SO much better - that's what upsets me - I love the brand and have spent more on their guitars than the sum total of my uke purchases. I KNOW they could do it - but they take the easy option.
This is why I enjoy your videos. You're calm, knowledgeable and honest. If you don't like an instrument you'll say why and still point out what you do like. I agree with you about the headstock.
I have both versions of this uke. bes ukes i've ever played that come with a pick-up. love the thinner body, and the neck shape. . sounds great through any amp andf the pre amp is great. lots of footage on my channel
Each to their own - personally thought it was rather overpriced and compared to what you can get from other brands for same money, somewhat below par - but opinions are very subjective of course! Glad you like yours.
Did you see the price of that Uber deluxe whatever it is edition of all things must pass? Over £800!! Times are indeed hard at Friar Park. Nice and to the point review as always though
My first uke was an Epi LP. After trying one of the older Fenders, I've ignored ukes with electric guitar headstocks. I really like the body color and etching on this one. In fact, this is probably the first guitar headstocked ukulele that made me hope for better sound. Oh well, maybe I'll get some sandpaper, fretboard decals and craft paint and do a winter project.😂 Thanks for showing this one👍👍
I do like the look of it, but once again Fender disappoints on the ukulele front. I agree with you about Fender guitars, I really like my strat. Great review!
A very fair review. I got the sapphire version, and love the looks. My biggest disappointment is the tuners. They seem cheap and chincy. I took an advantage of a $40 discount from a Reverb seller, and I’m glad I did, as I was ready to pay full price. It’s not at all bad IMO, but I guess I expected more. I haven’t plugged it in yet, as the battery arrived mostly dead. Initial thoughts vs my Epiphone Hummingbird is I prefer the Fender. I bought the Hummingbird because of the incredible coolness factor, knowing not to expect it to sound as good as my Gibson Hummingbird. It just so darn cute, as is the Dahni signature.
Thanks Baz, top honest review as usual. Your tone of voice while describing instruments says everything. Come on Fender, all that heritage, design know how and you can’t come up with a bespoke beautiful headstock for a uke….even a signature uke. This is another nod to uke players on how you view them as a customer. Thanks again for another great review. Have a good week.
I think the ukulele has nice color contrast and build. I love fender Instruments in general but I don’t like the headstock on the ukulele. The headstock screams guitar and the ukuleles it’s own instrument. I see what you mean about the high nut position being sharp, it looks it. Actually I agree you pay for names then they want you to pay for signatures and a bag which really isn’t free. 😂the ukulele is about $100 US without the add one and names. Don’t think the sound was to bad but maybe it would be better with fluorocarbon strings. Well thanks again looking forward to the next!…. DOC
Hi Barry, Thanks for the review. I was intrigued, and pleased that you chose the less garish model to review. (I've never liked the 'eyes' on the back of the other one.) Sounds really muddy to me...very odd. Take care, Casey
I agree, I too have a Strat and Tele but their ukeleles should have a more conventional head stock just in keeping with a uke design. The headstock doesn't match the body, I suppose it's too associated with their guitars. Excellent reviews, I often watch them at work too. I'd like to see your guitars. Thanks.
I’m the dark blue one…it is cool. Plays fine, and is my plug-in uke. For acoustic unplugged , I have kamaka tenor and a koaloha concert. The fender is pretty much strictly for plugging in…looping, effects, etc. Would not suffice as my only uke…but, it serves a fun purpose in my arsenal.. Easy to play, electronics make it easy to Plug in. I love Fender too…have lots of fender guitars,
I take your point regarding the additional wiring and need for a battery with an active pickup but they are a real asset if you play at open mic events because they are always set up for electric guitars and passive pickups don't have the signal level to drive a rig like that well - you can adjust but you typically get a 5-10 minute slot and having to adjust the sound system for low gain then back to high gain for the next guy affects the flow. That said, this is not the Uke for me. My main ukes are the Flight Diana Soundwave and a Baton Rouge 8 string retrofitted with a soundwave system. 8 string + chorus and reverb takes the sound to interesting places.
