Kala and Donner use very different tuning machines on their ukulelesx. Its a perfect bag for day-to-day stuff, but Id recommend a hard case or heavier bag for major travel. With a 17 scale length and a 26 overall length, the tenor ukulele offers more resonant, ringing, and sustaining sounds than the two smaller ukuleles.
I played several of these models in stores, and they all played as well and sounded about the same as the RU22C sample we got. Plus, it incorporates the glorious Mahogany wood at the back and sides. Some people call it the gourd shape because its upper body is smaller than the lower part. This line is constantly changing and releasing new models, so if youre in the market for a top of the line ukulele make sure to check into their site often. The only downside is that the molded plastic frets are the same color as the fingerboard, which makes them hard to see. If you want a rugged, compact uke for traveling: The Enya Nova U soprano uke is our favorite inexpensive travel uke. The brand brings the Donner soprano ukulele beginner kit, achieving a reputation to provide quality performance. The bigger brother in the ukulele family is the concert model. Like most other acoustic string instruments, the tonewoods of the ukulele are significant in the instrument's acoustic characteristics. It focuses on whats most important (chord strumming), and it has a cool repertoire of tunes, though it works best if a teacher plays the accompaniment parts. So, beginners and professionals can take them as a travel-partner during the tour. The Kala KA-20S Burled Meranti soprano plays nicely and looks beautiful, but its not very loud. That means its bridge never comes out of the body for the tension of the strings. The samples of the Flight DUC380 Topaz and Flight Elise Ecklund concert ukes we tried had major problems staying in tune. Each uke is tested by multiple players, from beginner to expert, and with hand sizes from XS to XL.
So, the next part informs you of various kinds of ukulele and their differences. All of our panelists said the RU22C played beautifully everywhere on the neck, and no one noted any string buzzing. We considered it essential for a ukulele to produce a loud, full sound, and all of our top picks do. Its sound is praiseworthy and inspirational, and the size becomes perfect. Honestly, it is the glory of a uke. The Vintage Spruce Soprano comes in a super-affordable package that includes a tuner, an instructional DVD, a nice gig bag, and a polishing cloth. Despite its bigger-than-expected sound, the RU22C retains the clear, singing high-pitched tone for which the uke is loved. It also includes a decent soft case, an electronic tuner, and a strap. Also, you can clean the body of the instrument effortlessly. Fortunately, any intonation flaws I found were trivial. Most ukuleles are shipped in plain cardboard boxes that can be recycled.
The DUS-3 places the spruce material at the top. Maybe I was just unlucky, or maybe the company is starting to save back the money they invested in the initial batches to build a good review basis. However, Donners downsides make them difficult to recommend over other brands. It plays as well as our top pick but has a softer sound, which is probably better for accompanying vocals, though it wont cut through as well in ukulele jams. First, I tuned each ukulele and played it for about half an hour to make sure the strings were reasonably broken in and thus less likely to go out of tune while the testers played the uke. The overall presentation was nicely done and I think might make Donners ukes a bit more giftable than some other brands. But it is hard to tell a big difference between these two shapes. It also comes with a quick start guide booklet, free online lessons, a custom logo tote bag, and directions on how to use the free tuning feature on their application. Their customer service, build consistency, and selection make them a better beginners choice than Donner. It sounds louder and clearer than most inexpensive ukes, its well made for its price, and all of our panelists loved its unusual styling. It is time to review Donners carbon fiber ukulele. Fortunately, the brand has many options to pick according to your needs. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Moreover, its board points look clear. 
