Love the review, hate Fender's cynicism. Using the brand name to sell to customers, that don't know any better and are expecting a Fender-guitar-quality instrument, is frankly criminal...nuff said! Thanks [as usual] for the honest review Baz. Enjoy the sun and stay safe mate 👍
It may not be fair but when I see that control panel on the side of an acoustic instrument my first thought is that it's there to make up for a deficient acoustic performance.
I think there is something in that. It's an upsell that isn't really needed. I'd wager the vast majority of those who buy ukes with this sort of pickup are never going to perform.
Good review. I totally agree about Fender. I will stick with Ohana. The best ukulele I can get within a couple of hours from where I live. I’m happy with it !🙂. Will probably get another one
I have got a Fender Redondo guitar,/california) its got a huge body ,I can hardly hold it on my knees, thats why I dont play it very often, it was a Xmas present from my husband:)))
I guess many will buy this ukulele, just because it's a Fender. I recognice the phenomen, because if Gibson made a uke, I would buy it, without hesitation. I am that stupid 🤣 Thanks a lot for the review. Very interesting to see and hear. Wish you a nice sunday. Take care, you're the best ❤️
Barry, I really appreciate your honest review of Fender, the sacred cow of electric guitars but the mongrel of acoustics. I personally don't care for the ukulele's color, wood type, and the use of laminates when a solid top is available at the same price. That said, the market place will sort this out. Now, the 'no-tie' slotted bridge, found on this model and the Montecito is the big issue no one is talking about. Unless the string has a sufficiently large knot that fits inside the bridge hole, tuning the Fender results in the knot pulling through, splitting the string slot, permanently damaging the bridge. I've seen this damage on two different Fender Montecito ukes affecting both the Low G (where wound string tension is the problem) and the A string (where the string diameter and a smaller than normal knot puts too much stress on the thin top of the string slot). With this design flaw, the ugly headstock, tuners, and fingerboard that belong on an electric guitar, makes the case for Fender to abandon ukuleles and return to rock music.
Yep - slot bridges are easy to use, but you do need to ensure decent knots. If the wood on these is too soft - fatal. Never seen a Fender uke that really impressed me. Most downright annoy me! Sad thing is this - they made a tenor electric tele - was SUPERB - made in the Mex production line. So they CAN make smaller instruments. If they made a solid electric tenor ukulele they would clean up. But they focus on acoustics. Makes no sense to me/
I feel the same way as you Baz. I have never been tempted to buy a Fender acoustic guitar or ukulele. And as shallow as it might sound, the first reason is purely that horrible headstock! As someone else commented it just makes it look like a ‘mongrel’ or hybrid crossover. I’m also against electronics on acoustic instruments. That’s just a personal opinion as I have absolutely no need for any form of pick up. But I appreciate many play gigs and need them. I think you do a remarkable job with your channel. Staying objective and impartial must be extremely difficult at times, whether for positive or negative reasons. It’s easy to pick up on your frustrations here! All the best mate
I admit to enjoying your more rantish reviews - I hope they’re somewhat cathartic, though obviously you’d much rather review something really nice. As you say, there are much better instruments for the same price or less. Oh well, this isn’t one of those reviews that puts me in danger of spending money. On Fender, as well as being a pity they don’t put effort into ukuleles (I’d rather they avoided them entirely for what’s available), it’s a pity the Alternative Reality Tenor Telecaster was available for such a short time. Maybe one day there will be a steel string solid electric as you say again - that could be a special instrument.
Thanks for the review Baz and doing it on a glorious Sunday BH. Got to say, the looks and sound don’t do it for me. I would love to see a Fender Uke with a unique headstock. I do agree that they could produce an instrument of quality, they just keep producing an instrument that screams they just can’t be bothered. Why don’t they do a real limited edition, small number, all singing and dancing Uke’s and see how theysell. Hey ho, bring on the sunshine. Have a great week.
I’ve got one of the Fender concert tele shaped ones, and it’s one of the most playable ukes I have… But it was bought setup by HMS, so ya know, that’s what makes it so nice.
