Not A Ukulele Reviews - Washburn Rover RO10 Travel Guitar
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- Опубликовано: 28 ноя 2022
- Not A Ukulele returns with a look at the Washburn Rover RO10 Travel Guitar! Site link with specs - www.gotaukulele.com/2022/11/w...
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I was checking Washburn guitar literally 15 min before your video! Thanks for the review, you definitely saved me from another impulsive buy
Glad I could help!
Glad to see a return of these smaller guitar reviews, been considering picking one up and these have been very helpful.
Glad I could help!
Love the shape. You played very well I love these reviews
Very hard to play due the shape though!!
Bought one of these around 3 years ago new for £99 to travel in the camper before I bought my first ukulele. It's a Marmite instrument. I actually like it however it became a bit redundant a few months later when I bought a Flight TUSL 50 travel ukulele that takes up less space. That said I haven't yet been able to bring myself to sell it as I actually enjoy playing it at home and like the quirky sound (there is no accounting for taste). Enjoyed the review thanks 👍
Just picked one up for the long trips away in the campervan
Everything what is longer than 65 cm is not to be called "travelling" instrument, because 65 cm is max length for having them inside an aeroplane. It works ok for a standard size soprano ukulele.
I checked this out very carefully before I went on a trip last summer.
Even less with UK carriers - 56 x 45 x 25cm
You could take it as a carry-on....
@@habs Not on UK carriers you couldn't (at least not without it's own ticket). Max large dimension is 55cm. It's 10cm too long.
@@GotAUkulele Yep.. it will definitely depend on the airline and their mood in the moment.
I am loving the small guitar reviews aimed at the ukulele players, I think it's a great idea. I was wondering if maybe a short scale nylon string classical guitar would be a nice transition from the ukulele world to the Guitar World. there are a number of very affordable instruments in this category that are available that you might consider having a look at and possibly reviewing. anyway great work as always, I love the honest reviews!
May have something like that coming!!
@@GotAUkulele Im also really enjoying these reviews as a classical guitar player, so Im looking forward to your reviews on small nylon strong guitars! Theres not much I can find of this breed, but Im looking into the Cordoba Mini II (specifically the Padauk and Mahogany/Flamed Mahogany models), and I would like to see you review it (but of course, no pressure). Keep up the amazing work!
I've had one of these for years and I think it's great for what it is. With the slightly short scale length, you restring it a-a (using a .008 string for the high a). Not surprisingly, it sounds much better this way. And it definitely sounds better when fingerpicked than strummed.
Really not for me i'm afraid - if those strings suit it better why don't Washburn ship them like that? Also doesn't change how uncomfortable it is to play either!
I've used this guitar all over Europe when touring in the camper van. The full size neck allows you to remain in touch/practice with the full size dreadnought back at home. It sits nicely behind the drivers seat and proves useful for "keeping hands on."
Just not seeing the 'travel' credential myself. Something like a Taylor Baby is much shorter (and sounds great) - even the Yamaha APX T2 is not THAT much bigger
Great video. It’s interesting to see a review of the rover from the perspective of a ukulele player. I’ve had a rover for over a decade now, and love it. It is not my primary guitar, for obvious reasons, but you asked what it’s purpose would be. I have travelled fairly extensively with mine on both domestic and international flights and while I’ve always made a point of politely explaining the instrument to the flight crews well in advance of boarding, I have never had any issue with getting permission to bring it with me. Flying internationally I most often just stick the guitar in my backpack with the neck/headstock sticking out, and have 100% more interested questions than objections.
I completely agree that it is not the world’s nicest sounding instrument when strumming heavy open chords, but as a small guitar, I really don’t think it is designed to be played like a ukulele. This is an instrument that excels either quietly strumming in a dorm/hotel room, or finger picking around a campfire at the end of the evening maybe trying not disturb other campers nearby. It’s light weight and compact size along with it’s sturdy build have made mine invaluable when travelling to places I can’t lug a full sized guitar.
To address the issue of how it hold it, absolutely use a light strap (I think mine even came with one) or just sit on a couch/chair with your legs tucked up on the cushion and it works just fine for what it is.
Just thought I’d add my two cents from a very, very long term test.
Thanks again for the well made video and happy strumming everyone!
I may write about ukuleles, but I am a guitar player first and foremost!
Trouble with boarding planes is one persons experience is not the same for everyone - in the UK in recent years (where I am) I find that increasingly they are measuring bags and anything even slightly over the size goes in the hold. This would certainly fail the size test for the cabin. And no amount of pleading at the gate is going to get it in the cabin when I consider some of the gate crew I have come across!!
In fact sometimes it’s not even size that is the point. A few years back I had a backpack well within dimensions with some expensive camera kit in it. By the time I got to the gate I was told the plane storage was full and despite my protesting that the kit was fragile they insisted it went in the hold. It was that or not take the flight…
(And sorry - final reply!!) Even many ukuleles are too big for these really strict gate attendees…
I have several parlors that sound excellent, but getting a smaller ukulele type guitar for traveling, I have discovered a Crafter RF 40e that has a Ovation type back that sounds great, and is somewhat waterproof 💦 .