Donner offers a 30-day return policy. The excellent factory setup makes it easy to play for beginners and experts, and the concert size suits kids and adults alike. Wholesale Exclusive: Get a Lower Price, up to 50% off. The Vintage Spruce Soprano does have a few minor downsides. However, at a uke jam session, the Harper Concert Acacias sound wont cut through quite as well as the Alvarez RU22C. Spruce is a popular kind of tonewood used in guitars. I checked each ukes intonation, or the degree to which all the notes played in tune with each other and with the open (unfretted) strings. In summary, ukuleles are different in types, sizes, and shapes, and these features directly affect the tones and playability of the ukulele. The Kala KA-S Satin Mahogany Soprano essentially tied with the Luna Vintage Spruce Soprano, but the Luna model is usually less expensive. I was especially fond of a larger platform & nice wood work, but still manageable. While Kala is best known for their ukulele legacy, Donner is primarily a guitar pedal effects company that just got into the ukulele game. The RU22C sounds like a more costly instrument, and it feels like one, too. I honestly wasnt expecting this level ofcraftsmanship, playability, and tone from a mass-produced budget uke. Aside from the Google ads, I don't get paid to write this blog and for reasons of impartiality a not sponsored by brands or stores. Besides, the nylon strings on the ukulele are also friendlier to beginners fingers with no callus than the acoustic guitar. This team of luthiers creates some of the best ukuleles in the world. In this ukulele guide, well give a detailed overview of how Kala and Donner compare, including their construction, value, and more. The craft and the unity of all the components are also important. ukulelesreview.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. On the ukulele, rosewood is commonly used for the fretboard and body. I asked the testers to judge each uke based on the criteria that we consider most important for a beginning player: After the testing was complete, I revealed the prices, which in some cases inspired the panelists to elevate a good, affordable uke over a slightly better but much costlier model. The Orangewood Harper Concert Acacia is a great choice for those who want something fancier than the Alvarez RU22C at a modest price premium. We also tried another version of this uke, the Luna Tribal Soprano, which has a mahogany top with a laser-engraved pattern inspired by totems of the Pacific Islands. Generally speaking, the ukulele is more affordable than most other instruments. For such an inexpensive uke, the Fender Venice soprano uke looks super cool, but our testers thought the sound was shallow and pinched. They described the sound of the Fender Seaside soprano much the same way. If you want a uke with a more contemporary look: The Kala KA-TEAK-C concert uke sounds slightly fuller than the Alvarez RU22C and requires even less effort to press the strings down. I want to help you find the best uke for your budget and skill level. One panelist ranked it among her favorites, but no one else had particularly strong feelings about it. This uke has a somewhat mellower sound, nicer tuners, and more conservative styling than the Luna Vintage Spruce Soprano. We independently review everything we recommend. Also, the concert size may be a little large for some elementary schoolers to handle.
Ernst is a graduate of the Dick Grove School of Music and the Musicians Institute of Technology. Hi, I'm Sean! However, because the differences in scale are tiny, the sounds of the soprano and concert are similar. I have to tune it every 15 minutes approx (even if the strings are 1 month old). Banjo ukes are very loud (too loud for most uke clubs), but their sound can work well in bluegrass and jazz bands. In this guide, I look at good beginner ukuleles that fall within the $50 to $100 price range. The best thing about most ukes of this brand is that the quality model comes in very affordable price ranges. Essential Elements for Ukulele Book 1: Comprehensive Ukulele Method (by Marty Gross; Hal Leonard Publishing) is our clear favorite. As a beginners uke, this is a slam dunk, instructor Phil Ernst said. The Carlo Robelli UK-130 soprano sounds good, but the sample we tried had string buzzes at the first fret. The strings are of Aquila origin, comfortable and safe for fingers. The concert-size Donner DUC-1 plays well, sounds good, and costs littleand it also comes with a case, strap, and tuner. Weve added an Other good ukes section with suggestions for a travel uke and one with a pickup, and we also added notes on the sustainability of our picks. We also recognize that this may not paint a complete picture of a products supply chain and life cycle impact. Great projection for a concert. Donnermusic. Here are 26 of the many surprising, delightful, or kind-of-dull-but-still-really-useful things were proud to review. Its body characterizes the favorite mahogany wood, naturally delivering a warm and harmonic melody. The Mitchell MU70 concert model looks and feels shockingly nice for its price. The company consolidates high-quality woods for an affordable mix like spruce, rosewood, and mahogany. With very little to offer over $70, Donners business strategy is to provide lots of value for under $100. Currently, Donner does not offer any intermediate ukuleles. It looks much more expensive than it is, likely the result of more precise, careful workmanship, with smoothly finished frets and no obvious compromises for the sake of cost. In general, Donner tends to stick to just three tonewoods like spruce, mahogany, zebrawood. One of the exceptional designs is that it comes with a side soundhole to create a good resonance effect. The tone of it is crisp and bright. The Luna Vintage Spruce plays and sounds significantly better for not much more money. It loses a little warmth as you move up the neck, but thats normal for a uke made from laminated wood. Pineapple Shape: The pineapple shape ukulele is designed with a rounder and less curved body than the guitar shape. Normally, the built-in preamp of a ukulele features sound control and tone control for adjustment. The only real downside of the RU22C is that it includes no accessories. he laminated acacia top, sides, and back make the Harper Concert Acacia perhaps the most handsome ukulele weve ever tested. As you may know, the size of a uke also impacts the tone. We still like it, but we think the Alvarez RU22C sounds slightly better and is easier to restring. Further, it affixes Carbon nylon strings of Japan-made with the package. We accept returns of merchandise within 30 days of receipt. It is the smallest of the ukulele family and is also the most common ukulele associated with peoples impressions. If you enjoy this blog, donations are welcomed to allow me to invest more time in bringing you ukulele articles. Donner ukuleles have 1:18 guitar styled gear tuners that help keep their less expensive instruments in tune. Since 1989, he has served as an editor or writer on audio-focused websites and magazines such as Home Theater, Sound & Vision, SoundStage, and JazzTimes. The shoulder straps and large pocket are nice touches.