Same story with fender acoustic guitars unfortunately. I adore their electrics. I would recommend the classic vibe squires over most at that price point but when it comes to acoustics it's like eating a roast with no gravy. All the ingredients are there and it should be great but there is something missing
The very first Martin ukuleles were horrible little instruments. Then, they learned. I keep waiting for Fender to follow suit. I doubt they will. Still, wouldn’t it be wonderful to see Fender design and build (in California) a solid-body electric uke?
They are PERFECTLY capable - that tenor tele they made on short run in Mexico was absolutely superb. Make a smaller one of those, tenor or baritone - they'd wipe the floor with RISA.
@@GotAUkulele The Fender 600sx that I owned convinced me that acoustics were not their strong suit. My Fender Stratocaster will never be listed as “for sale.”
Thier signature models seem to do much better. I own one of the Jimmy Stafford signature. Nohea models and it plays well and is made well. At least the one I got anyways.
Thanks baz great review as always..Yeah I'm with you very little effort for a mediocre ukelele and that headstock looks stupid and a bit cheap in my opinion
You're not sweating from a heat wave--it's your rage at the high price and ugly pickup, tuners, headstock, bridge, etc. Meanwhile, I'm glad you didn't get splinters from that scrapwood fretboard. The sound was okay, coming through a mike and YT compression, but my $99 Cordoba laminate tenor sounds better.
The name is the game! Like Harley, like Gibson, like Mercedes, etc., etc. That model is just a rip-off. Fender can certainly do it, but it is more profitable to just make cheap and sell high. Thanks for the review!
Fender is hit and miss, sadly. When it comes to consistent quality and attention to detail. Gibson is the same way. Living on their past grandeur. The original Rincon is much better. Like you, I'm not hating on Fender. They do make top notch instruments in its illustrious history. I own or used to own some. They are more serious with thier signature models they do for Dahnni Harrison, Grace Vanderhoot and Jimmy Stafford. I own the Jimmy Stafford one.
great review thanks, the fender player series guitars (MIM) are incredibly poor at the minute as well - looks like fender accountants have taken over the asylum .... shame
Fender keeps trying to turn the ukulele into a guitar. They should stay with their great guitars and get out of the ukulele game. I sort of like the looks but the bridge. I like strictly acoustic instruments not pickup heavy ones. I don’t mind laminated instruments if it is engineered right for sound. In fact it can be quite good. I agree about the head stock and massive gears….. not for me but another nice and a fair review.thanks ….DOC
It promises much but as your assessment shows it doesn't deliver. Totally disappointed! I love Fender's design, of the u know what, and surely they could come up with a really nice benchmark uke! Something that would let you spend hours tweaking the intonation. Swapping pickups etc😂 I loved the idea of the Dani Harrison one but it just didn't hit the exceptional mark, though it's possible there were a few made that did. Their research and development team could easily head to Hawaii and consult some of the heritage makers. Come up with an infallible design? Make it in Mexico is a great idea.❤ Great review and though not a sparkly sound you made it seem rather tuneful and by no means unpleasant! And there are ukes out there to run from on all counts. Certainly I have one that even the cat walks off in disgust and he loves the bagpipe chanter.😂
Fender is missing out. Making ukuleles that are just okay is not good enough for this storied brand. I can't understand why they can't put some effort into making a ukulele worthy of the Fender name. I've yet to see a Fender model ukulele that inspires me to purchase one.
I don't get it with Fender ukes... Iconic company but If you're not going to bother then why bother. The R&D seems like it happens at 4:50 pm on a Friday before a 3 day weekend.
@@hilltop1845 Genuinely serious story in that regard. Twice now I have had emails direct from the Fender Ukulele team (if there is such a thing). Both times with emails opening with them telling me how much they love my site and what I do for the uke community. Both then asked me to promote their 'Fender Play App'. On both occasions I messaged back to say that 'if they like my stuff so much they would realise review instruments and had reviewed a number of theirs'.. Radio silence follows.. until the next email telling me I am great and asking me to promote their app... It's pitiful...
Now, if only the guys at Fender actually saw this, and realised that they could do better. One could wish, I suppose.
Indeed
Great review as usual! Love the shirt, btw!
Thanks!
Love the review, hate Fender's cynicism.
