What you can't see was - after doing the review I had to go and towel off - high temperature and my forehead was dripping wet and nose running! And not just because the ukulele is awful either! ;-)
GotAUkulele Aw! :( So sorry to hear that, Baz. You're the hero the Ukulele community needs! I wish you a speedy recovery (and better instruments arriving on the review bench) !!!!
Man that's disappointing. I bought the Montecito and have actually been really happy with it, but looks like I'll look elsewhere when I want to add a soprano to the family... thanks Baz. Get well soon
@@allovertheparks9690 I'm a beginner and I've been using it for a week now... I just bought it to learn the basics on it, and so far so good! The price was convincing 😋
@@phyllismorris94 I honestly suspect not - I've reviewed Fender each year and if anything they are getting worse not better. Far better ukulele choices out there for less money
Oh dear Barry I enjoy sitting down on a Sunday evening with a glass of wine in a quiet room and listening to your reviews. When I saw it was a Fender and the review was 12.39 minutes I thought, this doesn’t look good and unfortunately I was right. I now have enough Ukes, my last purchase being a Flight travel which I love, but I always enjoy reading your quality reviews. Have a good weekend off. Cheers for now Keith
Been dreading recording this one. When I was thinking about it I was concerned it would come across like I was being picky. In the end though, I didn't need to be picky. It shows itself up all by itself. Still can't get over those tuners!!
My second Ukulele was one of those, I got it used for $30 and it is not the best but it has motivated me so much to play, sometimes I'm not in the mood to play and I see the headstock and I suddenly want to play. Mine doesn't buzz and it is well painted, and also a friend who is studying to be a luthier changed the saddle and nut for free just so he could practice, right now it sounds wat better than when I got it. I still don't recommend it for full price.
I was looking to get one, you were talking about the design, and i dont really care much for design since ill probably cover it with decal stickers but then you moved onto the tuners (i've no idea what theyre called but thats what i call em) and WOAH. That wobble!! Dodged a bullet!
I liked it first for the looks, I admit, and the price was low enough that I took a flyer. I find the variable, transparent red finish attractive, personally. You're right about the sharp fret ends, which I need to learn how to dress with a file and paper, and I thought mine was the only one with a wobbly tuner peg. I put it up against my proper Kala soprano, and it's just as loud, if not a little louder. I've seen sopranos that were thinner in the sound box area, back-to-front, than this. I think if you have luthier skills it's redeemable with a little effort. For you, it's not worth it, I get that. For me, it's a bit of fun. Regarding the wobbly tuner keys... one of mine is pretty bad at that - is there anything I can do to fix that, short of replacing it with another from the factory, or should I order up some Grovers or something?
Uketopian Lei*Abouts nah / the tuners wobble because they are not made properly. Only fix is to buy more. Yes like I said most issues here are fixable, if not all. My question was more a case of ‘why would you’? - you only end up with a better set up very generic instrument
Sorry, what do you mean though that you understand fixing it up is not worth it ‘for me’? I didn’t buy this as a ukulele for me. I’m a reviewer. I was objectively pointing out that I don’t consider it’s actually worth ANYONE spending more time and money fixing this up. All you’ll get is a well setup generic box.
My boss rescued one just like this from the dumpster and gave it to me to bring back to life. His neighbor’s kid had busted a couple holes in the back but other than that it was in decent shape. I got creative with glue and wood filler then used some crafting glue and Beatles trading cards to create a collage on the back of the body. I had the chance to play one that hadn’t been damaged and I think my reduced uke sounded better! The flat back is definitely inhibiting when it comes to it already struggling with volume. Nice review...thanks!
Been wanting this for months and months... almost got one for my bday... then thought... let's get it for xmas... well now... not anymore thanks to you kind sir! Helped me out big time here! Thank you so much!
@@GotAUkulele yeah but you hit the nail solidly on the head... I also fell into the "It's a Fender right? It has to be world class right?" trap... I am now looking at the Mahalo MJ2 Soprano Uke... I have never played an uke before... so trying to just get a beginner instrument for now. Fender... not being it... lol
This is a pretty good Fender ukulele, but my concern is about the label "Proposition 65 Warning" ¿what about that? it is attached at the top of the Ukulele.
A chemical used in the finish - certain US states mandate they need a warning. Nowhere in the UK requires it. Have to say though, also, I really DON'T think this is a good Fender / Ukulele or otherwise. Much better options out there for the same money or even less.
Sorry - I always keep away from string recommendations - it's 100% personal to the player on taste and how they hear sound. Other people's opinions are useless - my advice is try a few sets and go with what YOU like the sound of
Thank you so much for your honest and unbiased reviews. I just purchased the enya eut70 bundle, because you've consistently given enya good reviews. I'm disappointed in this Fender. You would think a company with such a strong name would have better quality control.
Sadly - the name Fender causes issues here. I adore Fender and play their electric guitars - I can't fault them with those, But they are NOT a ukulele brand and seem to be toying at the idea. It's a shame as there is no reason they couldn't get it right. I've not yet seen it though.
Useful review. I'm looking for a ukulele just for fun and was surprised to see that Fender have a range. I assumed that the brand=quality but your review made me hesitant. I'll look at alternatives for now. I wasn't sold on the looks either. It does look very generic and toy like.
I bought the Amazon exclusive Lake Placid Blue. The C string would not stay in tune at all. The sound was twangy, but dull. I liked being able to slide my left hand up high on the headstock. Otherwise, it was not worth keeping and promptly returned.
Very interesting. Very interesting indeed! I played a Fender Venice in a shop. It was not good at all. Then I tried out a similar named Fender California Coast. Also a soprano. That was a very good uke, and I bought it. The Venice was priced at somewere around 600 skr (=$60) and the California Coast was priced at 999 skr (=$100). I ask myself why Fender make the Venice, when they actually know how to build a descent uke!
I bought this one 2 years ago and a few months ago the neck couldn't handle the pressure and snapped off. I got it fixed and a week ago the bridge popped off. I'm so done with it so I bought a better concert one from Ortega.