If you like ukuleles made from mahogany, the Donner Soprano Mahogany Ukulele could be a good choice. You've decided to buy a ukulele, now what? However, we havent encountered a ukulele made from recycled materials or that can practically be recycled. Although the electric-guitar-style Epiphone Les Paul Ukulele concert model offers less acoustical output compared with traditional ukes, it is fun to play. Kala ukuleles use Italian madeAquila strings. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Donner also has soprano and tenor versions. You will find 18 brass frets with marking positions on the neck and top of the fingerboard. Reduced price products do not participate in other discount activities. The RU22C concert uke has a big, full, satisfying sound, plays easily, and comes in a just-right size thats comfortable for kids and adults. To change a string on the Vintage Spruce, you have to twist a loop into one end of the string, wrap it around itself a few times, and thread the rest of the string through the loop. Same on the acoustic guitar, manufacturers managed to integrate electronics into the ukulele. It features a 15 scale length and 23 full length. My Donner uke came in a nice, heavy-duty cardboard box and the accessories were individually packed in little Donner-branded boxes. We also found two other books worth mentioning. It looks much more expensive than it is, likely the result of more precise, careful workmanship, with smoothly finished frets and no obvious compromises for the sake of cost. It offers sweet and bright sounds we usually hear from a ukulele. Lower quality ukes are often heavily built, and this often results in a thin, lifeless tone. It comes bundled with a unique version of the popular Kala KA-15S. The Ohana SK-20 Solid Top Mahogany Soprano is a wonderful uke with a classic feel and a beautiful sound. Many players prefer to handle them for their sleek and pleasant feel. The other book worth mentioning is Ukulele Method Book 1 (by Lil Rev; Hal Leonard Publishing), which is a bit more in-depth. This is definitely a brand to put on your short list when shopping for a good beginner ukulele. Some of the app text is in Chinese, we found it difficult to get the uke connected via Bluetooth, and the all-black fingerboard and black frets make it much more difficult to pay when youre not using the app. The similarly priced Flight TUS-50 Travel Series soprano doesnt have this problem because its molded frets have a silvery finish, but the TUS-50s rounded back makes it tough to balance on your lap. But everyone agreed that theyd spend the extra money on the RU22C for its better sound and easier playability. We see that their promise is being reflected in the insertions of products. One of the most mentionable properties is that the room between the fingerboard and the spring remains specific. The biggest reason why choosing ukuleles is complicated is that there are various types of them and some of them even have names in Latin.
