You have over 300 instrument reviews! Isn't it about time to do some some top 10 and top 5 lists. I predict they will get much higher viewer counts than single instrument reviews, and they will provide invaluable assistance to folks looking for a beginner soprano or an intermediate concert instrument. Just a suggestion. I'm a guitar player myself, but I love guitar roundup videos! Really enjoy your vibe. Cheers!
Sorry - never wanted to as, firstly, they would change all the time, but mainly I because I don't like comparing one to another - the reviews are very subjective as it is, and doing so would just add another layer. To be honest - the top list is already there - just pick out the highest scores and work backwards!
I too was surprised. Over UA-cam, the tone came through very balanced, louder, but not excessively so. Nice features, apparently good build quality, and a good value proposition. I want one.
I like the way this sounds. I didn’t think I would. I thought it was going to sound more like a banjo ukulele and I can’t stand the way those sound. Nicely done Barry. Now I recommend whiskey and a long nap. 😎
I have been wanting a resonator in my arsenal for a while and I have also been wanting a Gretsch because it's an older classic brand, the heritage of it I suppose - a bit of a silly reason but this combines both! If it was louder, without potential strings snapping and had a wider neck I wouldn't hesitate but now I do, I might buy it though. I'll go and read your written review, sleep on it and ponder it for a while. Thanks for the great review and get well soon.
Thanks for the Gretsch Resonator Review. Sounds better than the Gold Tone I had for a while. The Gold Tone was a bit dull in sound. Of the 4 or so in the same price range that I have heard in person or online the Gretsch has a sound I would be willing to pay for. I ended up with Pohaku resonator. A bit heavy but wonderful resonator sound. And as it's luthier made, comes at higher price.
Interesting uke. Never played one, so may give it a go. Thanks for doing this review, especially when you are full of a cold. Take care. Looking forward to your next review.
And the buyer will sit to the left of me at the next jam (because a banjolele player will have already taken the seat to my right). I agree with you on the “tie-bar” string anchoring, BTW.
Hot lemon drink with a touch of Cayenne Pepper and a liberal amount of whiskey, it really helps the throat. I love resonators of any kind and you can re-stain the instrument to your liking. Thanks for soldiering on and getting the review out whilst feeling ill.
Great review! I don't have an opinion one way or the other about resonators but I think they look cool. I'll need to play one the next time I get to a uke store. Nothing like a late summer, early fall cold, get well soon.
I always sort of desired to have a Gretsch semiacoustic guitar. What you told about this chinese ukulele and string tie I doubt too if the strings don't snap. Good looking uke I must say it is. Sounds ok too. I cant tell the resonator ads that much. I had a cold too last week, now sort of ok, had my 2 vaccinations. It has only been so cold lately and what we really in Finland needed was to put winter clothes on this early ;)
A unique kind of ukulele. I agree the ties look like they will slice off. I really like the looks of the neck but your right it doesn’t match. I really like the star inlays and side dots. The tuner size looks good. Sounds a little plastic to me. It may be the strings. I like Fluorocarbon. I don’t like the sustain or the tone. At least not on my Smart TV. As always thanks…DOC
Thanks for the review. I've been looking for a resonator uke and glad you did this review. You had a good point about the bridge and how the strings tie. I would be wary of the strings rubbing on the metal and breaking. I think I like the Gold Tone resonators better and they do have a metal body option that (to me) is an affordable alternative to the National. How about a review of one of those?
just wish the resonator wasn't chrome, with that finish a bronze resonator would look better. and the sound, to me, seems almost mellower than my Kala concert... and the notes seem to sustain longer. I like the sound..
My first Uke was the Kala version. Wasn’t great to learn on only cause I put in a lot of time and after awhile the resignation got old. I’ve sold it to buy a hand made Uke. Would I like to try again now that I’m “better”, yes. But I wouldn’t own again, I don’t think, lol. Get better buddy cheers
Sorry - have a policy of never recommending strings. I don't buy they argument that certain ones suit certain instruments as how an individuals ears hear sound and their playing style are FAR bigger variables that mean comparison is pointless. Strings are, ultimately, cheap - suggest buying a few sets and sticking with the ones that speak to you. Nobody else can tell you that you are wrong!
I tried one of these and it played OK but frankly wasn't even as loud as my soprano so seemed a bit pointless to me - unless you particularly like the tone, which is fair enough.
The best thing about a resonator guitar is that "hound dog" sound you can get when playing it with a slide. That just isn't an option with a nylon strung resonator uke. I got the Harley Benton one as an experiment and though it was good value for money and had a similar tone to the Gretsch, I just didn't get what the appeal was. Like the Gretsch it was not particularly loud, so why have a resonator uke? Anyway, I thought "Either I flog it second hand, give it away, or given that it has slots for ball end steel strings, try steel strings. I put on some mandolin strings and hoped the extra tension wouldn't warp the instrument or break it altogether. I tuned it to an open chord, got a slide out and... Oh yes! There was the "hound dog" sound that I love in resonators. Luckily, due to the sturdiness of its construction, four years on and there hasn't been any ill effects. Here are two of my original songs on video so you can compare the original sound: ua-cam.com/video/6cC-jR2zw_A/v-deo.html To the steel strung sound: ua-cam.com/video/OVmqrXKBle4/v-deo.html And here's a song using slide on nylon strings ua-cam.com/video/qfVa2z4BQ3Q/v-deo.html
As a health warning to my other readers - be VERY careful with steel strings on a uke - the body is simply not braced for the tension and the neck isn't built for it either.