Yes I agree that there will be any people who will buy a fender ukulele just for the name but I think there are some like me who care less about the name and more about the unique look. It is a conversation starter and doesn’t look like everyone else’s ukulele. I think it is a cool concept and wish more bands did little unique things with their instruments
GotAUkulele unique for a ukulele. It is obviously common in guitars. I personally just order the fender Zumba ukulele (I would actually love your thoughts on it). For me it wasn’t about the brand I don’t care about the brand of a ukulele I personally was most attached to the colour but I couldn’t find much about it online so I thought I would give it a shot.
Suppose it is unique for a uke i guess. But then, suppose you have to wonder WHY there are so few others? I mean they can't be that great or everyone would make them
GotAUkulele so few other unique ukuleles or so so few ukuleles with the fender headstock? If it’s the former I think because it is a fender thing. It may not be the most practical headstock but at this point it’s iconic. You even mentioned you own fender guitars. I know videos skews things but yes it looks a little big but you reviewed a soprano so maybe a concert or tenor looks more proportioned. My point was you made it seem like everyone who buys a fender ukulele buys it just because it’s a fender. The first thing that attracted me to the zuma was the colour and then I saw it was fender and I was like “oh I didn’t know fender made ukuleles” I looked up reviews online and most of them were good so I bought it. But if I didn’t know fender many ppl wouldn’t so that same oh cab start conversations.
No - there are several other ukes with inline headstocks (Na Muai for one, G String used to do one) there are just not many because they don't have any real advantage. Fender do NOT have the licence on that style, only on the curved shape. Yes I own Fender guitars. LOVE my Fender guitars. But they are guitars. It's not really the size of it on the ukulele, it's the style. It's not 'better' or 'easier' or anything else. If it WAS, Kamaka, martin, Kanile'a, etc would have inline headstocks - they don't. If you read the review I didn't say that it was because 'everyone who buys one does so because it's a Fender'. I said the only two reasons for the headstock I could think of were a) that Fender are desperate for people to show off Fender (probably true and understandable), OR b) that players wanted to be seen with a Fender (possibly true, but not understandable - they don't make great ukuleles). Like I also say - this is a review of just the one in front of me. If you like your Zuma that is cool and all that matters. I don't review to tell people they are 'right' or 'wrong'. I merely tell my opinion. Your mileage may vary. But don't misquote me.
Great review Barry. I think it’s a real pity when you buy a branded product that you like and in a strange way trust only to discover that you’ll soon feel the need to upgrade very soon. That could really put someone just starting off. Enjoy your week off mate. Danny 👍
Whoa! It's been a long time since you have featured such a disaster as this instrument is! Shame on Fender for selling a piece of crap like this. I have a Fender Montecito and it is one of my fave ukes to play. This thing is just God-awful! Thanks for shining a light on this dark corner! As you emphasized, quality control is important. Especially if you are a brand with the aura of the name Fender!
I ordered this several months ago and was pleasantly surprised by the sound of this instrument. It came with a tuner that was defective. I swapped it out for another tuner and it plays great. So not perfect, but it plays great and sounds wonderful.
If you like it, that's all that matters really. I'm a reviewer and cursed by that though! Means I have a lot of reference points for other instruments at this sort of price to compare it to. Didn't stack up for me i'm afraid.
Thanks for this review, as a guitarist looking to get into ukulele the fender brand name nearly had me sold... What ukulele around this price point would you recommend instead?
Without wishing to sound facetious, pretty much all others! More seriously, look at brands like Kala, Flight, Ohana, Baton Rouge, Snail, Kai at this price point.
I should also add on this point. I am NOT down on Fender. Own several electric guitars by them including a Stratocaster I’d run into a burning building to save... but... I just don’t think they make good ukes. Love the brand, just not their ukuleles.
lol. you're funny. just to see if its any better. you liked the montecito, but the soprano venices are bad. even the guy at my uke store said so and agrees with you. but there are no reviews on the grace signature one. (like honest not bought by the company reviews), to know if they stepped it up because it actually has grace's name on it.
it looks pretty in pictures so its tempting. sadly i am a sucker for gold tuners :) but who wants a bad sounding uke, even if its pretty. and the people can trust you.
Hi Baz, I bought one from PMT Liverpool but after getting it out the box and playing could see and hear not a wise buy so took it back and exchanged for a playable instrument. Fender should be ashamed this is in their range unless you want to hang it on the wall as an ornament.
@@GotAUkulele I watched a advert for the Fender Venice ukulele in Russian....I think it was dubbed cos the Russian guy could play it up and down the neck and it sounded in tune. The one I bought had cracked bracings and only playable on the first 3 frets....the action was too high going down to the sound hole.
I personally would saw off the headstock attach it to a fancy little stand and spray it a nice colour. On the base I’d inscribe “ Griff’s all time fave “. Then i’d bin the rest ! 😉
Not played one - but I believe it's essentially the same construction as this without colour. To be honest i find it very hard to recommend Fender ukuleles of any variety so be careful
@@aidanfl The Venice or the Seaside? The venice is definitely listed as laminate basswood - the Seaside is laminate mahogany - the fact they are different woods in the laminate matters very little.
I love their guitars in a big way (and own a couple). Don't consider them a ukulele brand though, and those I have played of theirs have always underwhelmed me.
I'm a beginner that wants to try to learn to play just for fun to start a hobby, but I'm on a budget. I found it for 44 dollars on guitar center used. If I like it over time, I will update to a concert or a better quality soprano. Thank you for the video.
I think its good for a kid, but not a serious player even if they are a beginner. It feels very much like toy. I got one for my four year old nephew and even he thinks its not a real ukulele. I did however, just purchase the Fender Grace VanderWaal ukulele. I think it is very well made, it has a vibrant voice and projects very well without being plugged in. I was lucky enough to play it at a music store while I was on vacation before I purchased it.
GotAUkulele because he’s a FOUR YEAR OLD who drags it around on the floor and who knows if he’s going to take it seriously. I would not want to see a nice kala ukulele that costs 200+ dollars go to waste or be treated like that.