I completely agree with your review. Beautiful uke with some scrappy bits. Sound isn’t amazing but hoping a string change will open it up. Love the connection to George. That was my dangling hook.
I actually think the George connection is a touch tenous. He didn't play Fender ukes - they didn't exist - Surely a Harrison family Martin or Kamaka would be the thing?
Had mine for a month or so & I love it - Great Uke nice to play really pleased with it, Love that it’s a bit Different - similar to some my Kala,s in sound …. think I had about 20 Ukes at last count ,,, So on this occasion I’ll have to disagree with you ! …… I guess it’s always down to personal flavour ! But I also think it’s great value for money for a electric Uke with a tuner & a very good Case - Rock on Dhani & Fender ,,, George would love it 😎
You are free to disagree and I encourage that - it's certainly different in a market that is all very 'samey' for sure. Objectively though, I think the price stands out at being cynical. I can think of many better specced electro acoustics for the same price if not less. It's why value for money lets it down in my scoring system. Just my view of course!
I'm verrrrry on the fence here. It looks summery and "Beatles-y" and generally attractive. Some nice appointments let down by general thoughtlessness (pickup, tuners). I don't know how much input Danny had in this but if I were him I'd be quite disappointed. I've owned a fender tenor before and I was broadly happy with it. This is a cash grab though. Could be 50 quid cheaper.
Not sure what you are talking about. The finish on mine, same color, is beautiful, gain comes through the teal, the in-lays are crisp as well as the signature. Perhaps you got a pre-production one?
Nope - I'm talking about the actual instrument i had in front of me and you can see in the video - I actually got this quite late and they had been available for sale for some time (came from a regular Fender dealer). Pretty shabby all in places which tells me the Fender QC is not up to scratch.
Thing is - I've reviewed several Fender ukes and this is not the only one with QC issues. Which tells me it's not an isolated thing. Know a few people with similar experiences too. Not a great uke brand.
Just got one as a birthday gift. While I love the overall look, I’m about to restring it with fluorocarbons. Aquila strings are way too chunky and not the sound I like. I also have the turquoise too, and the grain shows through the paint.
I don't 'personally' think the strings are the problem here, but I would personally change them still. In my experience I don't know a string set that can get more volume out of a uke than Aquila so I'd be worried about losing yet more projection. Be careful!
@@GotAUkulele I changed the strings on mine to Worth Browns as I find the Aquilas too tinny. I personally love my Dhani Uke, especially for electric or studio use. For acoustic performances, it's a bit quiet. I agree with your comments re: the nut but I find the intonation and action are pretty good. Thanks for your as usual honest review, everyone has their own preferences, and I just like this for its styling (I have the darker blue one) and (now with the Worth Browns) sound! Keep on trucking Baz!
@@howiekeegan8804 I agree completely. I had restrung and lowered the action on my dark blue Dhani I call her Neela now (blue in Hindi) to the Aquila reds when I first got it and wow what a difference. I just restrung it yesterday with some Worth low browns. I have a Amm2 and a K1 tenor and I always find myself reaching to play this instrument. I love the sound and there are things in Baz’s review I completely agree with but like a beautiful woman you fall in love with, over time as you start to see imperfections it doesn’t diminish your affection for them.
Dhani clearly has some style ideas and I think they work here - I just really don't think Fender were the brand he should have gone with. George didn't play a Fender uke.
Could you recommend a good tenor uke with beautiful sound that's not too expensive? I have a soprano with incredible sound (Duke of Uke) and I am looking to buy a tenor one. But I will buy only a really nice one, I wouldn't want to spend money for something mediocre ... Duke of Uke closed unfortunately . All reviews I saw here for some models available in my country (Greece) are disappointing😂. But there's always the internet.
