I think a lot of companies that make instruments, furniture, trim, etc. use the word “mahogany” as a catch all consumer phrase for an fairly open grained tropical wood. I’ve encountered this in other places like the furniture industry. I totally agree with you of course. Say what it is.
This is a very handsome instrument. Much to say about the sound and tone, rich, bright and lively. Really like this one. Agree the logo should be more formal. Good review.
I knew this would do well in your review! I have the UK ST-20 (with a Low G) and pick it up over far more expensive instruments. However, I love the pineapple concert in dark brown stain even more for its looks and sound. Strangely, the slotted headstock really works on the concert pineapple as it gives a lute-ish look to it and provides a nice rest for the hand when fretting near the nut end. Have also added a Low G to the concert. Excellent value for money okuome or mahogany! Super reviews, thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to reply. It's appreciated. From what you say, I've been very unlucky with my two ukuleles. Uneven frets were my first port of call. I noticed though that the offending note, a dead 'clunk' rather than a buzz, when the same note is played 6:58 on another string, the exact same thing happens. Anyway, I'm glad to know it's not a common thing. Again, thanks for the reply.
Cheers Baz, great reviews. I have the 30ST Evo in acacia and I love it. I also have the dark brown pineapple concert and again love it. I think their great Baz 👍
Good thing you pointed out the specific wood, Baz. Please UMA - there are nerdy lovers out there who deserve to get all the details of an instrument in full and correctly! So this puppy‘s voice got a bit of a bite to it. I imagine in a group (of strummers) it cuts through. And on a side note: I am really glad the THANK YOU crawl became a stable not disputed any longer!
I love the tone but then I'm a soprano nut and will be checking out the pineapples for sure. What raised my eyebrows was the price. Frankly that seems like a steal. If I was considering a Tenor, this would definitely be on the short list. Thanks for the review, as ever Baz. Enjoyed this one! 👍
Okoume is nice yes, Taylor used it in their guitars for years. I've wanted to get my hands on a Uma- their quality instruments are hard to come by in the US though. Would love and all solid pineapple tenor in blue from them ;)
These Umas are great, even their cheapest laminate ones are awesome (I have two laminate and two solid top ones), I think they are better quality than Flight ukes.
Bought one six months ago and they are excellent ukuleles not just because they are on the cheaper side of things because they are good. The price is fantastic and also a great gig bag. I played others which were massively more expensive but not much in it for me.
Mine is on it's way. I found your video really helpful. Having previously bought my second ukulele for £350, thinking I was buying decent quality, but being somewhat disappointed, I decided to try and buy a cheaper one that was good value. I'm with you, I prefer solid headstock, but if it plays nice, I'll be happy. Many thanks.
Thanks Baz, totally agree. Call a spade a spade. If the finish and tone are nice, customers prefer honesty and at that price, may be this wood is more sustainable, so market it as such. I have seen some of their Acacia models and the wood grain does tick the aesthetic, as well as price and sound. Just not keen on the logo flower. Think Uma are doing great ukes at an even greater price. In an age where the costs are going up and up, is a surprise. Again, great review, have a good week.👌👌👌
I think this is one of my favorite ukuleles that you've reviewed I'll have to see if they're available in the US As always thank you kindly for the review Dan Bohland Wisconsin USA
Mine arrived today. Very pleased, it's everything you said. Well made and really good value. Sadly, for me, at least, it has the same 'dull or 'dead' spot as my more expensive Ohana Concert, on the E string 2nd and 3rd frets. Due of course to resonance frequency (I think that's what they call it). Of all the hundreds of videos I've watched, I haven't heard it mentioned once. It's almost like the unspoken word amongst ukulele experts. If you have any knowledge on the subject I'm sure it would be very much appreciated by all newcomers. Thanks.
I wouldn't say it's an unspoken word - i've been reviewing for about 15 years and played hundreds of instruments and have rarely come across something like this. If I was coming across what you are describing frequently I'd mention it. When I have encountered something like that it's not in one same spot though - it's more to do with a high (or low) fret grounding a string out at a certain place. Fret levelling sorts it.
Very nice uke. Great value and it looks and sounds great too. What more could you want for the money. A tad too bright for me I think but might sound different when played in person. Great video as usual Barry. Always watch your vids.