Jenae Laxson I didn’t suggest it had to be a 200 dollar uke either, that’s just silly. The point is, cheap and playable are not mutually exclusive. It can be done and just because they are a child it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve playability. In fact if there is one way to put them off for life - give them an unplayable uke. I bought my daughter a Makala Dolphin at 3 years old. It’s was much more playable than this and cheaper too.
I got one of these as my second uke a few months ago. Razorneck. Action way too high...oh and the saddle exploded off of it after about 2 weeks. Extreme disappointment.
this makes me sad I own this very uke and there's no rattling or scratches on mine the tuners are not loose. the tuners must have broke in the shipping
lacer lacer what you are observing is ‘variable quality control’. I know others who have these which are just as bad and some that don’t. You are lucky to get a better example, others may not be. Which is why I can’t recommend it because I can’t guarantee what people would get
I’ve got a Fendor Concert Ukulele and the tuners are crap.Its a well made thing but the tuners are shocking..I like the Fender Rincon Tenor.It sounds really nice and stays in tune.They definetly have poor quality control..
I recently ordered a zuma and a seaside soprano... the zuma with the natural finish is quite nice.. like it ALOT... the seaside I ordered a replacement on and I have 2 here now... both are TERRIBLE.. stain on the bindings.. grinding tuning gears.. glue residue on the fret board... major intonation issues... lots of physical defects... the seaside and the venice are both made in china... the zuma is not.. I think that is the major difference...
I think you are right. The Seaside and Venice are their bottom level ukes. The quality REALLY drops off below the Zuma. Terrible really. Their QC seems to be non-existent on these - this one came direct from a Fender dealer. It should never have left the factory.
@@GotAUkulele I ended up getting the kala KAS, also made in China by the way, but that is world's different and a much better guitar then the seaside. I actually can't find anything wrong with the Kala. I'm looking into the Montecito as a companion for the Zuma. The Montecito now streets at about 200 usd. Does anyone else offer a solid KOA top anywhere near that price range to consider?
Doug J. I can’t think of another solid top but i honestly wouldn’t get swayed by it. Solid tops at value prices are rarely nicer than laminates. And often worse. Re Kala - yeah they get it right - but then they were one of the pioneers of getting them right in China. It can be done if you have your QC bang on. Kala always seem to
wow, fender really disappointed :/ luckily before getting my first uke a few months ago i watched a lot of your videos and i learned (?) what you look for in a good uke so i have a completely different experience with the fender venice...i went to the store and checked everything thoroughly before buying it because, as you said quality control can vary a lot and i wanted to make sure i get a decent beginners uke. mine tuners are way better, there is no rattle or any buzz at all, there aren't any marks, scruffs or scratches and i really like how it sounds (the store i bought it in even replaced the strings with aquila strings.) if it weren't for you i could have ended up with a piece of trash so thank you for your reviews barry! i really love how honest you are
That kind of sums up the quality control worry people have. As I say in the review, I have no doubt that there are some better ones of these about - this is the second of these i've played though and both were dreadful. That suggest to me that their quality checking is not what it might be. Great for those people like you who buy in a store and check it over, but a great many people will buy these online.
Your too harsh on it, it’s suppose to be thin to be light for travelling, I have the blue one and it’s a step up from the last one I have, it took a long time to stay in tune but it’s good now, mine is in really good condition with no scratched or dents and the tuners are great!
Shannon Rose it’s plywood! Trust me - thin finishes on well made ukuleles are NOT like this. Glad yours was ok though, but I can only review the model in front of me. Was I supposed to lie about the wobbly tuners?
As for being ‘too harsh’ - I just say what I see. Always have done. Saying I think something is great when I don’t believe it would really make every review here utterly pointless.
Like Epiphone - I really, REALLY wish they just focussed on making a killer ukulele. It CAN be done... In fact Epiphone used to make a Masterbilt ukulele that was reported to be absolutely superb. They stopped making them years ago though and now focus on guitar copies that are not very good.
I’ve been hoping that you would review the uke that I got. I’m kinda glad to know that the $50 ukulele I got is as bottom of the barrel as you can get. I’ve been thinking of saving up for a really nice ukulele, so hopefully I’ll see a massive improvement from the piece of plywood that I have.
I'm from Mexico and all the reviews I've seen in Spanish of that "instrument" are positive (they are accounts of stores that sell it or people with no experience in ukuleles) however when i tried it i found it terrible both sound and action i even find my beloved cheap flight nup310 much better
pixpusher lmao... I just want it more now... I have a problem with buying crap that A, doesn’t work or B, is basically shit... And hell I’m going to be getting a guitar soon so I don’t believe I’ll play it much...... And a bonus I can annoying Ukulele players with it.... Considering there are so many “Ukulele players” at my school... Might just go around play a really high note.... I did that with my friends Ukulele😂
It can happen on any ukulele and it's usually down to a high nut slot and / or a high saddle. With a high slot like this one, when you fret the string it has to travel down so far to engage the fret that it stretches the string out of tune. It's fixable, but not right
There is nothing more annoying than a buzzing uke. I don't understand what Fender is trying to accomplish, letting its guard down like this. Hope you feel better soon, Baz. I sat way back from the laptop so I wouldn't catch it.
Quite frankly it's hard NOT to interpret the poor quality of this instrument as a general lack of respect for the Ukulele as an instrument. By which I mean that PERHAPS Fender, as a maker of some of the best electric guitars in the world (If it's good enough for Richard Thompson - well - what more needs to be said?), might see the Uke as a less serious instrument, one where such things as good tuning/intonation and finish aren't as important because they imagine that most players just strum along playing 2 and 3 chord songs for fun.
when I was looking for my first tenor I was tempted by a Fender mainly because of the head stock and the Fender name - I bought a cheap Puka laminate that was fine for me at the time - I now have a Kala solid mahogany tenor which I love. Looking for a nice concert size atm - what do you think about the Ohana 5 string concerts?