Using the brand name to sell to customers, that don't know any better and are expecting a Fender-guitar-quality instrument, is frankly criminal...nuff said!
Thanks [as usual] for the honest review Baz. Enjoy the sun and stay safe mate 👍
That's exactly what it is
It may not be fair but when I see that control panel on the side of an acoustic instrument my first thought is that it's there to make up for a deficient acoustic performance.
I think there is something in that. It's an upsell that isn't really needed. I'd wager the vast majority of those who buy ukes with this sort of pickup are never going to perform.
Thanks!
That’s very kind of you- thanks!
Love yer T.
Thanks!
Good review. I totally agree about Fender. I will stick with Ohana. The best ukulele I can get within a couple of hours from where I live. I’m happy with it !🙂. Will probably get another one
Far better choice
I have got a Fender Redondo guitar,/california) its got a huge body ,I can hardly hold it on my knees, thats why I dont play it very often, it was a Xmas present from my husband:)))
The end game is actually decided by the bean counters at the fender company. They have to report to the big stockbrokers.
Yep
I agree with your review when I heard you play the sound of the strings as if they were muted it didn't have any punch
Yep - kind of a dead body
I'm thinking they had to use those big tuners to balance the thing.
You may be right!
I can’t get beyond the crude bridge that looks like they cut it out but never sanded or finished it. Great review, Baz, as usual.
I know right?
I guess many will buy this ukulele, just because it's a Fender. I recognice the phenomen, because if Gibson made a uke, I would buy it, without hesitation. I am that stupid 🤣
Thanks a lot for the review. Very interesting to see and hear. Wish you a nice sunday. Take care, you're the best ❤️
Sadly they get away with it too.
@@GotAUkulele Why not keep the fans happy? On the other side, reviews like you do, is very valuable for serious ukulele players.
Gibson's economy brand does put out ukulele I believe.
@@TroyNaumu808 Epiphone is a Gibson brand, and they do ukulele. I have a hummingbird. An excellent uke 😀
@@TroyNaumu808 Yep - equally poor
Great review as always. And yet they make great elecric guitars though. And that bleesed pick up again.........thanks Barry
Thanks Richard!
Barry, I really appreciate your honest review of Fender, the sacred cow of electric guitars but the mongrel of acoustics. I personally don't care for the ukulele's color, wood type, and the use of laminates when a solid top is available at the same price. That said, the market place will sort this out. Now, the 'no-tie' slotted bridge, found on this model and the Montecito is the big issue no one is talking about. Unless the string has a sufficiently large knot that fits inside the bridge hole, tuning the Fender results in the knot pulling through, splitting the string slot, permanently damaging the bridge. I've seen this damage on two different Fender Montecito ukes affecting both the Low G (where wound string tension is the problem) and the A string (where the string diameter and a smaller than normal knot puts too much stress on the thin top of the string slot). With this design flaw, the ugly headstock, tuners, and fingerboard that belong on an electric guitar, makes the case for Fender to abandon ukuleles and return to rock music.
Yep - slot bridges are easy to use, but you do need to ensure decent knots. If the wood on these is too soft - fatal.
Never seen a Fender uke that really impressed me. Most downright annoy me!
Sad thing is this - they made a tenor electric tele - was SUPERB - made in the Mex production line. So they CAN make smaller instruments.
If they made a solid electric tenor ukulele they would clean up. But they focus on acoustics. Makes no sense to me/
Grteat review Barry. I must admit I mistakenly bought my Kala PWT because of the name and it sounded OK in the shop. Never again.
I feel the same way as you Baz. I have never been tempted to buy a Fender acoustic guitar or ukulele. And as shallow as it might sound, the first reason is purely that horrible headstock!
As someone else commented it just makes it look like a ‘mongrel’ or hybrid crossover.
I’m also against electronics on acoustic instruments. That’s just a personal opinion as I have absolutely no need for any form of pick up. But I appreciate many play gigs and need them.
I think you do a remarkable job with your channel. Staying objective and impartial must be extremely difficult at times, whether for positive or negative reasons.
It’s easy to pick up on your frustrations here!
All the best mate
Fender ukes always disappoint. Great review!
+1 for the t-shirt!
Thanks!
