and the attention to finish and sound. I have tried some Mahalo ukuleles and they were cheap and not very good.
If I ever see someone about to screw a vintage uke to the wall, I might recommend one of these...with the branding removed. The best part of this uke has to be not triggering UAS and your reactions😂😂
Like you say, from a distance, it looks quite nice actually ... and that's about the only good thing I have to say about it. I'd sounds terrible, sort of 'tin canny' and that's PARTLY the set up - or lack of - but you wouldn't be worrying about that, if bought at S.U.S, W.O.Ukes et al. It's a shoddy instrument, fair enough. The trouble is, beginners and those funding them, won't know that, unless they watch this channel. Anyway, you've done your bit and thanks for the review btw, as always. It's as important to see the bad instruments as it is to see the great ones. Have a good week. 👍
I always watch these sort of reviews, just willing Mahalo to do better. And, give them their due, they had a low bar to start with, so they should have, and they have. BUT, still not good enough even for a beginner to really start on, as the high action and tone is just likely to put them off. I had to skip some of the sound sample, as it got painful. And, as you say, you can do better for the same price.
Would I be correct in assuming these instruments are designed to be marketed online, and not in brick-and-mortar shops? Shiny objects lying in wait to deceive the unsuspecting innocents?
A lot of the Amazon ones fit that bill - but Mahalo is pretty common in the non- uke specialist music shops in the UK - the shops that think 'hey, this uke thing is popular' and just buy something cheap to stick on the wall.
My first ukulele was a Mahalo...Although they ( cheaper end models at least) have quality issues....Go out of tune quickly, the nut melted in my van on a hot day ( made a new nut from a bit of bamboo chopstick! 👍) & they have rough fret ends....I quite like the sound...& my first one cost 25€ I think? The sound is quite jangly, loud enough & ok for rhythm strumming... I eventually installed a pick-up so I could use with a little amp - was surprised how well that worked!... because if the price, it's maybe a good one to experiment with...learn how to set up...kind of another beginner's plus? Eventually sent it off to a daughter...( Later bought another Mahalo!) The biggest issue I have with the Mahalo uke is the frets start to loosen/spring up after a while, which gives annoying buzzes...& it's a problem I don't know how to fix! Anyhow I've bought an Enya banjo type, which I liked a lot...but it IS quiet... Later on I bought a Kmise electro-accoustic tenor, put on a low G. Stays in tune well...nicer fretboard, built in tuner, base & treble controls...great value for money I think. The front, where it has the laser etched bird design was horribly scratchy & fairly quickly wore right through because of it! I repaired it and fitted a pick guard.& Bought a padded gig bag. The sound lacks a bit of resonance but not much of a problem & less connected to an amp... So which of the three I own do I pick up most? - the Kmise. Seems to have the best playability, stays tuned well I like that low G - extends the range of songs you can do with it & overall a more mellow, rounded, full kind of sound & great fun plugging into a half-decent little (Marshall) amp & experimenting! I might decide to splash on a more up market uke eventually, so I keep coming back to your excellent reviews! 👍 The uke has become my favourite instrument since I got a neuropathy associated with Waldenstroms...its light enough to pick up easily & with just four strings is still very playable even with reduced finger strength & control.
@@GotAUkuleleI suppose my slight affection for Mahalo come more from rose-tinted nostalgia than common sense; but I remember being surprised I could get a tune out of something that cost me 20 quid. I wouldn't now pay £45!
One of my first ukuleles was a Mahalo. I had moved to a new country and made it only 3 months before I desperately needed an instrument. I ended up deciding on ukulele and the only 3 brands in store were mahalo, fender and cheap Ortegas. I know now that is probably your worst nightmare. I quickly realised I needed something better but I will say the mahalo was enough to get me interested and learning.
I do get that for many the choice is limited - it's just that in my country the the choice has grown exponentially. Mahalo have been left in the dust and feel it's only right I tell people if there are better value options. I do understand the importance of any first uke being important if it encourages music though.
@@GotAUkulele I absolutely agree. In no way am I saying it was a good instrument, in fact, it was awful. They even decided to try friction pegs on the model I had and that worked about as well as you would imagine. Even now, 10 years later, my best option is often to import from thomann or try to carry back with me from other countries, so I have had to learn to do setups myself. I still have the mahalo around for nostalgia but I absolutely agree with everything you have said about them in your videos.