@@GotAUkulele That said, the Harley Benton has stood the test of time. And I have it tuned up not to maximum tension, but strong enough to get a reasonable sound without buzzing, but not so strong that it would be inviting neck warp.
@@berniarmstrong Glad to hear it - but I regularly warn people about steel strings on ukes. If it worked for you that's great, but I if a reader / viewer of mine does it, has a problem, I want them to be clear that it's not Got A Ukulele suggesting it!
You have over 300 instrument reviews! Isn't it about time to do some some top 10 and top 5 lists. I predict they will get much higher viewer counts than single instrument reviews, and they will provide invaluable assistance to folks looking for a beginner soprano or an intermediate concert instrument. Just a suggestion. I'm a guitar player myself, but I love guitar roundup videos! Really enjoy your vibe. Cheers!
Sorry - never wanted to as, firstly, they would change all the time, but mainly I because I don't like comparing one to another - the reviews are very subjective as it is, and doing so would just add another layer. To be honest - the top list is already there - just pick out the highest scores and work backwards!
I too was surprised. Over UA-cam, the tone came through very balanced, louder, but not excessively so. Nice features, apparently good build quality, and a good value proposition. I want one.
Bear In mind YT compression. It’s loud as an acoustic, just not as punchy as some resonators. Still - nice uke
I like the way this sounds. I didn’t think I would. I thought it was going to sound more like a banjo ukulele and I can’t stand the way those sound.
Nicely done Barry. Now I recommend whiskey and a long nap. 😎
On the Whisky now!
I have been wanting a resonator in my arsenal for a while and I have also been wanting a Gretsch because it's an older classic brand, the heritage of it I suppose - a bit of a silly reason but this combines both! If it was louder, without potential strings snapping and had a wider neck I wouldn't hesitate but now I do, I might buy it though. I'll go and read your written review, sleep on it and ponder it for a while.
Thanks for the great review and get well soon.
My pleasure and thanks!
Thanks for the Gretsch Resonator Review. Sounds better than the Gold Tone I had for a while. The Gold Tone was a bit dull in sound. Of the 4 or so in the same price range that I have heard in person or online the Gretsch has a sound I would be willing to pay for. I ended up with Pohaku resonator. A bit heavy but wonderful resonator sound. And as it's luthier made, comes at higher price.
Glad to help!
Interesting uke. Never played one, so may give it a go. Thanks for doing this review, especially when you are full of a cold. Take care. Looking forward to your next review.
Thanks Mike
Seems a decent instrument and worth the money. Thanks for the review!! Get well soon!
Thanks!
I enjoy your videos and resonators are fascinating to me. It sounded great and similar sounding to a cheap mandolin.
Thank you kindly!
And the buyer will sit to the left of me at the next jam (because a banjolele player will have already taken the seat to my right). I agree with you on the “tie-bar” string anchoring, BTW.
Ha ha!
Hey, at least it wasn’t an accordion, or a poorly played electric bass!
Feel better soon!
Thanks!
Hot lemon drink with a touch of Cayenne Pepper and a liberal amount of whiskey, it really helps the throat. I love resonators of any kind and you can re-stain the instrument to your liking. Thanks for soldiering on and getting the review out whilst feeling ill.
Thank you!
You're right! It never occurred to me, but it is trivially easy to darken the stain. Just gotta be careful not to go too dark!
Get well my friend, thank you for everything !!!
Thanks!
Great review! I don't have an opinion one way or the other about resonators but I think they look cool. I'll need to play one the next time I get to a uke store. Nothing like a late summer, early fall cold, get well soon.
No denying how cool they look!
this is the first video i've seen of yours and i do hope your throat gets better but i do have to say you sound so cool here
Thank you!
Still sounds nice. Get well soon nothing worse than a summer cold.
Feel lousy now!!
Thanks Richard
Hot lemon drink, whisky AND bed! Hope you feel better soon. Thank you for the review - interesting instrument.
Thank you too!
Love the shirt, I have the same one.
I hope you feel better very soon.
All ukers should own one! Thanks Nickie!
@@GotAUkulele yep. I’ve been telling all of my friends to get on the forum, but so far none of them have. I don’t get it..?
I always sort of desired to have a Gretsch semiacoustic guitar. What you told about this chinese ukulele and string tie I doubt too if the strings don't snap. Good looking uke I must say it is. Sounds ok too. I cant tell the resonator ads that much.