Live the review ! 😊. But it should be expected, Fender was more or less never able to come by with a nice acoustic guitar, even with their long history, why should they be able to do a nice ukulele, instrument which is even more different than an electric guitar. With ukes lightweight is key, very very different from an electric guitar...
Not a good effort from Fender, sadly. I have a Fender Koa Montecito Tenor with a low G and I love it. One of my faves, but this is a total clunker compared to that model! When will they learn? Thanks, Baz!
Too many to single out just one - look at my full reviews list on the website - all those highlighted bold are faves. All those in the 9's are certainly faves! www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
...And the socket is not at the heel. That's a side-ripping accident waiting to happen. You'd think Fender of all brands should know how to deal with the electric part!
@@GotAUkulele ok thanks. I’m new to your channel and I apologize for not looking harder for what I was looking for. I have owned a ML red cedar concert for 12 years. I think I paid $249 at the time. Nice customer service too. Thanks for your videos.
Because at its heart - it's a very basic build. There's more to making a uke sound good than just glueing pieces together. I'd say it's over braced and the tonewoods are not great.
Curious whether you are going to keep it? I was able to order a few at a good discount to give to my bandmates who are Harrison fans, like the design elements and Safire color, if it makes them smile, pick it up to play and think of George, then all is good.
First thing I noticed (after the colour) was that neck - much too chunky for my liking! It's a shame that companies such as Fender end up happy enough to give up their original values and standards and live off the name. People who don't know better will look across a row of names and pick a brand they feel they can trust and it just seems Fender are taking advantage of that.
Fender is really cynical in the US with the Billie Eilish model at $299 🤦♀️🙄 Thankfully I’m way beyond the age demographic that would normally want one.
Everytime you analyze a Fender I hope it would get a good score, because I love the brand and what they've done in guitars. And everytime it's so disappointing. I like the design, the colour, the inlays, even the headstock for its out-of-tradition. But the sound is so dull, lacking of any character, so poor. I don't get what's the purpose of building an instrument that neglects what your company stands for.
I agree about the pickup - those gigantic plastic pieces just kill it for me. It’s a complete dealbreaker. I really WANT Fender to make good ukes just like I really want them to make good acoustic guitars. I’ve met a few people who work at FMIC and they’re all great people who obviously have serious passion for their job so I just can’t understand where the disconnect is. These people want to make great guitars, they R&D the hell out of things for fun in secret, even in the Scottsdale office, and they genuinely want to make great offerings. So… why the lackluster acoustic offerings when they can put in a bit more effort to their ukes in particular, ingratiate themselves in the community, and grow organically. But the cynic in me screams that they’re just ticking a box so nobody says they’re leaving money on the table.
Definitely ticking the box - i've been contacted by their 'uke division' from time to time asking for help with promotions - had NO idea I had even reviewed their ukes (and not strongly - that tells me they are googling and looking for sites like mine, but have no clue about the uke community we are working in. Quite sad.
I've said it many times before - if Fender made a solid electric tenor or baritone to the quality of their Mexican Strats and tele's - they would absolutely clean up and blow Risa off the map. Seems so easy for them to do. It's what they do best. Instead they make crappy twee bland sounding acoustic ukes with pop star endorsements..
@@GotAUkulele that would do it. But for their acoustics, they should take their “one for every budget” attitude they have for their guitars and apply it to ukuleles, but not just ukes for ukes’ sake but actual musical instruments. X-Ray some old Martin ukes and then look hard at Pono’s tiered approach and apply those budget ranges (real world budget, not MSRP), but with lighter builds. Offshore, Mexico, US, then US custom shop. Show enough quality and dedication to uke store owners and build that reputation. The ukulele world is more than willing to accept a big name - especially one that calm some Americans’ opinions on domestic manufacture. ;-)
@@LukePlaysUke Totally agree - think Epiphone or even Gibson should and could do the same. In fact Epiphone briefly made a VERY good solid masterbilt uke that was superb. Now they focus on things like that crappy Les Paul monstrosity!