Is there _anyone_ that didn't start with one of these??? They saturate those cheap catalogues that my mother likes to buy gifts out of. That's their whole market: beginner ukes to throw away.
@@GotAUkulele Most of the kids I teach turn up with Mahalo's. We're not lucky enough to be able to choose brands like Octopus here 🇳🇿, even flight travel ukes are rare (and relatively pricey) beasties. So Mahalo's are cheap, colourful and easy to get, and parents don't care when I stick coloured dots on the frets. Heck, I've got an orange one for teaching with. Of course it's crap, but I don't want to take my Fireball. Actually, I have experienced a uke worse than the Mahalo coloured horrors, it's by Ashton. Would be keen to hear your thoughts on the new Flight Ultra Travel fully ABS uke: that looks promising for teaching and knocking around with. Then I could use my mahalo as kindling. 🤣
@@GotAUkulele Just read your Ashton review - ha! So true! Was teaching my ashton-owning kid how to fingerpick: her Ashton buzzed like a wasp when plucking the A string at first fret. Any other fret was no problem. Poor kid was upset though, thought she was doing something wrong. Kindly explained that some instruments "just do funny things". Next week, happy days, her mum had got her a Dolphin! Problem solved.
I have owned a Mahalo tenor in mahogany for 10 years and really enjoyed it. I recently saved up and bought a Kala KA Pacific Walnut tenor ( I am 71 ) I am very disappointed with the sound especially the 5th fret on the C string. The dealer says there is nothing wrong with it and Kala say try some better strings (nylgut on now). I would love to see you review my uke and your view on the lack of kerfing in it. Thank you for all your brilliant unbiased reviews, I wish I had found your channel before buying my Kala.
I agree with the viewer marieandersson ... ; this seems to be the Mahalo intends to produce and offer. It's a real stinker, and one of the worst I think you've reviewed. Thanks for reviewing it. You've reviewed several low-end ukes lately. Perhaps it's time to point out ones in this range that do offer value. I'm going to your website and searching this price range.
I have 2 anti nausea medications that, when used together, are tremendously powerful at stopping the terrible nausea that comes with chemotherapy. But in the case of this ukulele's intonation, the nausea meds just couldn't keep up 🤢
I always feel cheated out of a GAU review when there's a review of a rubbish instrument! Still, without rubbish instruments, there wouldn't be great ones!
All my reviews are on this list. Of course what is best for a beginner depends on how much money you have to spend. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
Hello Sir,. I have been a subscriber for a few months. I really enjoy your videos and thank you for making them! If you have anytime, I would really appreciate your suggestions on what brand concert / tenor ukulele I should buy? Their are so many out there. I own a Martin D-28 and Gibson semi-jumbo rosewood back and sides, Sitka spruce top, so I am not s beginner guitar player. I only know about ukuleles from your videos and would like to get an intermediate to professional concert or tenor all wood ukulele. Thanks a lot for making these videos!! And I'll buy you a cup of coffee!!
I do get asked this sort of question a lot, but actually have a policy of not giving recommendations. Not me trying to be difficult, it’s just that it’s really subjective and different for everyone - we all hear and play differently, but also people have their own preferences on looks, scales, features, decoration etc. What I can advise is that you look at the full review list - www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html and look at the scores. Anything 8 out of 10 or above gets a recommendation from me one way or the other. Higher the score the better. BUT - higher is better only in MY opinion - you may find differently! Hope that helps B
@@GotAUkulele Hi, Thank you very much for your thorough explanation and I completely understand why you would take that route. Also, thank you very much for giving me the link to your reviews. I will definitely be looking for anyting that's scores in eight out of 10. Thanks a lot for your help and I'm looking forward to the next video! Kind regards!
I've got 2 mahalos a concert and a soprano . I also have a kala soprano and an olive concert . They all sound different and I like them all . I think for the price mahalos are great . Have had no problems with the set up or strings going out of tune once bedded in . I think a lot of people are too hard on them opinion wise .
Thanks Baz, another great review and why it’s great to watch. Got to take the rough with the smooth. Only like the colour and the free shavings for the rabbit / Guinea pigs. Agree there are entry level manufacture reps that are so much better and show they care with their quality control. Instruments that need so much work to set up actually put learners off. Have a great week.