A perfect ending comment: "unremarkable." Every Fender uke I've seen in unremarkable. We need reviews like this. I hope someone is helped by it.
THanks Joe
I admit to enjoying your more rantish reviews - I hope they’re somewhat cathartic, though obviously you’d much rather review something really nice.
As you say, there are much better instruments for the same price or less. Oh well, this isn’t one of those reviews that puts me in danger of spending money.
On Fender, as well as being a pity they don’t put effort into ukuleles (I’d rather they avoided them entirely for what’s available), it’s a pity the Alternative Reality Tenor Telecaster was available for such a short time. Maybe one day there will be a steel string solid electric as you say again - that could be a special instrument.
They take a lot of effort for me to go and set up the cameras and microphones to record when they are like this. Not much fun!
Thanks for the review Baz and doing it on a glorious Sunday BH. Got to say, the looks and sound don’t do it for me. I would love to see a Fender Uke with a unique headstock. I do agree that they could produce an instrument of quality, they just keep producing an instrument that screams they just can’t be bothered. Why don’t they do a real limited edition, small number, all singing and dancing Uke’s and see how theysell. Hey ho, bring on the sunshine. Have a great week.
They absolutely could. Thanks Mike
I’ve got one of the Fender concert tele shaped ones, and it’s one of the most playable ukes I have…
But it was bought setup by HMS, so ya know, that’s what makes it so nice.
I played one - the nut is just awful for my hands
I like the color of the top. Too bad it sticks out like a sore thumb against the rest of the uke. Great review👍👍
Yep
The attractive top finish is wasted with the pale, cheap-looking fretboard and wood-scrap bridge.
I love fender guitar but my Rincon ukulele sounds flat really flat
Yep - not a great uke maker at all
Same story with fender acoustic guitars unfortunately. I adore their electrics. I would recommend the classic vibe squires over most at that price point but when it comes to acoustics it's like eating a roast with no gravy. All the ingredients are there and it should be great but there is something missing
Ha ha - roast with no gravy - I like that!!
By a Fishman pickup for 100$ then buy a Leho or kala ukulele for 100$ install pickup and your set for 200$
The very first Martin ukuleles were horrible little instruments. Then, they learned. I keep waiting for Fender to follow suit. I doubt they will. Still, wouldn’t it be wonderful to see Fender design and build (in California) a solid-body electric uke?
They are PERFECTLY capable - that tenor tele they made on short run in Mexico was absolutely superb. Make a smaller one of those, tenor or baritone - they'd wipe the floor with RISA.
@@GotAUkulele The Fender 600sx that I owned convinced me that acoustics were not their strong suit. My Fender Stratocaster will never be listed as “for sale.”
Thier signature models seem to do much better. I own one of the Jimmy Stafford signature. Nohea models and it plays well and is made well. At least the one I got anyways.
@@tommorrisey3999 Agreed - I have an old USA Strat that i'd run into a burning house to grab
Do the vine guard ukulele concert review day 1 asking
Sorry, I don't know what that is
@@GotAUkulele sorry I meant Luna Vine Guard Ukulele in concert size
@@CheeseyIsHere Will see what i can do
@@GotAUkulele sure man
Thanks baz great review as always..Yeah I'm with you very little effort for a mediocre ukelele and that headstock looks stupid and a bit cheap in my opinion
Aye
You're not sweating from a heat wave--it's your rage at the high price and ugly pickup, tuners, headstock, bridge, etc. Meanwhile, I'm glad you didn't get splinters from that scrapwood fretboard. The sound was okay, coming through a mike and YT compression, but my $99 Cordoba laminate tenor sounds better.
I've played no name Amazon ukes that sounded the same - costing about sixty quid..
When you consider that you could buy a Fender Squier electric guitar for less money, I think the ‘meh’ reaction is justified.
That's a very good point - I bought my daughter a Squier Mustang (great little thing!) for quite a bit less than this!!
The name is the game! Like Harley, like Gibson, like Mercedes, etc., etc. That model is just a rip-off. Fender can certainly do it, but it is more profitable to just make cheap and sell high. Thanks for the review!
Shame huh?