This is boring. It's a samey, boring uke. But with a cute paint job. For that money I'd rather get a Montecito, if I absolutely had to buy a Fender. Luckily I don't, I'm spoiled for choice. I'd grab a Flight, or that aNueNue if I wanted colour.
That thick, obnoxious looking fret board banded in what looks like hideous white plastic is just atrocious looking. Before you said anything, I thought, "No." From where I'm sitting, it seem like they used 'parts' where they could to reduce cost to make more $$ and that's just sad. It seems obvious to me that the size of the head is dictated by the size of those huge, unattractive tuners. If they had chosen more appropriately sized tuners, they could've given a nod to their guitar head with a smaller one....maybe even an open frame head stock in the traditional Fender shape. How cool would that've been?
Why would you paint any wood any hue of blue ? Absolutely bloody awful. It appears to me that Dhani is simply cashing in on his dad's affection for the ukulele. I wouldn't touch it with the proverbial 10' barge pole.
Another Fender 'wanna-be'. Just like Dhani is not a real Beatle like his dad George, this thing is not a real ukulele. Even with all the karma clutter, it produces bad vibrations like the rest of the Fender line.
And that folks is why we love Got a Ukulele. Even with all the name weight behind it we still get an honest review. Thanks as always Mr M. Danny
My pleasure!
Whenever I see a Fender uke I always think, with their history & experience they could do much better.
SO much better - that's what upsets me - I love the brand and have spent more on their guitars than the sum total of my uke purchases. I KNOW they could do it - but they take the easy option.
This is why I enjoy your videos. You're calm, knowledgeable and honest. If you don't like an instrument you'll say why and still point out what you do like. I agree with you about the headstock.
Thanks!
Aha. Here come the Christmas-present ukes, destined for those who will know no better.
Ha ha! Yes!
I have both versions of this uke. bes ukes i've ever played that come with a pick-up. love the thinner body, and the neck shape. . sounds great through any amp andf the pre amp is great. lots of footage on my channel
Each to their own - personally thought it was rather overpriced and compared to what you can get from other brands for same money, somewhat below par - but opinions are very subjective of course!
Glad you like yours.
I did not know that the Harrisons had fallen on hard times.Nice of Fender to help out.
Ha ha!!
Did you see the price of that Uber deluxe whatever it is edition of all things must pass? Over £800!! Times are indeed hard at Friar Park. Nice and to the point review as always though
Dumb comment
My first uke was an Epi LP. After trying one of the older Fenders, I've ignored ukes with electric guitar headstocks. I really like the body color and etching on this one.
In fact, this is probably the first guitar headstocked ukulele that made me hope for better sound. Oh well, maybe I'll get some sandpaper, fretboard decals and craft paint and do a winter project.😂
Thanks for showing this one👍👍
Thank you so much for such immensely helpful reviews.
My pleasure!
I do like the look of it, but once again Fender disappoints on the ukulele front. I agree with you about Fender guitars, I really like my strat. Great review!
Thanks for sharing!
You always offer the best reviews! Thank you 🙂
Tha k you!
A very fair review. I got the sapphire version, and love the looks. My biggest disappointment is the tuners. They seem cheap and chincy. I took an advantage of a $40 discount from a Reverb seller, and I’m glad I did, as I was ready to pay full price. It’s not at all bad IMO, but I guess I expected more. I haven’t plugged it in yet, as the battery arrived mostly dead. Initial thoughts vs my Epiphone Hummingbird is I prefer the Fender. I bought the Hummingbird because of the incredible coolness factor, knowing not to expect it to sound as good as my Gibson Hummingbird. It just so darn cute, as is the Dahni signature.
Worth a look with a discount for sure,
Thanks Baz, top honest review as usual. Your tone of voice while describing instruments says everything. Come on Fender, all that heritage, design know how and you can’t come up with a bespoke beautiful headstock for a uke….even a signature uke. This is another nod to uke players on how you view them as a customer. Thanks again for another great review. Have a good week.