Dani Alexandria - if I may be so bold as to answer a question not directed at me - NO. I have a little Iuku soprano that was half the price of the Fender. It has many of the Fender's issues - not very well finished frets, thick laminate etc. BUT the action is low and the intonation very good, and the wide spacing of the strings make it easy to play. It has an arched back and so it's loud when strummed and played claw hammer - and yet it is very sweet sounding when finger picked - oh and it stays in tune beautifully. I think the point being made here is that this is not really all that cheap for the quality - and it doesn't sound nice either - and yet people will buy them because they are made by Fender. Hope this helps
I love Fender but that was not a Ukulele that's a piece of junk could not watch any longer, when you started playing that contraption ears started to bleed
this one is pretty disappointing. I guess that's stupid but I thought Fender is pretty famous so they should have good products :/ Good I saw this review and didn't bought this one!
Sadly it happens quite a bit with guitar brands - their focus isn't on ukes, but they read news articles showing ukulele popularity and jump to put something out. But making a good ukulele is nothing like making a guitar. If you apply guitar making principles to a ukulele you will get it wrong. Plus, there can be no excuse at all for their lack of quality control.
I'd agree with you if this was the standard of ALL 50 quid ukuleles. Would agree with you totally. But that simply isn't the case. I can recommend several that cost 30% less or more that are far better, objectively speaking. So at the ticket price - this fails. If they listed it at 30 quid, maybe it's worth more consideration, but even then is up against competition.
That's a true campfire ukulele. First you play it infront of the fire and then you throw it into it.
Toasty!
LOL
🤣🤣🤣
Thank you brother for saving me $60
So many people see a Ukulele and they go "oh how cute!" I don't want just cute I want confidence in what I'm playing!
Oh, Fender, Fender... Thanks for doing the weekly review even if you're not feeling 100%, Baz. Get well soon!!!
What you can't see was - after doing the review I had to go and towel off - high temperature and my forehead was dripping wet and nose running! And not just because the ukulele is awful either! ;-)
GotAUkulele Aw! :( So sorry to hear that, Baz. You're the hero the Ukulele community needs! I wish you a speedy recovery (and better instruments arriving on the review bench) !!!!
Man that's disappointing. I bought the Montecito and have actually been really happy with it, but looks like I'll look elsewhere when I want to add a soprano to the family... thanks Baz. Get well soon
I quite liked the Montecito
“Don’t sugar coat it Butch, tell us what you really think.” lol 😂
As always, thanks for sharing. Wes
Think the sound says it all!
Crap I just ordered this about an hour ago 😫
Did you survive it?
How did it turn out?
@@allovertheparks9690 I'm a beginner and I've been using it for a week now... I just bought it to learn the basics on it, and so far so good! The price was convincing 😋
Ok so 2 months later.... I need an upgrade 😂
Me too
Hey Barry, don’t hold back, we want to know what you REALLY think! Thanks for your honest review.
That’s the only way to review them. No point in lying.
I have a Black one and it came perfect finish not battered and it sounds good, I'm happy
I can only review the one in front of me though.
I would like to hear a recent review update on the Fender Venice soprano ukulele in 2023.
Doesn't look like they changed anything in the specs?
@@GotAUkulele But do you think the quality is a little better & more consistent?
@@phyllismorris94 I honestly suspect not - I've reviewed Fender each year and if anything they are getting worse not better. Far better ukulele choices out there for less money
Oh dear Barry
I enjoy sitting down on a Sunday evening with a glass of wine in a quiet room and listening to your reviews. When I saw it was a Fender and the review was 12.39 minutes I thought, this doesn’t look good and unfortunately I was right. I now have enough Ukes, my last purchase being a Flight travel which I love, but I always enjoy reading your quality reviews. Have a good weekend off.
Cheers for now
Keith
Been dreading recording this one. When I was thinking about it I was concerned it would come across like I was being picky. In the end though, I didn't need to be picky. It shows itself up all by itself. Still can't get over those tuners!!
That buzz would drive me up the wall.
Really threw me- in the stop press in the written review I 'think' I nailed it - but there is still some string buzz too.
I see what you did there
My second Ukulele was one of those, I got it used for $30 and it is not the best but it has motivated me so much to play, sometimes I'm not in the mood to play and I see the headstock and I suddenly want to play. Mine doesn't buzz and it is well painted, and also a friend who is studying to be a luthier changed the saddle and nut for free just so he could practice, right now it sounds wat better than when I got it. I still don't recommend it for full price.
What is its full price? I saw them 55$ new
well, I just got mine. is rlly pretty, a black soprano uke and rlly comfy. I actually love it, is rlly good for beginers
Pleased for you. The model I was sent would put a beginner off for life though. And, understandably, I had to say so - it's obvious in the video.
Expensive fire wood 😆
I was looking to get one, you were talking about the design, and i dont really care much for design since ill probably cover it with decal stickers but then you moved onto the tuners (i've no idea what theyre called but thats what i call em) and WOAH. That wobble!!
Dodged a bullet!
You did - far better alternatives out there.
11:34 - could someone tell me what uke he is recommending?
Anything from Makala - budget brand of Kala
@@GotAUkulele Thanks man! I'll give it a shot then!
I liked it first for the looks, I admit, and the price was low enough that I took a flyer. I find the variable, transparent red finish attractive, personally. You're right about the sharp fret ends, which I need to learn how to dress with a file and paper, and I thought mine was the only one with a wobbly tuner peg. I put it up against my proper Kala soprano, and it's just as loud, if not a little louder. I've seen sopranos that were thinner in the sound box area, back-to-front, than this. I think if you have luthier skills it's redeemable with a little effort. For you, it's not worth it, I get that. For me, it's a bit of fun. Regarding the wobbly tuner keys... one of mine is pretty bad at that - is there anything I can do to fix that, short of replacing it with another from the factory, or should I order up some Grovers or something?
Uketopian Lei*Abouts nah / the tuners wobble because they are not made properly. Only fix is to buy more. Yes like I said most issues here are fixable, if not all. My question was more a case of ‘why would you’? - you only end up with a better set up very generic instrument
Sorry, what do you mean though that you understand fixing it up is not worth it ‘for me’? I didn’t buy this as a ukulele for me. I’m a reviewer. I was objectively pointing out that I don’t consider it’s actually worth ANYONE spending more time and money fixing this up. All you’ll get is a well setup generic box.