However, in our tests its sound was somewhat more muted than that of the Donner DUC-1 and Alvarez RU22C. Besides the instrument, a Donner digital tuner, a pack of picks, a quality gig bag, a strap, and a set of quality nylon stings are included in the all-in-one bundle, which can save you a lot of time as a beginner. Its louder than most of the sopranos, and sounds clearer, and all the notes sound even, instructor Jared Canchola said. Therere several things to keep in mind when choosing a good one. Last Updated on October 17, 2020 by SoundsRight. You may also want to buy a ukulele gig bag considering the ukulele's mobility, which is convenient for you to have on the road for practice or fun playing. The main reason why is that it simply looks a lot nicer, with beautiful figured woodgrain and ivory-colored binding around the fingerboard and body. While our product recommendations are based completely on the criteria outlined in How we picked and How we tested, we offer this information to supplement the decision of any reader who uses environmental impact as a deciding factor in their purchases. Even with the first sample, none of our panelists considered the action uncomfortable. In this ukulele review, I'll be taking a look at Lohanu's three top-selling models: theLU-T tenor, LU-C concert, and LU-S soprano. Donner uke ranks among the list of renowned brands on the market evermore. Actually bought based on other reviews and didn't find this until I already owned it. Adding a case, a strap, and a tuner typically costs $30 to $40. It comes with two strap knobs installed (especially convenient when the ukulele club runs out of chairs), and the neck joins the body at the 14th fret to make fingering high notes easier. A lighter build allows the ukulele to resonate more freely, which leads to a bigger, warmer tone. Plus, it has the look and feel of a high-quality instrument. With hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon, the KA-15S is an obvious crowd favorite. They might be better off with the soprano size (the RU22S) or with our soprano uke recommendation, from Luna, below. The high frequency is smooth and compressed, and the low frequency is clear but weak. The DUC-1 has a slightly wider-than-usual fingerboard, which makes it easier for those with larger hands to fit three or four fingers on the fretboard for complex chordsin contrast, though, this design may make the DUC-1 a little harder to play for those with small hands. The soprano First Act Discovery Ukulele is extremely inexpensive, but we think its of insufficient quality for anyone other than a small child. This wood choice gives the Vintage Spruce Soprano a less traditional look and is probably the reason it sounds louder and brighter than most soprano ukes. I love the tone. Fred Sokolow agreed, saying, Its a little thinner-sounding than the Alvarez, but I like it.. Donner is a general instrument accessory maker based in China. The mahogany Donner DUC-1 has a pleasing sound and an unusually wide fingerboard that makes it easier for adults to play but not too hard for most kids. The wood only contributes to a part of the excellence. raftsmanship, playability, and tone from a mass-produced budget uke. Surprisingly, its one of the few books that start out by explaining chordal playing instead of single-note playing, and playing chords is what almost all beginners really want to do on ukulele, since that gets them right into playing songs. These are a fluorocarbon string set that many professionals prefer. Its body is made from deeply figured, beautifully finished woodgrain, and the body and fingerboard feature ivory-colored binding. The pegs are hardly working. Just to throw a tenor into the mix, we tried the Alvarez Regent Series RU26T, which has a spruce top instead of the mahogany top of the RU22C. Also pleasantly surprised with this instrument! Patreon pledges, large or small, all help keep this site going!! The Kala Makala Waterman is a plastic soprano you can actually dunk in the water. Donner DED-300 Professional Electronic Drum Set with Bass Drum Drumsticks/Audio Cable. Finally, having fewer frets than acoustic guitars makes it easier for beginners to get a grip on the ukulele.However, choosing a ukulele for beginners can be tricky. The Alvarez Regent Series RU22C concert uke was our testers overwhelming favorite. It has a gentle sound similar to mahogany, but Koa has a higher density than mahogany. Read more on my About Me page. I also get a chance to try new ukuleles during my visits to the annual NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. The KA-TK-C-CE Teak Tri-Top is a similar model thats good for those who want a uke with a built-in pickup and tuner, but its cutaway body gives it a much thinner sound. Donner has been the center of controversy in the ukulele scene for copyright infringement and their imitation of intellectual property. Kala has a larger range of ukuleles and price points, while Donner ukuleles stick to lower priced instruments meant for beginners. In truth, this approach raises the purchasing ability. Not a problem functionally (many ukes have open-geared tuners) but still noticeable, The nut looks like TUSQ (a synthetic material) and I think the saddle is bone. The back aim of the DUB-1 build is to make it capable of playing similar to a standard bass guitar. Whether thats a pro or con depends on your opinion of your ukulele playing. If youre looking for a ukulele under $70 and you want some accessories to sweeten the deal then give Donner a look. However, Kala has a huge mid range collection of ukuleles. Based on my experience with the DUC-1, I think this brands glowing customer reviews are accurate and reflect the high quality of the instrument. The Ukutune UKM2 concert uke sounds very close to our top pick, the Alvarez RU22C, at a much lower price, but the fret finish was rough along the sides of the fingerboard, and the strings buzzed at the first fret. I really like the way my Donner uke sounds. Further, the frets slide