Much appreciated!
I love the impartiality of the review. Keep it up!
Much appreciated!
I think the ukulele has nice color contrast and build. I love fender Instruments in general but I don’t like the headstock on the ukulele. The headstock screams guitar and the ukuleles it’s own instrument. I see what you mean about the high nut position being sharp, it looks it. Actually I agree you pay for names then they want you to pay for signatures and a bag which really isn’t free. 😂the ukulele is about $100 US without the add one and names. Don’t think the sound was to bad but maybe it would be better with fluorocarbon strings. Well thanks again looking forward to the next!…. DOC
Thanks for the review as always! I'll stick to my anuenue concert.
(Btw, these moonphases as dots seems to be a thing now doesn't it?)
Would love a review of the Fender Rincon, since you metioned it.
I could listen to you play uke all day. beautiful.
Thanks!
Pretty Ukulele I really like the back. Thank you for the honest review.
You are so welcome!
I’ve wondered about the removal of those sort of placed electronics for the potential plus of a side sound port.
Interesting idea - suspect the finishing under the pickup controls is probably a bit scruffy, but could be tidied
It's a beauty! Thanks for the review!
Looks wise I agree - not so sure beyond that though
Hi Barry,
Thanks for the review. I was intrigued, and pleased that you chose the less garish model to review. (I've never liked the 'eyes' on the back of the other one.)
Sounds really muddy to me...very odd.
Take care,
Casey
To be honest - didn't give it that much thought - could as easily have grabbed the other one!
Good honest review. Much appreciated. Glad you didn't blow smoke up is arse
No point - enough influencers out there paid to do that for them!
I agree, I too have a Strat and Tele but their ukeleles should have a more conventional head stock just in keeping with a uke design. The headstock doesn't match the body, I suppose it's too associated with their guitars. Excellent reviews, I often watch them at work too. I'd like to see your guitars. Thanks.
Thank you!!
I’m the dark blue one…it is cool. Plays fine, and is my plug-in uke. For acoustic unplugged , I have kamaka tenor and a koaloha concert. The fender is pretty much strictly for plugging in…looping, effects, etc. Would not suffice as my only uke…but, it serves a fun purpose in my arsenal.. Easy to play, electronics make it easy to Plug in. I love Fender too…have lots of fender guitars,
I love Fender - own two of the USA electric guitars. Just think they don't have a clue about ukuleles.
@@GotAUkulele admittedly, as an unplugged uke….I have a few Makala Dolphins around, and they sound better than this one, acoustically!
I take your point regarding the additional wiring and need for a battery with an active pickup but they are a real asset if you play at open mic events because they are always set up for electric guitars and passive pickups don't have the signal level to drive a rig like that well - you can adjust but you typically get a 5-10 minute slot and having to adjust the sound system for low gain then back to high gain for the next guy affects the flow. That said, this is not the Uke for me. My main ukes are the Flight Diana Soundwave and a Baton Rouge 8 string retrofitted with a soundwave system. 8 string + chorus and reverb takes the sound to interesting places.
Always carry a belt mounted pre-amp with me if performing with uke for that reason
@@GotAUkulele Good idea!
I completely agree with your review. Beautiful uke with some scrappy bits. Sound isn’t amazing but hoping a string change will open it up. Love the connection to George. That was my dangling hook.
I actually think the George connection is a touch tenous. He didn't play Fender ukes - they didn't exist - Surely a Harrison family Martin or Kamaka would be the thing?
@@GotAUkulele true. Guess those companies didn’t approach Dhani though.
Ah well.
@@GotAUkulele exactly kamaka was George’s favorites.