My boss rescued one just like this from the dumpster and gave it to me to bring back to life. His neighbor’s kid had busted a couple holes in the back but other than that it was in decent shape. I got creative with glue and wood filler then used some crafting glue and Beatles trading cards to create a collage on the back of the body. I had the chance to play one that hadn’t been damaged and I think my reduced uke sounded better! The flat back is definitely inhibiting when it comes to it already struggling with volume. Nice review...thanks!
Nice story - thanks!
Been wanting this for months and months... almost got one for my bday... then thought... let's get it for xmas... well now... not anymore thanks to you kind sir! Helped me out big time here! Thank you so much!
Well dodged! There are far better instruments out there for the same money. I like Fender, but not when it comes to ukuleles
@@GotAUkulele yeah but you hit the nail solidly on the head... I also fell into the "It's a Fender right? It has to be world class right?" trap...
I am now looking at the Mahalo MJ2 Soprano Uke... I have never played an uke before... so trying to just get a beginner instrument for now. Fender... not being it... lol
@@jacoschoeman155 I'd avoid Mahalo too i'm afraid! Look at brands like Makala, Kala, Baton Rouge. Mahalo are pretty ropey
@@GotAUkulele haha... Okey then. Noted. Thanks for all the advice sir!
Wow, I was going to buy it tomorrow; thank you for saving me :))
Dodged a bullet!
Can you put ubass strings on this somebody please let me know I've been planning on it and I can get a clear answer
luke sarmento absolutely not
The only thing I did was change to low g Aquila strings and have never had any problems.
alan read delighted for you!
This is a pretty good Fender ukulele, but my concern is about the label "Proposition 65 Warning" ¿what about that? it is attached at the top of the Ukulele.
A chemical used in the finish - certain US states mandate they need a warning. Nowhere in the UK requires it. Have to say though, also, I really DON'T think this is a good Fender / Ukulele or otherwise. Much better options out there for the same money or even less.
i have the same and i want to change the strings . any recommendations?
Sorry - I always keep away from string recommendations - it's 100% personal to the player on taste and how they hear sound. Other people's opinions are useless - my advice is try a few sets and go with what YOU like the sound of
@@GotAUkulele ok thanks ! i think i will go with the aquila 100u
Thank you so much for really honesto review... Really other reviews must be like this..
My pleasure!
Thank you so much for your honest and unbiased reviews. I just purchased the enya eut70 bundle, because you've consistently given enya good reviews. I'm disappointed in this Fender. You would think a company with such a strong name would have better quality control.
Sadly - the name Fender causes issues here. I adore Fender and play their electric guitars - I can't fault them with those, But they are NOT a ukulele brand and seem to be toying at the idea. It's a shame as there is no reason they couldn't get it right. I've not yet seen it though.
Useful review. I'm looking for a ukulele just for fun and was surprised to see that Fender have a range. I assumed that the brand=quality but your review made me hesitant. I'll look at alternatives for now. I wasn't sold on the looks either. It does look very generic and toy like.
Never played a Fender uke I would recommend
I bought one of these when I started learning uke. I'm thinking about advancing to a Tenor Cordoba 20tm-Ce. Is it a good idea?
Never been that impressed by Cordoba personally
I bought the Amazon exclusive Lake Placid Blue. The C string would not stay in tune at all. The sound was twangy, but dull. I liked being able to slide my left hand up high on the headstock. Otherwise, it was not worth keeping and promptly returned.
Poor quality control again
Very interesting. Very interesting indeed!
I played a Fender Venice in a shop. It was not good at all. Then I tried out a similar named Fender California Coast. Also a soprano. That was a very good uke, and I bought it. The Venice was priced at somewere around 600 skr (=$60) and the California Coast was priced at 999 skr (=$100).
I ask myself why Fender make the Venice, when they actually know how to build a descent uke!
Thanks for sharing!
@@GotAUkuleleI correct myself: The correct name is Fender Seaside soprano. The serie is named California Coast.
You’re always fun to watch. Thanks
Thank you!
I bought this one 2 years ago and a few months ago the neck couldn't handle the pressure and snapped off. I got it fixed and a week ago the bridge popped off. I'm so done with it so I bought a better concert one from Ortega.
Ooooof - that sounds like a nightmare!
I was about to get this but im from the Philippines but I would like the zuma one but its not yet available in my country
Imtheavocado I wouldn’t
Thanks for reviewing this i wanst aware
Yes I agree that there will be any people who will buy a fender ukulele just for the name but I think there are some like me who care less about the name and more about the unique look. It is a conversation starter and doesn’t look like everyone else’s ukulele. I think it is a cool concept and wish more bands did little unique things with their instruments
Unique? The most ubiquitous headstock shape on the planet? Erm....
GotAUkulele unique for a ukulele. It is obviously common in guitars. I personally just order the fender Zumba ukulele (I would actually love your thoughts on it). For me it wasn’t about the brand I don’t care about the brand of a ukulele I personally was most attached to the colour but I couldn’t find much about it online so I thought I would give it a shot.
Suppose it is unique for a uke i guess. But then, suppose you have to wonder WHY there are so few others? I mean they can't be that great or everyone would make them
GotAUkulele so few other unique ukuleles or so so few ukuleles with the fender headstock? If it’s the former I think because it is a fender thing. It may not be the most practical headstock but at this point it’s iconic. You even mentioned you own fender guitars. I know videos skews things but yes it looks a little big but you reviewed a soprano so maybe a concert or tenor looks more proportioned. My point was you made it seem like everyone who buys a fender ukulele buys it just because it’s a fender. The first thing that attracted me to the zuma was the colour and then I saw it was fender and I was like “oh I didn’t know fender made ukuleles” I looked up reviews online and most of them were good so I bought it. But if I didn’t know fender many ppl wouldn’t so that same oh cab start conversations.