I think they do change the materials from time to time, as the “engineered wood” on my UK20-ST I bought several years ago has a distinctly grey hue. It’s also on the soft side as the loops formed by the strings’ ties pulled the strings up and the strings (especially the thinnest 1st string) eventually cut into the upper side of the holes, reducing the string angle on the saddle and making the 1st string muter than before. I have now solved this by changing to bridge beads. I hope they have changed to a harder version of “engineered wood” now. The neck of my uke eventually developed a very slight bow, raising the action at 12 fret by about 1mm. The body wood on mine has a much more pronounced, almost holographic flame. I thought they specified it as African mahogany when I bought mine. I do agree UMA's ukes are fantastic for the price. Check the nut width of the actual uke one is gonna buy - mine bought several years back is 35mm. SUS did a review several months ago and stated what they have now is 38mm.
For what it’s worth I agree with you on calling it mahogany - it doesn’t sound like mahogany, so it’s potentially misleading. Actually it sounds very similar to my acacia Uma - maybe there’s a characteristic Uma sound. All that said, it’s clearly very good, and wonderful value.
At least they don’t claim it’s koa. 😂 The only concert slot head I have been okay with is my Mainland; for some reason it doesn’t look out of proportion. That is a good price for this Uma, and I like the tone (although I would go with linear tuning on this one to warm it just a bit).
A bit bright for me, but as you say, pretty in face and voice. I agree - if it’s not mahogany, call it what it is. A no brainer, I would’ve thought. But it’s nice and a good price, if mis-represented!
Overall I really like the looks of that. Not sure if I completely love it's voice as is, but I did just go back and watch the pulse video😂 Fantastic value for the folks that buy it.
I rather like this one. The gloss looks real nice on the video at least. I usually don’t like the open headstock but it somehow works for me on this ukulele. I think you are right Baz, I play and love Sopranos and that may be why I don’t like these open heads. Sounds like my spruce top Luna Sahara. It is almost to bright for a tenor but over all I do like the sound.thanks for another good one…DOC
Great reviews as always. If you could choose between this or the Anuenue UT10 which would you go for? I’m in Australia and getting hold of a UMA is nigh on impossible. Shipping over from the UK is my only bet at not much of a major cost. But they do have the UT10 over here. Thanks once again.
I can see in your review cam that the wood is not mahogany, though someone buying this uke from a teensy online photo might not be able to tell. BUT I think it's much more interesting wood than mahogany, and at that dare-ya price.... BTW, the headstock slots reduce the weight of the thicker wood slab, so they help with balance, and the rear-facing tuning keys keep it from looking like a huge insect landed on your uke. As for the bright tone, at my age I need all the sparkle and snap I can get!
Whenever I pressed on the strings they moved too much especially when playing FS fast. I don't know enough about strings to comment, they were as they came. I liked the tone.. very nice. It looks great too
very nice, but for me 200 pounds is a lot of money, I could not afford to spend more than 100 , I have got a kala Bariton ,it took me nearly one year to save the money to buy it, maybe I should rob a bank:))))Greetings from Spain
The only thing I do not like about this particular wood is that they are advertising it as something else. It's not the type of wood that bothers me, it's the Miss information
I think a lot of companies that make instruments, furniture, trim, etc. use the word “mahogany” as a catch all consumer phrase for an fairly open grained tropical wood. I’ve encountered this in other places like the furniture industry. I totally agree with you of course. Say what it is.
Indeed. And, of course, genuine mahogany is much, MUCH more expensive!
To my eyes, it doesn’t even look like mahogany.
To be honest Nickie - i've seen a fair bit of hog that does look like this. It's quite variable and can see the similarity.
Wow, really nice instrument for that price...or even for a higher price! Colour me impressed! Great review, Baz!
Thanks!
This is a very handsome instrument. Much to say about the sound and tone, rich, bright and lively. Really like this one. Agree the logo should be more formal. Good review.
It's a lovely uke!
I knew this would do well in your review! I have the UK ST-20 (with a Low G) and pick it up over far more expensive instruments. However, I love the pineapple concert in dark brown stain even more for its looks and sound. Strangely, the slotted headstock really works on the concert pineapple as it gives a lute-ish look to it and provides a nice rest for the hand when fretting near the nut end. Have also added a Low G to the concert. Excellent value for money okuome or mahogany! Super reviews, thank you!
Glad I could help!
Thank you for taking the time to reply. It's appreciated. From what you say, I've been very unlucky with my two ukuleles. Uneven frets were my first port of call. I noticed though that the offending note, a dead 'clunk' rather than a buzz, when the same note is played 6:58 on another string, the exact same thing happens. Anyway, I'm glad to know it's not a common thing. Again, thanks for the reply.
Cheers Baz, great reviews. I have the 30ST Evo in acacia and I love it. I also have the dark brown pineapple concert and again love it. I think their great Baz 👍
Great brand indeed!