Had mine for a month or so & I love it - Great Uke nice to play really pleased with it, Love that it’s a bit Different - similar to some my Kala,s in sound …. think I had about 20 Ukes at last count ,,, So on this occasion I’ll have to disagree with you ! …… I guess it’s always down to personal flavour ! But I also think it’s great value for money for a electric Uke with a tuner & a very good Case - Rock on Dhani & Fender ,,, George would love it 😎
You are free to disagree and I encourage that - it's certainly different in a market that is all very 'samey' for sure. Objectively though, I think the price stands out at being cynical. I can think of many better specced electro acoustics for the same price if not less. It's why value for money lets it down in my scoring system. Just my view of course!
I'm verrrrry on the fence here. It looks summery and "Beatles-y" and generally attractive. Some nice appointments let down by general thoughtlessness (pickup, tuners). I don't know how much input Danny had in this but if I were him I'd be quite disappointed.
I've owned a fender tenor before and I was broadly happy with it. This is a cash grab though. Could be 50 quid cheaper.
Definitely a cash grab!
Dhani
Not sure what you are talking about. The finish on mine, same color, is beautiful, gain comes through the teal, the in-lays are crisp as well as the signature. Perhaps you got a pre-production one?
Nope - I'm talking about the actual instrument i had in front of me and you can see in the video - I actually got this quite late and they had been available for sale for some time (came from a regular Fender dealer). Pretty shabby all in places which tells me the Fender QC is not up to scratch.
Guess I got lucky
Thing is - I've reviewed several Fender ukes and this is not the only one with QC issues. Which tells me it's not an isolated thing. Know a few people with similar experiences too. Not a great uke brand.
Just got one as a birthday gift. While I love the overall look, I’m about to restring it with fluorocarbons. Aquila strings are way too chunky and not the sound I like. I also have the turquoise too, and the grain shows through the paint.
I don't 'personally' think the strings are the problem here, but I would personally change them still. In my experience I don't know a string set that can get more volume out of a uke than Aquila so I'd be worried about losing yet more projection. Be careful!
@@GotAUkulele Just personally never been a fan of the Aquila’s .. much prefer a set of worth clears. Thanks for the heads up
@@dimivasiliadis4096 Nor me!
@@GotAUkulele I changed the strings on mine to Worth Browns as I find the Aquilas too tinny. I personally love my Dhani Uke, especially for electric or studio use. For acoustic performances, it's a bit quiet. I agree with your comments re: the nut but I find the intonation and action are pretty good. Thanks for your as usual honest review, everyone has their own preferences, and I just like this for its styling (I have the darker blue one) and (now with the Worth Browns) sound! Keep on trucking Baz!
@@howiekeegan8804 I agree completely. I had restrung and lowered the action on my dark blue Dhani I call her Neela now (blue in Hindi) to the Aquila reds when I first got it and wow what a difference. I just restrung it yesterday with some Worth low browns. I have a Amm2 and a K1 tenor and I always find myself reaching to play this instrument. I love the sound and there are things in Baz’s review I completely agree with but like a beautiful woman you fall in love with, over time as you start to see imperfections it doesn’t diminish your affection for them.
Not got the wow factor. Looks nice though. Have a good weekend Barry
Dhani clearly has some style ideas and I think they work here - I just really don't think Fender were the brand he should have gone with. George didn't play a Fender uke.
great review, what is that solo you play at 12:10 ?
See link below the video!
@@GotAUkulele ha sorry thank you, I’m here around here
Could you recommend a good tenor uke with beautiful sound that's not too expensive? I have a soprano with incredible sound (Duke of Uke) and I am looking to buy a tenor one. But I will buy only a really nice one, I wouldn't want to spend money for something mediocre ... Duke of Uke closed unfortunately . All reviews I saw here for some models available in my country (Greece) are disappointing😂. But there's always the internet.
All of my recommendations are on my full reviews list linked below the video - go with the highest scores first!
Live the review ! 😊. But it should be expected, Fender was more or less never able to come by with a nice acoustic guitar, even with their long history, why should they be able to do a nice ukulele, instrument which is even more different than an electric guitar. With ukes lightweight is key, very very different from an electric guitar...