astonishingly. The Cordoba 15CM concert uke is a previous pick. The see-through tuning machines work well but the tiny window on one of my tuners fell out after lugging the uke around for a couple days. How to Get Started With the Ukulele. Still, the value for money is good enough. I couldnt find anything about a warranty online or in the packaging. In terms of fingerboard and bridge design, the company uses rosewood to design them, familiar for ease while playing. The ukulele in the photos is the actual uke I purchased directly from Amazon, Tight construction with excellent fit and finish. It might just be the most popular beginner ukulele package of all time. The Mitchell MU50SE concert uke includes a pickup and preamp, sounds great, and plays pretty well. Many ukes made 100 years ago are still played and cherished, so the uke you buy today might even outlive you. With the growing demands in ukulele, manufacturers begin to adopt spruce in ukulele. If you can find it in stock for its original asking price around $40, its a great choice. Click the logo to help. Although the shape does not affect the tones as much as the tonewood, it is worth mentioning for the subtlety. Unlike the other 3 types of ukuleles, the baritone is different in tuning. Other books we considered were Absolute Beginners Ukulele, Alfreds Basic Ukulele Method 1, How To Play the Ukulele for the Complete Ignoramus, Jake Shimabukuro Teaches Ukulele Lessons, Play Ukulele Today, and Ukulele For Dummies. At this moment, well describe another version of Donner, and it is the banjo uke, one of the most influential instruments in the ukulele world. Plus, they are committed to creating innovative and excellent instruments while maintaining high quality so that professionals and manufacturers become stimulated, and their products get easy for anyone. No high frets or buzzing. In addition to these, this 30-inch instrument adds a heavy-duty case with enough padding for storage, security, and mobility. Functionally, the two ukes are quite similar, but the Harper Concert Acacia looks a lot nicer. The Luna Tattoo Concert Mahogany is a very nice uke that our testers generally liked, but it didnt sound as lively as the Alvarez RU22C. But in the case of professionals and investing for a very long time, a standard investment will require. Most ukuleles have tops made from darker woods such as mahogany, but the Vintage Spruce Soprano has a spruce top, basically a smaller version of whats found on most acoustic guitars. They have the fame to keep the uke in an accurate tune. Donner DUC400 21-inch Guitar Shape Ukulele. The Ukutune UKE1 concert uke is a beautifully made instrument for its price, with a mellower sound than the Orangewood Harper Concert Acacia, although our samples fretwork was slightly rough on the A-string side. Its a softer, mellower sound, which we think is better for accompanying vocals because it doesnt drown them out. I was anxious to try one myself and see if I agreed with everybody else! Click here to learn more. The construction quality of the Eddy Finn Minnow soprano uke seemed poor relative to that of other ukes we tested in its price range; it made cracking sounds when I initially tried to get it in tune. If youre looking for more comparisons, look at our Kala vs Cordoba guide to see how those two brands stack up against each other. It also includes a strap and a few plastic picks, though most uke players use felt picks or no picks at all. Our testers found the DUC-1s wider fingerboard to be slightly less comfortable than the narrower one on the Alvarez, but all of them said that both ukes played well. The body joins the neck at the 14th fret, which makes fingering high notes easier. We'll keep you up to date when exciting new information is available. He regularly gigs on double bass (and occasionally ukulele) with Los Angelesarea jazz groups. Theres also a tenor version, the Harper Tenor Acacia, which looks, plays, and sounds very much like the smaller Harper Concert Acacia. In short, it is such a kind of instrument that inspires you to raise your musical skill. We also liked the Flight TUK-35 concert travel uke, which is just a larger version of the TUS-50 soprano, although it didnt stay in tune as well as the smaller model. Variations are also provided in the same type. Rightly, mostly better quality ukes place premium standard strings. Because of its hardness, it is usually used for the fretboard or bridge on the ukulele. Yet, it always provides a distinctive, warm uke sound, somewhat adapted based on the style. Previously the Monoprice Idyllwild Sapele Soprano was our budget pick, but its now listed as discontinued on Monoprices website. So, in this ukulele buying guide, we will walk you through the important information that you may need when choosing your ukulele. We cooperate with DHL, AU Post, TOLL & MCS. Our panel of instructors and students loved this models sound and styling, and its size is perfect for kids and adults alike. The first ukulele ever created is a soprano type. It doesnt look like many people had issues, but Im not sure what would happen if you have a problem beyond 30 days. Surprising design with eye-catching color, Loud sound and enriched tune with clarity, Inclusion of extras for purchasing affordability, Complete beginner kit with all accessories, Carbon fiber composite-polycarbonate instrument, Waterproof and risk-free from easy damage. All comments are moderated before being published. The guitar-shaped ukulele features a beautiful curve in the waist of the instrument, and cutaways on the upper body are also provided on the ukulele for more accessible higher frets and solo playing. For this review, I purchased a new DUC-1 concert model using my own funds. In this review, Ill be looking at Donners top-selling ukuleles: the DUS-1 soprano,DUC-1 concert, and DUT-1 tenor. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. But to be honest, you can put Donner among the few classified brands, making the best instrument on the market. 