Sounds excellent,very open and dynamic!NICE!
Thanks for listening
Good thing you pointed out the specific wood, Baz. Please UMA - there are nerdy lovers out there who deserve to get all the details of an instrument in full and correctly!
So this puppy‘s voice got a bit of a bite to it. I imagine in a group (of strummers) it cuts through.
And on a side note: I am really glad the THANK YOU crawl became a stable not disputed any longer!
Thanks mate
STOP PRESS - See correction in written review regarding the wood type
I love the tone but then I'm a soprano nut and will be checking out the pineapples for sure. What raised my eyebrows was the price. Frankly that seems like a steal. If I was considering a Tenor, this would definitely be on the short list.
Thanks for the review, as ever Baz. Enjoyed this one! 👍
Thanks for sharing!!
Okoume is nice yes, Taylor used it in their guitars for years. I've wanted to get my hands on a Uma- their quality instruments are hard to come by in the US though. Would love and all solid pineapple tenor in blue from them ;)
These Umas are great, even their cheapest laminate ones are awesome (I have two laminate and two solid top ones), I think they are better quality than Flight ukes.
I think you are right - new brand to keep a close eye on I think.
I think you covered that nicely. Been off Uke 2 years but I’m back
Thanks for reviewing
Thanks Andy!
Bought one six months ago and they are excellent ukuleles not just because they are on the cheaper side of things because they are good. The price is fantastic and also a great gig bag. I played others which were massively more expensive but not much in it for me.
Thanks for sharing!
Mine is on it's way. I found your video really helpful. Having previously bought my second ukulele for £350, thinking I was buying decent quality, but being somewhat disappointed, I decided to try and buy a cheaper one that was good value. I'm with you, I prefer solid headstock, but if it plays nice, I'll be happy. Many thanks.
Good choice!
Always enjoy watching nice to watch real reviews
Glad you like them!
Thanks Baz, totally agree. Call a spade a spade. If the finish and tone are nice, customers prefer honesty and at that price, may be this wood is more sustainable, so market it as such. I have seen some of their Acacia models and the wood grain does tick the aesthetic, as well as price and sound. Just not keen on the logo flower. Think Uma are doing great ukes at an even greater price. In an age where the costs are going up and up, is a surprise. Again, great review, have a good week.👌👌👌
Their prices are extremely fair and my cap is off to them for that. Know how to build and get QC right too.
It looks and sounds nice and would be a good first uke at that price. I don't like slot heads myself but to each their own. Great review!
Agreed!
I think this is one of my favorite ukuleles that you've reviewed I'll have to see if they're available in the US
As always thank you kindly for the review Dan Bohland Wisconsin USA
Thanks Dan
Very pretty sound. Thanks Barry!
My pleasure!
Mine arrived today. Very pleased, it's everything you said. Well made and really good value. Sadly, for me, at least, it has the same 'dull or 'dead' spot as my more expensive Ohana Concert, on the E string 2nd and 3rd frets. Due of course to resonance frequency (I think that's what they call it). Of all the hundreds of videos I've watched, I haven't heard it mentioned once. It's almost like the unspoken word amongst ukulele experts. If you have any knowledge on the subject I'm sure it would be very much appreciated by all newcomers. Thanks.
I wouldn't say it's an unspoken word - i've been reviewing for about 15 years and played hundreds of instruments and have rarely come across something like this. If I was coming across what you are describing frequently I'd mention it.
When I have encountered something like that it's not in one same spot though - it's more to do with a high (or low) fret grounding a string out at a certain place. Fret levelling sorts it.
Very nice uke. Great value and it looks and sounds great too. What more could you want for the money. A tad too bright for me I think but might sound different when played in person. Great video as usual Barry. Always watch your vids.
Thanks kindly!
Agree with your 'gripe', big fan of the Uma Pulse Fan Fret . . .
Those ukes are absolute wonders!
I think they do change the materials from time to time, as the “engineered wood” on my UK20-ST I bought several years ago has a distinctly grey hue. It’s also on the soft side as the loops formed by the strings’ ties pulled the strings up and the strings (especially the thinnest 1st string) eventually cut into the upper side of the holes, reducing the string angle on the saddle and making the 1st string muter than before. I have now solved this by changing to bridge beads. I hope they have changed to a harder version of “engineered wood” now.
The neck of my uke eventually developed a very slight bow, raising the action at 12 fret by about 1mm.
The body wood on mine has a much more pronounced, almost holographic flame. I thought they specified it as African mahogany when I bought mine.
I do agree UMA's ukes are fantastic for the price.