It is a pity, but Fender never care about any acoustic instrument, neither steel strings or ukes... Margins are just thinner with those...
Well said!
Looks nice but totally agree with you about the headstock etc, must admit thought it would have been more expensive
only a laminate top remember
@@GotAUkulele assuming paying a premium for the name
Both names that is, double bubble !
@@alanwhitney3263 There certainly is a premium - it's the same uke as the Rincon but costs £50 more.
@@alanwhitney3263 Ah - I see what you mean!
Not a good effort from Fender, sadly. I have a Fender Koa Montecito Tenor with a low G and I love it. One of my faves, but this is a total clunker compared to that model! When will they learn? Thanks, Baz!
Thanks for sharing!
My Doner tenor sounds better!... for 60 €!😏...and i'm sick of those Aquila everywhere!😪
Thx Baz
What is your favorite ukulele?
Too many to single out just one - look at my full reviews list on the website - all those highlighted bold are faves. All those in the 9's are certainly faves! www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
...And the socket is not at the heel. That's a side-ripping accident waiting to happen. You'd think Fender of all brands should know how to deal with the electric part!
Agreed!
Did you ever try a Mainland uke? Would be interested in your opinion.
Yes- very good brand - there are a couple of reviews on the website
@@GotAUkulele ok thanks. I’m new to your channel and I apologize for not looking harder for what I was looking for. I have owned a ML red cedar concert for 12 years. I think I paid $249 at the time. Nice customer service too. Thanks for your videos.
It is really sound thin - why? it is not basswood - what do u think what's the reason?
Because at its heart - it's a very basic build. There's more to making a uke sound good than just glueing pieces together. I'd say it's over braced and the tonewoods are not great.
@@GotAUkulele what best laminate soprano u whould suggest to compare?
@@vs_830 I'd be looking at brands like Kiwaya and Baton Rouge. Kiwaya student series in particular
@@GotAUkulele many thanks will see
Lose the tronic "gubbins," whittle down the weapon-like headstock, tidy up some of the decor, cut the price by 1/3... not that bad!
...though my polycarbonate Enya Nova sounds better at USD139!
And improve the tone!
Curious whether you are going to keep it? I was able to order a few at a good discount to give to my bandmates who are Harrison fans, like the design elements and Safire color, if it makes them smile, pick it up to play and think of George, then all is good.
Bought solely for review - so no, not keeping it.
Silly looking headstock is a dealbreaker that would stop me from buying any Fender uke.
And me
My main rule: Never pay for a name! I do own a Martin ukulele. The master brand of them all. It's not even my favorite among the ukuleles I have.
Certainly not THIS name when it comes to ukes! (thought their electric guitars are second to none IMHO)
Fender. Please! PLEASE!
Im buying this for my 5 year old daughter tomorrow for 150 ;) figure it be good for her to have her first real instrument at 5 :)
I personally wouldn't. Sorry. 150 will get you many far FAR better instruments
@@GotAUkulele Well I checked a few vids. Rush me if yoo don't mind a good one for a kid that has looks good too
This is why I have a Fender guitar and no Fender ukes. I no longer want entry level. I am backing away from quantity in favor of quality.
Ditto!
First thing I noticed (after the colour) was that neck - much too chunky for my liking! It's a shame that companies such as Fender end up happy enough to give up their original values and standards and live off the name. People who don't know better will look across a row of names and pick a brand they feel they can trust and it just seems Fender are taking advantage of that.
Without a doubt!
its a yantra not a mandala.
Thanks!
Fender is really cynical in the US with the Billie Eilish model at $299 🤦♀️🙄 Thankfully I’m way beyond the age demographic that would normally want one.
Very - and they did the same with pricing on the Grace van der Waal ones before too
Everytime you analyze a Fender I hope it would get a good score, because I love the brand and what they've done in guitars. And everytime it's so disappointing. I like the design, the colour, the inlays, even the headstock for its out-of-tradition. But the sound is so dull, lacking of any character, so poor. I don't get what's the purpose of building an instrument that neglects what your company stands for.