No - there are several other ukes with inline headstocks (Na Muai for one, G String used to do one) there are just not many because they don't have any real advantage. Fender do NOT have the licence on that style, only on the curved shape. Yes I own Fender guitars. LOVE my Fender guitars. But they are guitars. It's not really the size of it on the ukulele, it's the style. It's not 'better' or 'easier' or anything else. If it WAS, Kamaka, martin, Kanile'a, etc would have inline headstocks - they don't. If you read the review I didn't say that it was because 'everyone who buys one does so because it's a Fender'. I said the only two reasons for the headstock I could think of were a) that Fender are desperate for people to show off Fender (probably true and understandable), OR b) that players wanted to be seen with a Fender (possibly true, but not understandable - they don't make great ukuleles). Like I also say - this is a review of just the one in front of me. If you like your Zuma that is cool and all that matters. I don't review to tell people they are 'right' or 'wrong'. I merely tell my opinion. Your mileage may vary. But don't misquote me.
Thanks! Bought the blue one 💙🎸
Great review Barry. I think it’s a real pity when you buy a branded product that you like and in a strange way trust only to discover that you’ll soon feel the need to upgrade very soon. That could really put someone just starting off. Enjoy your week off mate. Danny 👍
Exactly that - that's why they should be ashamed.
Whoa! It's been a long time since you have featured such a disaster as this instrument is! Shame on Fender for selling a piece of crap like this. I have a Fender Montecito and it is one of my fave ukes to play. This thing is just God-awful! Thanks for shining a light on this dark corner! As you emphasized, quality control is important. Especially if you are a brand with the aura of the name Fender!
Yeah - I liked the Montecito too Chuck. This is miles away. Many many miles
I ordered this several months ago and was pleasantly surprised by the sound of this instrument. It came with a tuner that was defective. I swapped it out for another tuner and it plays great. So not perfect, but it plays great and sounds wonderful.
If you like it, that's all that matters really. I'm a reviewer and cursed by that though! Means I have a lot of reference points for other instruments at this sort of price to compare it to. Didn't stack up for me i'm afraid.
Thanks for this review, as a guitarist looking to get into ukulele the fender brand name nearly had me sold... What ukulele around this price point would you recommend instead?
Without wishing to sound facetious, pretty much all others! More seriously, look at brands like Kala, Flight, Ohana, Baton Rouge, Snail, Kai at this price point.
GotAUkulele looking through your website reviews now, thanks a lot for the help :)
I should also add on this point. I am NOT down on Fender. Own several electric guitars by them including a Stratocaster I’d run into a burning building to save... but... I just don’t think they make good ukes. Love the brand, just not their ukuleles.
you should do a review of the fender signature grace uke that is 200 dollars that plugs in.
I should?
lol. you're funny. just to see if its any better. you liked the montecito, but the soprano venices are bad. even the guy at my uke store said so and agrees with you. but there are no reviews on the grace signature one. (like honest not bought by the company reviews), to know if they stepped it up because it actually has grace's name on it.
it looks pretty in pictures so its tempting. sadly i am a sucker for gold tuners :) but who wants a bad sounding uke, even if its pretty. and the people can trust you.
I'm just booked solid for the rest of the year - will see what I can do in 2019
Hi Baz, I bought one from PMT Liverpool but after getting it out the box and playing could see and hear not a wise buy so took it back and exchanged for a playable instrument. Fender should be ashamed this is in their range unless you want to hang it on the wall as an ornament.
I guess buying it from a physical store allows an easier return.
@@GotAUkulele
Hi Baz, the Fender Zuma and Rincon are worth trying....and you have already featured the Monticito.
Will be quite some time now until another Fender review as I tend to space brands out.
@@GotAUkulele
I watched a advert for the Fender Venice ukulele in Russian....I think it was dubbed cos the Russian guy could play it up and down the neck and it sounded in tune. The one I bought had cracked bracings and only playable on the first 3 frets....the action was too high going down to the sound hole.
Like any uke though, you can make a good one, or set it up right. But if your QC is cheap you won’t replicate that very often.
I personally would saw off the headstock attach it to a fancy little stand and spray it a nice colour. On the base I’d inscribe “ Griff’s all time fave “. Then i’d bin the rest ! 😉
Ha!
6.4/10 on the written review?! You're too kind! Your facial expression at 9:17 says it all.
Spicemaster yes I thought about a lower score but had to reflect the fact a lot of the issues could be fixed- if you could be bothered!
Can you review more Lanikai ukuleles please
Henry La trust me - I’ve tried to get them to engage again. I think they are going through a lot of changes though and need that working out first
@@GotAUkulele I didn't know
Thanks for letting me know though
I am trying them regularly - just never seems to get over the line. It's their call though. Maybe they don't want to be reviewed!
Hopefully have a Lanikai coming very soon!
I like how you are super honest lol
No point reviewing any other way!
Can you please do the fender Zuma ukulele. It is a concert size and it looks really good but would love your thoughts
Booked up until end of the year but will look to get another Fender on the site in 2019
GotAUkulele thank you 😊
That Fender head is beautiful!!
I think the Fender headstock IS beautiful too. Just not on a ukulele...
Late comment but do you know of Fender Seaside Soprano?
Not played one - but I believe it's essentially the same construction as this without colour. To be honest i find it very hard to recommend Fender ukuleles of any variety so be careful
@@GotAUkulele it’s actually mahogany instead of basswood I believe
@@aidanfl The Venice or the Seaside? The venice is definitely listed as laminate basswood - the Seaside is laminate mahogany - the fact they are different woods in the laminate matters very little.
@@GotAUkulele I was referring to the seaside
@@aidanfl Yeah. Still - couple of laminates - the wood used won't impart tonal signature much if at all.
What I told by some people is Fender ukulele usually is for collection or display. I tried it at the store but the sound is not my choice. Too dull.
I love their guitars in a big way (and own a couple). Don't consider them a ukulele brand though, and those I have played of theirs have always underwhelmed me.
@@GotAUkulele Agreed the guitars are alright but the ukulele range was only ok.
I agree
I had no problem with it. Strings are ok. It is 40€ in Serbia and I think it is not too bad. But gotta hate that red coloring
Pleased for you. This example was a shocker though.