I don't think Crafters makes them anymore, but I recommend them if you ever come across one 👍!
Nice review, can’t wait to see you do a Martin backpacker or the little Martin.
Unlikely for both due to cost - these are just sideline reviews and need to think of the best use of blog funds
Thank you! I've seen so many "reviews" and they're all so positive it's like how is it possible that every guitar on earth is excellent when we all know that's just not true!
The reason is - a lot of reviewers get paid by the brands to promote. Got A Ukulele is different and takes no money from the brands to do this. So I say what I like!!
Thanks for another small guitar review Baz. I think the diamond-shaped strengthening device at the top of the neck is called a 'volute'. I used to have a Martin Backpacker and always found that disappointing for the same reasons as you outline with the Rover. I now have a £139 Adam Black 02-T travel guitar, which I would happily recommend.
It IS a volute - I forgot the name!
@@GotAUkulele I forget my own name some days! Incidentally, I traded the Martin Backpacker for a secondhand Breedlove Passport travel guitar, mahogany with a short scale and tuned ADGCEA. A much better proposition!
I’m curious how this guitar would sound if set up for lap steel playing 🤔
I'm in two minds on the look. I wouldn't have a use for this instrument but it's nice to know that guitar manufactures cater for those in need of something different. I associate the volute with the Martin D28 and other models, a design feature on old guitars.
Sadly I associate the tone with another Martin - the Backpacker - flawed in the same way - too small a body overdriven by the strings
@@GotAUkulele I get that it's not for you,or me, but I'm in the opinion that this guitar has it's place in the camping/ hiking world, and actually sounds, and looks better than the Martin backpacker!
Especially the teardrop 💧 shaped body that is reminiscent of antique parlors !
I really like that walnut bridge!
I personally have a Crafter RF 40e mini travel guitar that has an Ovation type back.
Perfect for kayaking,or boating 🛶
I love mine but ya can't play it without a strap, it's just too small! It's light as a feather and fits in the boot of my mini cooper. I bought it so I can practice daily no matter where I am or what I'm doing so the almost full scale neck is a big plus for me, the fact that it sounds good is icing on the cake!
Thank you for showing us Ukulele Nerds, another small Body Guitar! Maybe younwould want to consider looking at the Cordoba Mini mh2 Series (Classic Guitar Strings, Standart Tuning, Bluesy Sound) There's 3 Versions (~130Pound Laminated Mahagoni, ~170 Flamed Laminated Mahagoni, ~230P Solid & Electric)
Coming soon!
im a guitar player looking for a travel guitar ty for ur vids!!
Hi Baz I’m not sure if I mentioned this one to you a while ago I can’t remember currently full of Covid either way my curiosity is remedied anyway 👍
I used to travel extensively (25 to 30 weeks each year). I first tried a Martin Backpacker but really hated it for it's flat fingerboard (even on the steel string version) and tinny sound. I found the Rover and liked it better. Used it for several years until I bought a Baby Taylor. The Rover was easy to travel with, fairly light, had better sound than the Backpacker, a much better neck and allowed me to practice in hotel rooms. The Baby Taylor was a bit more to carry through airports but much nicer to play.
This is certainly better than the backpacker IMHO but falls down for me on the base reason - I just need the sound to be better! I used to own a Baby T and honestly didn't find it that much more cumbersome - shorter too!
@@GotAUkulele I ended up carrying an old 1959 Favilla B2 baritone uke more than anything. It is probably my favorite Instrument.
Hello. I have a small guitar for another brand. My opinion. I tie a cord and hold it with the cord and then it is comfortable. If you use ir without holding a cord or a kind of thin rope is uncomfortable as happens to you. Second, it is for singers using only the chords more simple in the upper frets. I would not try to use that guitar down the first six frets. Singing along playing chords in the upper frets holding it with a thin rope it is comfortable and I am having fantastic times. I put in the same bag the mini guitar and a carry on. Blackstar folding piano (i use the folding piano conected to a smartphone's powered mini speaker). Then I play and sing for more less eight people and travel by bus. If you look at me you think i am travelling with a normal guitar's bag but inside there are the mini guitar the folding piano and the powered phone's speaker. Greetings from Argentina Republic
If they lopped that thing off at the 5th and made it into a guitarlele it would be pretty perfect as a travel instrument. As it stands not only doesn't sound well but it's not very portable.
Quite agree!
My husband has a Wahsburn acoustic with a smaller, yet wide body. I have no trouble holding and the tone is lovely. I can't remember the model number off the top of my head. Because he has a total back fusion, playing a dreadnaught became so difficult.
I actually don't like the travel ukes that are thin. I think they sound 'tinny'. MY tenor OUtdoor Uke sounds better, way better.
Thanks Baz, got to be one of the wackiest instruments I have seen you review. If Washburn stuck 4 strings on it and shortened the scale to a tenor size, wouldn’t mind hearing it then. Great. Have a great week.
