Showing posts with label snail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snail. Show all posts
24 Mar 2024
7 Jan 2024
7 Jan 2024T14:52
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Snail UKC-380 Concert Ukulele - REVIEW
It's 2024 and Got A Ukulele returns with a brand much featured here and well liked. This is the Snail UKC-380 Concert Ukulele.
5 Nov 2023
5 Nov 2023T14:42
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Snail SUB-M1 Baritone Ukulele - REVIEW
Time for a ukulele scale that I don't feature enough on Got A Ukulele (not for lack of trying). This is the Snail SUB-M1 Baritone - an instrument where all is not quite as it seems.
12 Mar 2023
12 Mar 2023T14:33
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Snail S60C Concert Ukulele - REVIEW
Back this week with another Ukulele model that has had a number of requests from readers. This is the Snail S60C Concert.
2 Jul 2022
2 Jul 2022T15:45
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Snail S10C Concert Ukulele - REVIEW
It's been a little while since I looked at this ukulele brand, but to be fair to them, they have always done rather well on the reviews and represent a good alternative option to the normal household names. This is the Snail S10C concert.
13 Mar 2022
13 Mar 2022T14:21
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Snail SEU-2C Flamed Maple Electro Concert Ukulele - REVIEW
A welcome back to a brand that has always done rather well on Got A Ukulele, and a model that fills a somewhat under represented part of the uke market. This is the Snail SEU-2C Flamed Maple Electro Concert.
5 Jul 2020
5 Jul 2020T14:05
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Snail SUT-M1 Tenor Ukulele - REVIEW
It's ukulele review day and i'm pleased to be revisting a ukulele brand I have featured a few times before, though not for some time. This is the SUT-M1 Tenor from Snail Ukuleles.
9 Jun 2018
9 Jun 2018T12:10
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Snail BH-1C Concert Ukulele - REVIEW
One of the ukulele brands that had a special mention from me in 2017 was Snail, so i'm pleased to be bringing you yet another of theirs. This week we look at the BH-1C Concert Ukulele.
29 Apr 2018
29 Apr 2018T12:21
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Snail SR04-TE Tenor Ukulele - REVIEW
Another brand that has featured several times on Got A Ukulele. This week we take a step up with Snail musical instruments with their SR04-TE Tenor Ukulele.
13 Jan 2018
13 Jan 2018T14:52
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Snail SUC-M3 Concert Ukulele - REVIEW
It's always a pleasure to get a musical instrument brand back on Got A Ukulele that has impressed me before, and I'm pleased to be doing that this week. This one though is something of a step up from what I have previously looked at. It's the SUC-M3 Concert from Snail Ukuleles.
18 Dec 2016
18 Dec 2016T13:03
You may recall me reviewing the Snail Rosewood Soprano before on the site, and reviewing it quite positively too. Since then, I have been keen to feature this brand again, and thanks to their UK distributor, Red Chilli Audio, I've been lucky enough to have this one on test for a few weeks.
The UKT-528 is a Chinese made tenor ukulele made from all laminate woods, but those laminate pieces are veneered in striking zebrawood. Snail are actually a line of instruments from parent brand Amahi Ukuleles.
It's a standard double bout tenor shaped instrument with a prominently curved base. That curve on the butt of the instrument is something I am seeing more and more and is a look I really do like. It's just subtly different enough to make the ukulele stand out a little I think. The zebrawood is naturally pretty and is veneered in two bookmatched pieces on both the top and the back. The sides of the instrument are also in two pieces and the back is slightly arched. The whole body is finished in a satin coat that allows some of the wood pores to show through avoiding the 'artificial' look of so many ukes at this price point.
A more detailed word about this laminate though, as I really am quite impressed. A glance at the edge of the soundhole will show you that this laminate is really thin. This is a very good thing! You see, most budget manufacturers tend to use laminate which is little more than plywood and is usually overly thick which just kills the tone and volume. I have said it many times before though - I would take good thin laminate over cheap thick solid wood every day of the week. I understand why cheaper brands have to make their solid woods thick - it's because solid wood is fragile and if you are building to a low budget it's frankly easier (read - lazier) to just make them thick to stop them splitting. With laminate though, it's much, much stronger than solid wood so there is really no excuse to not make them thin and resonant. Snail have certainly done this here, and rap on the top with your knuckles shows you how resonant this one is. Top marks.
In fact that top is so thin, looking at the sound hole edge you could be forgiven for thinking it was solid wood. The use of zebrawood veneer on the inside of the instrument too may confuse some people. It really IS laminate though - just good laminate!
Adding to that distinctive zebrawood grain pattern, we have cream edge binding where the top and back meet the sides, and this is complimented on the top with some black and white inlaid edging. We also have a black/white/black sound hole rosette, but I cannot tell if this is inlaid or a transfer under the satin coat. Either way, it looks neat and tidy.
Elsewhere on the top we have a standard shaped rosewood bridge plate in a tie bar style, holding an uncompensated bone saddle.
A look inside the instrument is pleasing too. We have the makers logo on a wooden plate glued to the back, notched kerfing and really delicate looking thin bracing adding to that light touch on the build and hopefully the resonance. There is no mess, no glue drips and no wood shavings. Good quality control in evidence.