I almost believe that Mahalo do like this with purpose. "If we can't be the best brand, let us be best at being worst" 😂😂
Ha ha!
Hey Baz this mahalo is just a cheaply made ukulele no matter the price. It really wouldn’t take much for them to have a little better quality control. It has a muffled sound and yes.. flat! I don’t even think it is good for a beginner. Sounds a little better then a toy! Nice review as always… thanks…..DOC
Quite agree!
Yikes 😬 Something that sounds that horrid isn’t even worth the $45. For that money and for $10-$20 more, you can at least get one with good intonation, which is what matters to me. Otherwise you have a wall hanging or fire kindling.
Indeed - lots of better options out there
Nice from far, but far from nice.
Ha ha - yes - spot on!
it's ok Baz, you can take the cotton wool stuffing out of the soundhole now. lol
Ha ha!
From your review there's much to like. Hopefully Mahalo can see this review and improve the quality, if they value their potential market. It looked nice from a quick glance though but prefer wood finished ukuleles.
Is there much to like? Honestly - I could do a setup on this to fix the intonation, and dress the frets - but it still would sound one dimensional and lacking any character. It's very very generic. Mahalo have not improved their output for the near 20 years I have known them!
Sorry, I meant 'there is much to dislike', I agreed with your review and the attention to finish and sound. I have tried some Mahalo ukuleles and they were cheap and not very good.
If I ever see someone about to screw a vintage uke to the wall, I might recommend one of these...with the branding removed.
The best part of this uke has to be not triggering UAS and your reactions😂😂
Ha ha!
Like you say, from a distance, it looks quite nice actually ... and that's about the only good thing I have to say about it.
I'd sounds terrible, sort of 'tin canny' and that's PARTLY the set up - or lack of - but you wouldn't be worrying about that, if bought at S.U.S, W.O.Ukes et al.
It's a shoddy instrument, fair enough. The trouble is, beginners and those funding them, won't know that, unless they watch this channel.
Anyway, you've done your bit and thanks for the review btw, as always. It's as important to see the bad instruments as it is to see the great ones. Have a good week. 👍
Thank you!
I always watch these sort of reviews, just willing Mahalo to do better. And, give them their due, they had a low bar to start with, so they should have, and they have. BUT, still not good enough even for a beginner to really start on, as the high action and tone is just likely to put them off. I had to skip some of the sound sample, as it got painful. And, as you say, you can do better for the same price.
Very much agree Eric!
Maybe one day Mahalo will get it right. Unfortunately that day is not today.
No, indeed!
Lol
Would I be correct in assuming these instruments are designed to be marketed online, and not in brick-and-mortar shops? Shiny objects lying in wait to deceive the unsuspecting innocents?
A lot of the Amazon ones fit that bill - but Mahalo is pretty common in the non- uke specialist music shops in the UK - the shops that think 'hey, this uke thing is popular' and just buy something cheap to stick on the wall.
I know a very reputable shop in the North of England that stock them. To be fair though they do have some good stuff too.
Looks nice from a distance. Other than that I wouldn't waste any money on it.
Nor me
My first ukulele was a Mahalo...Although they ( cheaper end models at least) have quality issues....Go out of tune quickly, the nut melted in my van on a hot day ( made a new nut from a bit of bamboo chopstick! 👍) & they have rough fret ends....I quite like the sound...& my first one cost 25€ I think? The sound is quite jangly, loud enough & ok for rhythm strumming...
I eventually installed a pick-up so I could use with a little amp - was surprised how well that worked!... because if the price, it's maybe a good one to experiment with...learn how to set up...kind of another beginner's plus? Eventually sent it off to a daughter...( Later bought another Mahalo!)
The biggest issue I have with the Mahalo uke is the frets start to loosen/spring up after a while, which gives annoying buzzes...& it's a problem I don't know how to fix!
Anyhow I've bought an Enya banjo type, which I liked a lot...but it IS quiet... Later on I bought a Kmise electro-accoustic tenor, put on a low G. Stays in tune well...nicer fretboard, built in tuner, base & treble controls...great value for money I think. The front, where it has the laser etched bird design was horribly scratchy & fairly quickly wore right through because of it! I repaired it and fitted a pick guard.& Bought a padded gig bag.