I had a cold too last week, now sort of ok, had my 2 vaccinations. It has only been so cold lately and what we really in Finland needed was to put winter clothes on this early ;)
Another great review, thank you 👍.
Glad you enjoyed it
A unique kind of ukulele. I agree the ties look like they will slice off. I really like the looks of the neck but your right it doesn’t match. I really like the star inlays and side dots. The tuner size looks good. Sounds a little plastic to me. It may be the strings. I like Fluorocarbon. I don’t like the sustain or the tone. At least not on my Smart TV. As always thanks…DOC
Fair enough!
Nice one, thought it might be louder tbh, I bought a Freshman resonator in 2019 in Lerwick! Really loud and quite heavy.
Thanks for the review. I've been looking for a resonator uke and glad you did this review. You had a good point about the bridge and how the strings tie. I would be wary of the strings rubbing on the metal and breaking. I think I like the Gold Tone resonators better and they do have a metal body option that (to me) is an affordable alternative to the National. How about a review of one of those?
Glad it was helpful! Will do what I can to get hold of one
Hope you feel better
Thanks!
Interesting uke. Feel better👍
Thank you, I will
just wish the resonator wasn't chrome, with that finish a bronze resonator would look better. and the sound, to me, seems almost mellower than my Kala concert... and the notes seem to sustain longer. I like the sound..
My first Uke was the Kala version. Wasn’t great to learn on only cause I put in a lot of time and after awhile the resignation got old. I’ve sold it to buy a hand made Uke. Would I like to try again now that I’m “better”, yes. But I wouldn’t own again, I don’t think, lol. Get better buddy cheers
Yep - the Kala never did it for me. Thanks!
Thank you!
My pleasure
Thanks
My pleasure - thank you Clive!
Do you prefer this or the sound smith? Which feels less Chinese assembly line
They both scored the same on my reviews, so I can't separate them!
Danke!
Freut mich!
Have you reviewed Lunas metal version? Idk if it’s even still on market
I haven't. Sorry
need iron lungs to pull a 6 inch cone… how about the tenor G9121~ check it out
What kind of strings do you recommend for this Uke? I’ve tried a bunch for my Gretchen resonator but haven’t found the right ones yet. Suggestions?
Sorry - have a policy of never recommending strings. I don't buy they argument that certain ones suit certain instruments as how an individuals ears hear sound and their playing style are FAR bigger variables that mean comparison is pointless. Strings are, ultimately, cheap - suggest buying a few sets and sticking with the ones that speak to you. Nobody else can tell you that you are wrong!
I tried one of these and it played OK but frankly wasn't even as loud as my soprano so seemed a bit pointless to me - unless you particularly like the tone, which is fair enough.
Yep - not got the punch of some other resonators - nice tone to my ears though
What do you think about the kala burled meranti concert? KA-20CE
Love your videos!
Sorry - never played one i'm afraid
I could live with this one if it had a better tie bar setup. it’s not so metallic sounding..
I can't help wondering why you couldn't craft a wooden saddle (?) and affix it to the resonator with glue or string pressure..
The best thing about a resonator guitar is that "hound dog" sound you can get when playing it with a slide. That just isn't an option with a nylon strung resonator uke. I got the Harley Benton one as an experiment and though it was good value for money and had a similar tone to the Gretsch, I just didn't get what the appeal was. Like the Gretsch it was not particularly loud, so why have a resonator uke? Anyway, I thought "Either I flog it second hand, give it away, or given that it has slots for ball end steel strings, try steel strings. I put on some mandolin strings and hoped the extra tension wouldn't warp the instrument or break it altogether. I tuned it to an open chord, got a slide out and... Oh yes! There was the "hound dog" sound that I love in resonators. Luckily, due to the sturdiness of its construction, four years on and there hasn't been any ill effects. Here are two of my original songs on video so you can compare the original sound:
ua-cam.com/video/6cC-jR2zw_A/v-deo.html
To the steel strung sound:
ua-cam.com/video/OVmqrXKBle4/v-deo.html
And here's a song using slide on nylon strings
ua-cam.com/video/qfVa2z4BQ3Q/v-deo.html
As a health warning to my other readers - be VERY careful with steel strings on a uke - the body is simply not braced for the tension and the neck isn't built for it either.
@@GotAUkulele That said, the Harley Benton has stood the test of time. And I have it tuned up not to maximum tension, but strong enough to get a reasonable sound without buzzing, but not so strong that it would be inviting neck warp.
PS Fixed the link to the Steel Strung Version and added a link to the same instrument with a slide on it when it had Nylon Strings.
@@berniarmstrong Glad to hear it - but I regularly warn people about steel strings on ukes. If it worked for you that's great, but I if a reader / viewer of mine does it, has a problem, I want them to be clear that it's not Got A Ukulele suggesting it!
I don't like it.
But, thanks for the review.👍😎
Fair enough!
Thanks for the review sorry your sick but good to know the common cold still exists
Ha ha - yes - better now - and weirdly re-assuring to get a regular cold!