1st post - yeah
Fender is hit and miss, sadly. When it comes to consistent quality and attention to detail. Gibson is the same way. Living on their past grandeur. The original Rincon is much better. Like you, I'm not hating on Fender. They do make top notch instruments in its illustrious history. I own or used to own some. They are more serious with thier signature models they do for Dahnni Harrison, Grace Vanderhoot and Jimmy Stafford. I own the Jimmy Stafford one.
Acoustic wise I agree. Electrics are better than they’ve ever been IMHO
great review thanks, the fender player series guitars (MIM) are incredibly poor at the minute as well - looks like fender accountants have taken over the asylum .... shame
A shame as the last Mex I saw a few years back was super
Fender keeps trying to turn the ukulele into a guitar. They should stay with their great guitars and get out of the ukulele game. I sort of like the looks but the bridge. I like strictly acoustic instruments not pickup heavy ones. I don’t mind laminated instruments if it is engineered right for sound. In fact it can be quite good. I agree about the head stock and massive gears….. not for me but another nice and a fair review.thanks ….DOC
Think you are right there.
Classic case of you buying the name...unless it's a Fender American stratocaster I'm not interested in their products...LOL
Ditto
Not so appealing sounding instrument, my cheap Kala soprano is more inspiring. Great review, Baz, your opinions are golden! ✌🏼
I think there is a massive amount more inspiring!
It promises much but as your assessment shows it doesn't deliver. Totally disappointed! I love Fender's design, of the u know what, and surely they could come up with a really nice benchmark uke! Something that would let you spend hours tweaking the intonation. Swapping pickups etc😂 I loved the idea of the Dani Harrison one but it just didn't hit the exceptional mark, though it's possible there were a few made that did. Their research and development team could easily head to Hawaii and consult some of the heritage makers. Come up with an infallible design? Make it in Mexico is a great idea.❤ Great review and though not a sparkly sound you made it seem rather tuneful and by no means unpleasant! And there are ukes out there to run from on all counts. Certainly I have one that even the cat walks off in disgust and he loves the bagpipe chanter.😂
Nope - it's NOT unpleasant. Just not very inspiring. Very 'standard'
Fender is missing out. Making ukuleles that are just okay is not good enough for this storied brand. I can't understand why they can't put some effort into making a ukulele worthy of the Fender name. I've yet to see a Fender model ukulele that inspires me to purchase one.
I'll wager they have little to do with the making them bit either - bar specifying the headstock...
Both Gibson and Fender live off of thier name and illustrious history more or less. And more or less we are all paying for that name, sadly
The only Fender products I like are the speakers and amps.
I don't get it with Fender ukes... Iconic company but If you're not going to bother then why bother. The R&D seems like it happens at 4:50 pm on a Friday before a 3 day weekend.
I get the impression it's kind of a hobby department they don't take seriously - run by interns.
@@GotAUkulele There's the tag line Baz...Fender ukes, when the interns have nothing else to do.
@@hilltop1845 Ha ha!
@@hilltop1845 Genuinely serious story in that regard. Twice now I have had emails direct from the Fender Ukulele team (if there is such a thing). Both times with emails opening with them telling me how much they love my site and what I do for the uke community. Both then asked me to promote their 'Fender Play App'. On both occasions I messaged back to say that 'if they like my stuff so much they would realise review instruments and had reviewed a number of theirs'.. Radio silence follows.. until the next email telling me I am great and asking me to promote their app...
It's pitiful...
Fender is giving ukulele a bad name! Quit it, Fender 🛑
Stick to what they do best is my view - or apply what they do best to ukes. I doubt this has ever been near an actual Fender specialist bench.
I like the head on this one, but yeah, an average uke.
That’s the main bit I don’t like!
Average don’t cut it anymore.
Cushty
My 100$ leho sounds 10x better than fender. Very disappointed. I hope changing the strings will help
I doubt it - Fender uke are usually over built
I don't feel they do well with any of their acoustic offerings guitars included they should do what they do best stick with electric guitars
I think these days, Kala is another name which is rather faded now
Fender … paleaaase!!!
I have bought 2 fender ukulele’s and they were both trash. I have lost faith in fender ukulele’s
I've reviewed several and never been impressed either.
What a shame . . .
Par for the course with Fender sadly..