The sound lacks a bit of resonance but not much of a problem & less connected to an amp...
So which of the three I own do I pick up most? - the Kmise. Seems to have the best playability, stays tuned well I like that low G - extends the range of songs you can do with it & overall a more mellow, rounded, full kind of sound & great fun plugging into a half-decent little (Marshall) amp & experimenting!
I might decide to splash on a more up market uke eventually, so I keep coming back to your excellent reviews! 👍
The uke has become my favourite instrument since I got a neuropathy associated with Waldenstroms...its light enough to pick up easily & with just four strings is still very playable even with reduced finger strength & control.
Not for me i'm afraid - and that's not being snobbish - I can think of ukes that cost less than this with better sound
@@GotAUkuleleI suppose my slight affection for Mahalo come more from rose-tinted nostalgia than common sense; but I remember being surprised I could get a tune out of something that cost me 20 quid. I wouldn't now pay £45!
I'm surprised to see it get 7.9/10. Quite a generous score!
Anything under 8 in my reviews means 'be very careful'
For its price range …
One of my first ukuleles was a Mahalo. I had moved to a new country and made it only 3 months before I desperately needed an instrument. I ended up deciding on ukulele and the only 3 brands in store were mahalo, fender and cheap Ortegas. I know now that is probably your worst nightmare. I quickly realised I needed something better but I will say the mahalo was enough to get me interested and learning.
I do get that for many the choice is limited - it's just that in my country the the choice has grown exponentially. Mahalo have been left in the dust and feel it's only right I tell people if there are better value options. I do understand the importance of any first uke being important if it encourages music though.
@@GotAUkulele I absolutely agree. In no way am I saying it was a good instrument, in fact, it was awful. They even decided to try friction pegs on the model I had and that worked about as well as you would imagine. Even now, 10 years later, my best option is often to import from thomann or try to carry back with me from other countries, so I have had to learn to do setups myself. I still have the mahalo around for nostalgia but I absolutely agree with everything you have said about them in your videos.
I think you could get a better sound out of a wet mop 😭
Ha ha!
🤣 I laughed out loud! Lol
Think the colour is the only good thing about it Barry. Thanks for the review though.
I have the bumble bee concert it's great
Much better option!
Is there _anyone_ that didn't start with one of these??? They saturate those cheap catalogues that my mother likes to buy gifts out of. That's their whole market: beginner ukes to throw away.
I never had a Mahalo...
Think a LOT of people did back in the day
@@fiendishthingy1630 Well done!
@@marj1585 - 😆
My first uke was a Mahalo.
I suspect a great many people's were - there wasn't much else about when I started (for low prices)
@@GotAUkulele Most of the kids I teach turn up with Mahalo's. We're not lucky enough to be able to choose brands like Octopus here 🇳🇿, even flight travel ukes are rare (and relatively pricey) beasties. So Mahalo's are cheap, colourful and easy to get, and parents don't care when I stick coloured dots on the frets. Heck, I've got an orange one for teaching with. Of course it's crap, but I don't want to take my Fireball. Actually, I have experienced a uke worse than the Mahalo coloured horrors, it's by Ashton. Would be keen to hear your thoughts on the new Flight Ultra Travel fully ABS uke: that looks promising for teaching and knocking around with. Then I could use my mahalo as kindling. 🤣
Check my reviews list - i reviewed an Ashton - it was appalling! Review of the Ultra coming soon!
@@GotAUkulele Just read your Ashton review - ha! So true! Was teaching my ashton-owning kid how to fingerpick: her Ashton buzzed like a wasp when plucking the A string at first fret. Any other fret was no problem. Poor kid was upset though, thought she was doing something wrong. Kindly explained that some instruments "just do funny things". Next week, happy days, her mum had got her a Dolphin! Problem solved.
Painful isn't it!
I have owned a Mahalo tenor in mahogany for 10 years and really enjoyed it. I recently saved up and bought a Kala KA Pacific Walnut tenor ( I am 71 ) I am very disappointed with the sound especially the 5th fret on the C string. The dealer says there is nothing wrong with it and Kala say try some better strings (nylgut on now). I would love to see you review my uke and your view on the lack of kerfing in it. Thank you for all your brilliant unbiased reviews, I wish I had found your channel before buying my Kala.