I agree about the pickup - those gigantic plastic pieces just kill it for me. It’s a complete dealbreaker.
I really WANT Fender to make good ukes just like I really want them to make good acoustic guitars. I’ve met a few people who work at FMIC and they’re all great people who obviously have serious passion for their job so I just can’t understand where the disconnect is. These people want to make great guitars, they R&D the hell out of things for fun in secret, even in the Scottsdale office, and they genuinely want to make great offerings.
So… why the lackluster acoustic offerings when they can put in a bit more effort to their ukes in particular, ingratiate themselves in the community, and grow organically.
But the cynic in me screams that they’re just ticking a box so nobody says they’re leaving money on the table.
Definitely ticking the box - i've been contacted by their 'uke division' from time to time asking for help with promotions - had NO idea I had even reviewed their ukes (and not strongly - that tells me they are googling and looking for sites like mine, but have no clue about the uke community we are working in.
Quite sad.
@@GotAUkulele it’s pretty nuts to watch wasted potential on such a grand scale.
I've said it many times before - if Fender made a solid electric tenor or baritone to the quality of their Mexican Strats and tele's - they would absolutely clean up and blow Risa off the map. Seems so easy for them to do. It's what they do best. Instead they make crappy twee bland sounding acoustic ukes with pop star endorsements..
@@GotAUkulele that would do it. But for their acoustics, they should take their “one for every budget” attitude they have for their guitars and apply it to ukuleles, but not just ukes for ukes’ sake but actual musical instruments. X-Ray some old Martin ukes and then look hard at Pono’s tiered approach and apply those budget ranges (real world budget, not MSRP), but with lighter builds. Offshore, Mexico, US, then US custom shop. Show enough quality and dedication to uke store owners and build that reputation. The ukulele world is more than willing to accept a big name - especially one that calm some Americans’ opinions on domestic manufacture. ;-)
@@LukePlaysUke Totally agree - think Epiphone or even Gibson should and could do the same. In fact Epiphone briefly made a VERY good solid masterbilt uke that was superb. Now they focus on things like that crappy Les Paul monstrosity!
This is boring. It's a samey, boring uke. But with a cute paint job. For that money I'd rather get a Montecito, if I absolutely had to buy a Fender. Luckily I don't, I'm spoiled for choice. I'd grab a Flight, or that aNueNue if I wanted colour.
Yep - agree - easily beaten
it looks good on a wall, but dont play it.
If fender ukes 🎉🎉🎉🎉had a different headstock why would anyone buy one🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Actually, from time to time, Fender HAVE put out ukes with a regular headstock.
That thick, obnoxious looking fret board banded in what looks like hideous white plastic is just atrocious looking. Before you said anything, I thought, "No." From where I'm sitting, it seem like they used 'parts' where they could to reduce cost to make more $$ and that's just sad. It seems obvious to me that the size of the head is dictated by the size of those huge, unattractive tuners. If they had chosen more appropriately sized tuners, they could've given a nod to their guitar head with a smaller one....maybe even an open frame head stock in the traditional Fender shape. How cool would that've been?
A headstock like that certainly would have been cooler. Wouldn’t solve the thin characterless tone though!
Why would you paint any wood any hue of blue ? Absolutely bloody awful. It appears to me that Dhani is simply cashing in on his dad's affection for the ukulele. I wouldn't touch it with the proverbial 10' barge pole.
I'm with you re Dhani!
Fender is simply “exploiting” the Harrison name. I’ve seen Dhani in concert, and believe me, he’s no George Harrison. Not even close.
Without a doubt
Dhani who? LOL
Another Fender 'wanna-be'. Just like Dhani is not a real Beatle like his dad George, this thing is not a real ukulele. Even with all the karma clutter, it produces bad vibrations like the rest of the Fender line.
Total sell out this one!