Fair enough!
Yeah I heard the sound the Washburn the notes were being lost in the boomyness of the reverb if Washburn shortened the scale of the rover it might sound better .
You may be right
I have £200 to spend on a Tenor Uke. What would you recommend?
I already have a Fender Strat Uke.
I'd like a pick-up but it's not essential. Thanks.
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
@@GotAUkulele ok I have a shortlist. Islander MOT-4, Anuenue ut10 or enya novu pro?
@@OldManRickk I love the ANueNue - but not sure they are all a fair comparison- the Enya is plastic!
Plus, I’ve never played that Islander so would be wrong to comment on it
No you are not wrong, that combo doesn’t work for me. It’s not a long scale insofar as it isn’t 24.5/25.5 but it isn’t short enough proportionate to the body and the overdrive of the low E really added clang at the top end for me.
That said, I love these Not a Ukulele reviews and have been vocal about keeping them going as there is a huge value to them. Personally I think a proportioned body might have improved this, but for the money I feel you’d be a fool not to get the Jim Dandy (or Gin Rickey if you want electro acoustic).
Beyond £2-300 and I think people start equating too much back to ukulele pricing and starting to drift towards another uke over trying something like this so I think your on the right track with testing out these kind of ranges. But I’d like to see something more accessible that lots of people always ask about.
I’d like to see a tenor guitar featured. The parlour body and 21-23” scale and being only 4 strings with options for octave gcea, Chicago (dgbe) and of course cgda/ gdae leave more exploration for people if you ask me. I think I’d look at models by Recording King, Artist or the Viaten’s as they are all sub £250 tenor guitar choices. Good for thought, Baz.
Totally agree on the Jim Dandy!
I guess travel does not necessarily mean by air. In a small car or over the shoulder it would definitely be somewhat easier than a full bodied guitar.
Damping the strings with some cloth or tissue under the strings near the saddle would be Good for practicing in hotel rooms.
Playing without a plectrum and also light fingerpicking I'm sure would sound better on something like this...hard plectrum strumming is definitely not it's strong point, then again; I've heard many full size guitars sound bad played like this 😆
True I guess
Looks kinda cool, but that’s a no go on the sound for me. I still think the Gretsch Jim Dandy is the small budget guitar to go with.
And me - and agreed on the Jim Dandy!
I started to play ukulele during COVID, just trying to have fun, and I pick up my little instrument practically every day since I got one. I was really curious to try to play a guitar and the Not A Ukulele serie is a fantastic inspiration. I got a Jim Dandy some weeks ago, but I find it quite difficult to play, the limited width and the tension of the metal strings are - for me - way more challenging than expected. I am looking forward for a review of a nylon strings acoustic!
Just saw this small guitar review. I don’t mind the looks but I think the Enya plastic guitars sound better for the price range. I used to play guitar a little as a kid so I like these small guitar reviews makes me say maybe 😂….thanks ….DOC
Agred!
I had an enya briefly and the sound was awful.
If you want a travel instrument get a mando-guitar setup like the ones gold tone have out.
That’s different. If I want small, I’ll go with a parlor guitar!
Agreed!
Couldn’t agree more! Low end hurts the ears!
It's a flawed concept - ukes work with smaller bodies as they are tuned higher - you simply cannot put a low E on an instrument with this size body and expect it to not get muddy.
The nearest I know that makes it work is the Yamaha APX T 2 - bigger body for sure, but not THAT much bigger - actually works as a guitar!
www.gotaukulele.com/2022/07/yamaha-apx-t2-electro-acoustic-guitar.html
@@GotAUkulele Do you think re-entrant tuning would work? Obviously the best way to avoid the problem would be not to buy the instrument, but I'm curious...
re-entrant on a guitar?
@@GotAUkulele Why not? I've never seen it, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be done.
Suppose so !
Construction materials really work for me aesthetically. Beyond that, it's not for me.
Enjoyed the review just the same.👍👍
It’s a good build…. Terrible sound!
Also love the small guitar reviews - but that thing is dreadful.
Indeed!
For practice or Learning whilst sat watching TV, their brill. I have Martin Guitars for sound , this little fella is good for Modes , caged learning different voicing 's etc when you don't want to wake up the rest of the household.
I couldn’t get past the thin tone myself
No bottom end, no deal
Nope - loses it's way with the bass totally
I have had this guitar for a number of years, and I agree with your assessment. It has a "plunky" sound and not much sustain. Using a thinner pick helps slightly. I believe I have 10 Guage strings on it, so maybe I will switch them to an 8. It's good for practicing. I also like it for songs with a clipped strum, as it sounds almost like a banjo. 😀 I would guess guitar players won't like it and ukulele players may enjoy it because of the tone on those low strings. Thanks for the review, I was wondering what you would think of it. If you watch their promo videos, you definitely hear a different sound that is almost false advertising 🤣.
@@windysblog Agreed - and I see dealers listing these with descriptions like 'rich full tone'.. Say what????
Curious, but not to my liking.
Nope.
Indeed...