Thanks!
Did you not test it out before buying?
The colour's nice... and there ends the positives.
Quite!!
I agree with the viewer marieandersson ... ; this seems to be the Mahalo intends to produce and offer. It's a real stinker, and one of the worst I think you've reviewed. Thanks for reviewing it. You've reviewed several low-end ukes lately. Perhaps it's time to point out ones in this range that do offer value. I'm going to your website and searching this price range.
See written review - I name the alternatives at this price I’d recommend
Sounds just like a Mahalo ukulele I had once.
I have 2 anti nausea medications that, when used together, are tremendously powerful at stopping the terrible nausea that comes with chemotherapy. But in the case of this ukulele's intonation, the nausea meds just couldn't keep up 🤢
✨A veRRy meRRy HäqpY nEw UkU year, Baz!
Have a drink on me 🥃
Thanks mate!
Is this what you call a howler?😊
Not a full howler - but getting there!
I always feel cheated out of a GAU review when there's a review of a rubbish instrument! Still, without rubbish instruments, there wouldn't be great ones!
Gotta cover all the bases!!
I find the rubbish ones are usually the most entertaining 😂
Well i am the amateur who wish to start learning ukulele first time so ordered mahalo island concert size . What are your review for beginners??
All my reviews are on this list. Of course what is best for a beginner depends on how much money you have to spend.
www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
Would make a nice wall decoration. 🤣🤣
Totally!
the 1st one you'll never forget!
Indeed!!
I'm loving the phrase "ukulele journey".
Been at this a long time!!
Hello Sir,. I have been a subscriber for a few months. I really enjoy your videos and thank you for making them! If you have anytime, I would really appreciate your suggestions on what brand concert / tenor ukulele I should buy? Their are so many out there. I own a Martin D-28 and Gibson semi-jumbo rosewood back and sides, Sitka spruce top, so I am not s beginner guitar player. I only know about ukuleles from your videos and would like to get an intermediate to professional concert or tenor all wood ukulele. Thanks a lot for making these videos!! And I'll buy you a cup of coffee!!
I do get asked this sort of question a lot, but actually have a policy of not giving recommendations. Not me trying to be difficult, it’s just that it’s really subjective and different for everyone - we all hear and play differently, but also people have their own preferences on looks, scales, features, decoration etc.
What I can advise is that you look at the full review list - www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html and look at the scores. Anything 8 out of 10 or above gets a recommendation from me one way or the other. Higher the score the better.
BUT - higher is better only in MY opinion - you may find differently! Hope that helps
B
@@GotAUkulele Hi, Thank you very much for your thorough explanation and I completely understand why you would take that route. Also, thank you very much for giving me the link to your reviews. I will definitely be looking for anyting that's scores in eight out of 10. Thanks a lot for your help and I'm looking forward to the next video! Kind regards!
@@francisxavier. My pleasure!
I've got 2 mahalos a concert and a soprano . I also have a kala soprano and an olive concert . They all sound different and I like them all . I think for the price mahalos are great . Have had no problems with the set up or strings going out of tune once bedded in . I think a lot of people are too hard on them opinion wise .
My comments on them are largely objective based on comparison with other ukuleles at the same sort of price point. I think they largely stink!
Always enjoy watching
Thanks for the visit
Thanks Baz, another great review and why it’s great to watch. Got to take the rough with the smooth. Only like the colour and the free shavings for the rabbit / Guinea pigs. Agree there are entry level manufacture reps that are so much better and show they care with their quality control. Instruments that need so much work to set up actually put learners off. Have a great week.
Totally agree
Puedes hacer un video la marca kala exótica soprano y concierto color verde oscuro porfa y me lo recomiendas
voy a tratar de conseguir uno
@@GotAUkulele Q opinas la marca stagg tamaño concierto natural me lo recomiendas MAHALO no ejemplo MP2 concierto tapa Abeto natural
@@danielcarranza6981 ¡No recomiendo la marca Stagg y no recomiendo la marca Mahalo!
@@GotAUkulele pero hay tamaño concierto que es natural como tapa Abeto
@@GotAUkulele y la marca kala y fender