Check the nut width of the actual uke one is gonna buy - mine bought several years back is 35mm. SUS did a review several months ago and stated what they have now is 38mm.
Even African Mahogany isn't actually mahogan - this issue is far wider than just Uma! Yes, they have widened all the nuts on the UK20 series now
For what it’s worth I agree with you on calling it mahogany - it doesn’t sound like mahogany, so it’s potentially misleading. Actually it sounds very similar to my acacia Uma - maybe there’s a characteristic Uma sound.
All that said, it’s clearly very good, and wonderful value.
Agreed Paul!
At least they don’t claim it’s koa. 😂 The only concert slot head I have been okay with is my Mainland; for some reason it doesn’t look out of proportion. That is a good price for this Uma, and I like the tone (although I would go with linear tuning on this one to warm it just a bit).
I think i'd agree with you
Looks good, sounds great, amazing price! What's not to like? Love it!!
Right?!
Think it would sound even better when opened up!
I like it. It sounds something like a parlour guitar.
I can see your point - agreed.
A bit bright for me, but as you say, pretty in face and voice. I agree - if it’s not mahogany, call it what it is. A no brainer, I would’ve thought. But it’s nice and a good price, if mis-represented!
Yep
Overall I really like the looks of that. Not sure if I completely love it's voice as is, but I did just go back and watch the pulse video😂 Fantastic value for the folks that buy it.
Fair enough!
Ha! I wrote the bits about Low G and koa before I got to that part of the video!
Seen them on SUS channel. Pretty impressive for the money. Zingy and ringy. I like it. We've found ourselves a new tonewood maybe.
There's a fair few Okoume ukes out there - just wish Uma would stick to calling it what it actually is.
I rather like this one. The gloss looks real nice on the video at least. I usually don’t like the open headstock but it somehow works for me on this ukulele. I think you are right Baz, I play and love Sopranos and that may be why I don’t like these open heads. Sounds like my spruce top Luna Sahara. It is almost to bright for a tenor but over all I do like the sound.thanks for another good one…DOC
It's damn clear and crisp - that's for sure - hardly a complaint - nice uke - cheers Doc!
Great reviews as always. If you could choose between this or the Anuenue UT10 which would you go for? I’m in Australia and getting hold of a UMA is nigh on impossible. Shipping over from the UK is my only bet at not much of a major cost. But they do have the UT10 over here. Thanks once again.
Sorry - never give 'either / or' opinions between two instruments - totally subjective and they are two very different instruments
@@GotAUkulele noted. I’ll rephrase. Which one would bring you the most joy?
Fallen madly for this one, I must admit.
It's a great instrument for the money!
as a girly gal i love the logo it’s adorable
I can see in your review cam that the wood is not mahogany, though someone buying this uke from a teensy online photo might not be able to tell. BUT I think it's much more interesting wood than mahogany, and at that dare-ya price.... BTW, the headstock slots reduce the weight of the thicker wood slab, so they help with balance, and the rear-facing tuning keys keep it from looking like a huge insect landed on your uke. As for the bright tone, at my age I need all the sparkle and snap I can get!
The slots do reduce mass, but in my experience, far too many of them don't reduce it enough and they are neck heavy
Quality video but I wouldn’t expect anything but quality from Baz…. At least I guessed the brand right 😉
Thanks kindly Bob!
thank you..!!! **( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡° )**
My pleasure!
I just bought this and had to return it. The strings are soo loose, fingering was horrible.
Which dealer and which strings? The one I reviewed came from the UK Uma distributor and strings were just fine
World of ukes. They were really nice tbh. It's so hard to play
@@frankjacobs2946 Hmmm - not sure why - would have been stock strings. But strings are a very personal choice and easily changed though.
Whenever I pressed on the strings they moved too much especially when playing FS fast. I don't know enough about strings to comment, they were as they came. I liked the tone.. very nice. It looks great too
very nice, but for me 200 pounds is a lot of money, I could not afford to spend more than 100 , I have got a kala Bariton ,it took me nearly one year to save the money to buy it, maybe I should rob a bank:))))Greetings from Spain
It's a lot of money for a great many people, but in the range of all ukuleles out there - this is still a cheap one.
@@GotAUkulele I know that, I have just ordered a Tenor from china:)))))45 Euros:)) what I will do when it arrives I will change the strings
The only thing I do not like about this particular wood is that they are advertising it as something else. It's not the type of wood that bothers me, it's the Miss information
Quite!
Way too bright for me especially for a tenor. And in my limited experience the Okoume sounds really different than mahogany.
Very subjective one on tone - for sure.