I have one of those and it’s beautiful and sounds perfect, better than yours! I guess I was just lucky, all the parts are perfect
'perfect'?
Wow thanks for the review that uke sounds terrible for a company like fender to put there name on such a bad quality instrument, it makes you wonder.
Really does
I'm a beginner that wants to try to learn to play just for fun to start a hobby, but I'm on a budget. I found it for 44 dollars on guitar center used. If I like it over time, I will update to a concert or a better quality soprano. Thank you for the video.
My pleasure!
IDK why but your voice really reminds me of Ashens.
I have no idea who that is
@@GotAUkulele just another English RUclips creator.
I think its good for a kid, but not a serious player even if they are a beginner. It feels very much like toy. I got one for my four year old nephew and even he thinks its not a real ukulele.
I did however, just purchase the Fender Grace VanderWaal ukulele. I think it is very well made, it has a vibrant voice and projects very well without being plugged in. I was lucky enough to play it at a music store while I was on vacation before I purchased it.
Why does a kid have to put up with junk? I’d never buy my child something like this
GotAUkulele because he’s a FOUR YEAR OLD who drags it around on the floor and who knows if he’s going to take it seriously. I would not want to see a nice kala ukulele that costs 200+ dollars go to waste or be treated like that.
Jenae Laxson I didn’t suggest it had to be a 200 dollar uke either, that’s just silly. The point is, cheap and playable are not mutually exclusive. It can be done and just because they are a child it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve playability. In fact if there is one way to put them off for life - give them an unplayable uke. I bought my daughter a Makala Dolphin at 3 years old. It’s was much more playable than this and cheaper too.
Almost bought this lol thanks for saving me $80
Dodged a bullet!
I got one of these as my second uke a few months ago. Razorneck. Action way too high...oh and the saddle exploded off of it after about 2 weeks. Extreme disappointment.
Ooof
this makes me sad I own this very uke and there's no rattling or scratches on mine the tuners are not loose. the tuners must have broke in the shipping
lacer lacer what you are observing is ‘variable quality control’. I know others who have these which are just as bad and some that don’t. You are lucky to get a better example, others may not be. Which is why I can’t recommend it because I can’t guarantee what people would get
I’ve got a Fendor Concert Ukulele and the tuners are crap.Its a well made thing but the tuners are shocking..I like the Fender Rincon Tenor.It sounds really nice and stays in tune.They definetly have poor quality control..
Very mixed quality control, yep
I recently ordered a zuma and a seaside soprano... the zuma with the natural finish is quite nice.. like it ALOT... the seaside I ordered a replacement on and I have 2 here now... both are TERRIBLE.. stain on the bindings.. grinding tuning gears.. glue residue on the fret board... major intonation issues... lots of physical defects... the seaside and the venice are both made in china... the zuma is not.. I think that is the major difference...
I think you are right. The Seaside and Venice are their bottom level ukes. The quality REALLY drops off below the Zuma. Terrible really. Their QC seems to be non-existent on these - this one came direct from a Fender dealer. It should never have left the factory.
@@GotAUkulele I ended up getting the kala KAS, also made in China by the way, but that is world's different and a much better guitar then the seaside. I actually can't find anything wrong with the Kala. I'm looking into the Montecito as a companion for the Zuma. The Montecito now streets at about 200 usd. Does anyone else offer a solid KOA top anywhere near that price range to consider?
Doug J. I can’t think of another solid top but i honestly wouldn’t get swayed by it. Solid tops at value prices are rarely nicer than laminates. And often worse. Re Kala - yeah they get it right - but then they were one of the pioneers of getting them right in China. It can be done if you have your QC bang on. Kala always seem to
10:07 😄😄 Oh dear! Look I'm not trying to find things wrong for this... it's doing it for me... 👏👏
Yep - it was pretty awful!
great review
Thank you!
wow, fender really disappointed :/ luckily before getting my first uke a few months ago i watched a lot of your videos and i learned (?) what you look for in a good uke so i have a completely different experience with the fender venice...i went to the store and checked everything thoroughly before buying it because, as you said quality control can vary a lot and i wanted to make sure i get a decent beginners uke. mine tuners are way better, there is no rattle or any buzz at all, there aren't any marks, scruffs or scratches and i really like how it sounds (the store i bought it in even replaced the strings with aquila strings.) if it weren't for you i could have ended up with a piece of trash so thank you for your reviews barry! i really love how honest you are
That kind of sums up the quality control worry people have. As I say in the review, I have no doubt that there are some better ones of these about - this is the second of these i've played though and both were dreadful. That suggest to me that their quality checking is not what it might be. Great for those people like you who buy in a store and check it over, but a great many people will buy these online.
A shame that it sounds and plays so bad, it looks really pretty from a distance with that color and binding. Thanks for the review!
Yeah, they at least made an effort on looks
Thanks!
Good review Barry. Fender should be ashamed of themselves. That thing’s a piece of junk
I think so. May be better examples out there, but not this one
Your too harsh on it, it’s suppose to be thin to be light for travelling, I have the blue one and it’s a step up from the last one I have, it took a long time to stay in tune but it’s good now, mine is in really good condition with no scratched or dents and the tuners are great!
Shannon Rose it’s plywood! Trust me - thin finishes on well made ukuleles are NOT like this. Glad yours was ok though, but I can only review the model in front of me. Was I supposed to lie about the wobbly tuners?
As for being ‘too harsh’ - I just say what I see. Always have done. Saying I think something is great when I don’t believe it would really make every review here utterly pointless.
I have this ukulele and regret even buying it
I like the uke, it isnt that bad, but im a beginner
All that matters is you like it. I'm a reviewer - it's a curse - I have to compare it to others for the same money.
Good review, Barry....Fender, stick with your Guitars!.....Or, learn how to make a really good Uke!.....:)
Like Epiphone - I really, REALLY wish they just focussed on making a killer ukulele. It CAN be done... In fact Epiphone used to make a Masterbilt ukulele that was reported to be absolutely superb. They stopped making them years ago though and now focus on guitar copies that are not very good.
I’ve been hoping that you would review the uke that I got. I’m kinda glad to know that the $50 ukulele I got is as bottom of the barrel as you can get. I’ve been thinking of saving up for a really nice ukulele, so hopefully I’ll see a massive improvement from the piece of plywood that I have.
You definitely will
I'm from Mexico and all the reviews I've seen in Spanish of that "instrument" are positive (they are accounts of stores that sell it or people with no experience in ukuleles) however when i tried it i found it terrible both sound and action i even find my beloved cheap flight nup310 much better
Fender are very careful who they loan instruments for review - only people with nice things to say.
@@GotAUkulele As we say here... Chale
Your reviews are the best. I was concerned that kids would want this because of Grace.
They still will sadly. They’d be making a big mistake...
pixpusher lmao... I just want it more now... I have a problem with buying crap that A, doesn’t work or B, is basically shit... And hell I’m going to be getting a guitar soon so I don’t believe I’ll play it much...... And a bonus I can annoying Ukulele players with it.... Considering there are so many “Ukulele players” at my school... Might just go around play a really high note.... I did that with my friends Ukulele😂
Mateo Stephens hilarious.......
sadly I've had to make the same experience by myself... absolutely shitty instrument - thought I could save it with some better strings but, ..no way!
Joel yep - totally flawed
'Return to Fender. ( Address unknown....:)'
So many sopranos go out of tune as soon as the strings are fretted.
It can happen on any ukulele and it's usually down to a high nut slot and / or a high saddle. With a high slot like this one, when you fret the string it has to travel down so far to engage the fret that it stretches the string out of tune. It's fixable, but not right
There is nothing more annoying than a buzzing uke.
I don't understand what Fender is trying to accomplish, letting its guard down like this.
Hope you feel better soon, Baz. I sat way back from the laptop so I wouldn't catch it.
Yeah - absolutely terrible example of quality control this one. And from such a well known brand too...
I wonder if the special grace branded ukes are better. They are certainly more expensive, but I'm not convinced that they are better then this crap
I can’t be bothered to find out!!!
Quite frankly it's hard NOT to interpret the poor quality of this instrument as a general lack of respect for the Ukulele as an instrument. By which I mean that PERHAPS Fender, as a maker of some of the best electric guitars in the world (If it's good enough for Richard Thompson - well - what more needs to be said?), might see the Uke as a less serious instrument, one where such things as good tuning/intonation and finish aren't as important because they imagine that most players just strum along playing 2 and 3 chord songs for fun.
That’s what I find so sad. I adore Fender guitars and own two. Ukes? No thanks
when I was looking for my first tenor I was tempted by a Fender mainly because of the head stock and the Fender name - I bought a cheap Puka laminate that was fine for me at the time - I now have a Kala solid mahogany tenor which I love. Looking for a nice concert size atm - what do you think about the Ohana 5 string concerts?
I reviewed on long before I did video reviews - it’s on the site. Very nice as I recall
GotAUkulele is it possible it’s just like that on the cheaper end of their ukuleles?
Dani Alexandria - if I may be so bold as to answer a question not directed at me - NO. I have a little Iuku soprano that was half the price of the Fender. It has many of the Fender's issues - not very well finished frets, thick laminate etc. BUT the action is low and the intonation very good, and the wide spacing of the strings make it easy to play. It has an arched back and so it's loud when strummed and played claw hammer - and yet it is very sweet sounding when finger picked - oh and it stays in tune beautifully. I think the point being made here is that this is not really all that cheap for the quality - and it doesn't sound nice either - and yet people will buy them because they are made by Fender. Hope this helps
Yikes, thanks mate this saved me 60 bucks.
Dodged a bullet!
Get a Flight instead!
Yes - exactly!
A few months and a string change later and I'm totally liking the TUS-50. Cheaper too.
andynew2 Yeah, Flights are so good.
Yeah, I really like them.
That headstock just looks horrible on a Ukulele. If i saw that in a shop, I'd just ignore it
Very much agree
I love Fender but that was not a Ukulele that's a piece of junk could not watch any longer, when you started playing that contraption ears started to bleed
Not great is it?
Don’t buy it. I’m a beginner and I bought it a months ago and even though I’m a beginner I knew it sucks.
Yep . Seriously dont
Gordon Ramsey of ukuleles
Nah - he's just angry for money. I only get irritated where a uke is below par. And this one is WAY below par.
@@GotAUkulele didn’t mean it in a bad way haha, this review stopped me from buying myself one 👍🏼
Hahahahaha! I love this review.
Wasn't fun to make the video!!
I used to review Irish whistles (during the early internet, before RUclips existed), and I rather enjoyed doing reviews like these, haha.
this one is pretty disappointing. I guess that's stupid but I thought Fender is pretty famous so they should have good products :/ Good I saw this review and didn't bought this one!
Sadly it happens quite a bit with guitar brands - their focus isn't on ukes, but they read news articles showing ukulele popularity and jump to put something out. But making a good ukulele is nothing like making a guitar. If you apply guitar making principles to a ukulele you will get it wrong. Plus, there can be no excuse at all for their lack of quality control.
It’s meant to be a beginners ukulele as far as I know and grace even says that it’s a really good beginners ukulele in the video she made with fender
Vanessa Bourke it’s not a good beginners instrument though. It fails at that! I don’t really care what Grace says.
Vanessa Bourke but surely you realise she says nice things because she is paid by them???
Like a $10 DIY kit Uku. Same materials. :-/
Exactly!
10:06 That sniff.
Yep - it was at that point in the video I really just wanted to smash it against the wall.
Not worth £60 but not bad per say
I really, really would NOT use the term 'not bad'. More like 'pretty awful'
GotAUkulele ok
Bloody hell what do expect for a 50 quid ukulele 🤣 jeez. It's just something fun to play and learn on
I'd agree with you if this was the standard of ALL 50 quid ukuleles. Would agree with you totally. But that simply isn't the case. I can recommend several that cost 30% less or more that are far better, objectively speaking. So at the ticket price - this fails. If they listed it at 30 quid, maybe it's worth more consideration, but even then is up against competition.