Moving up to the neck, this is made from mahogany and in three pieces with a joint at the heel and one at the headstock. It is similarly finished in satin and I love the exaggerated shaping to the heel which is satisfying to touch.
Topping this is an evenly coloured rosewood fingerboard which is nice and dark but does have a couple of finish marks in the face at the body end. Fitted to this are 18 nickel silver frets with 14 to the body joint. They are generally well finished, but the upper frets down the dusty end of the neck could do with a little more tidying. They are not the sharpest fret ends i've ever seen on a ukulele, but worth mentioning. The fretboard edges are not bound, so you do see the fret ends, but they are partially hidden by some wood stain.
Fret markers are provided on the face of the fingerboard in pearloid inlays at the 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th and 15th spaces, with the 12th being a double spot. Sadly there are no side position markers. An easy fix for Snail to consider I think.
The other thing I would point out on the neck is that it is slightly wider at the nut than most Chinese ukuleles at this price point. It's about 36.5mm across, so whilst not the widest nut out there, it's certainly wider. A more standard Chinese nut width is about 35mm. Believe me - if you find your fingers get cramped on certain chords, you WILL notice this extra width and be thankful for it.
We have a bone nut before the attractively shaped Snail headstock. It's little things like the shaping of that headstock, the curved base and the shaping of the neck heel that I like and makes you think that this isn't just a generic cheap ukulele that came off the same production line as so many others. The headstock is faced in more zebrawood veneer and the Snail logo is engraved.
Flipping it over we have another smaller Snail logo engraved in the back, together with a serial number. The tuners are unbranded sealed gears, with all the hardware treated to a gold finish. They work ok, and they have a satisfying stiffness to them with no play. Sadly one of themseems to have a bit of corrosion or staining starting around the cover plate and on the front washers. No biggie though.
Finishing the package is a decent padded gig bag with front pocket, shoulder strap and an embroidered Snail logo. The strings provided are Aquila. And for that, the package will set you back between about £110 and £120 depending where you shop. That is a really attractive price.
Construction feels solid and well made all over the instrument with no issues that I can see. But that thin top and delicate bracing means that it feels anything but over built. This is lightweight, and perfectly balanced at the 12th fret when in the hands without a strap. A very nice ukulele to hold.
The setup on this review model was just as I would like it, particularly at the nut which is the more difficult one to fix. No complaints here.
The first two things that struck me about it on playing was the great volume / projection and the pretty decent sustain. This is definitely one of those instruments that gives you a nice vibration into your chest when you play it. This is of course all down to that choice to use thin woods in the construction and I wish more entry level brands would do it.
It's also very clear across the strings. At first you think it is all brightness and zing (and it certainly has does have a punch to it), but there is bass coming through too creating a satisfying mix of tones. It feels comfortable and suited to both strumming as to picking, although slightly more on the side of strumming for me. Whatever I throw at it, it always sounds crisp and never muddy. Trust me, this is a very satisfying ukulele sound.
Of course it isn't a first class tone that you would get from a professional level instrument, as it lacks that sort of character and shimmer, but this is leagues above most other instruments at this cheaper laminate end of the market. And for a shade over £100 that is pretty remarkable.
I think this Snail is one of those nice things from China that occasionally appear - an instrument maker that knows that laminate doesn't need to be thick and cheaply put together and can sound great with a bit of care an attention. I'd take this one over a host of solid wood ukuleles that are marketed at the same sort of price. In fact I'd take this over a host of solid wood ukes marketed at quite a bit more than this.
I think this makes an excellent first ukulele (and yes, this is the sort of price you should be considering for a first instrument that is serious), and certainly a step up for those of you getting frustrated with your cheap Mahalos and the like.
It's an attactive, well made, punchy, light instrument and deserves your attention. This one really pleased me and I'd buy one!
http://www.amahiukes.com/ukuleles-and-guitars/intermediate-ukuleles
UKULELE PROS
Striking looks
Overall build quality
Nice body shape, and headstock shape
Thin delicate build
Wide nut
Excellent resonance, volume and sustain
UKULELE CONS
No side fret markers
Check on fret dressing if you are buying
UKULELE SCORES
Looks - 9 out of 10
Fit and finish - 8.5 out of 10
Sound - 9 out of 10
Value for money - 9.5 out of 10
OVERALL UKULELE SCORE - 9.0 out of 10
UKULELE VIDEO REVIEW
© Barry Maz
WHY NOT DONATE TO HELP KEEP GOT A UKULELE GOING?
THANKS!
Read More »
Snail UKT-528 Tenor - REVIEW
Another welcome return for a musical instrument brand I have featured before on Got A Ukulele. This time we look at the UKT-528 Tenor ukulele from Snail.
You may recall me reviewing the Snail Rosewood Soprano before on the site, and reviewing it quite positively too. Since then, I have been keen to feature this brand again, and thanks to their UK distributor, Red Chilli Audio, I've been lucky enough to have this one on test for a few weeks.
The UKT-528 is a Chinese made tenor ukulele made from all laminate woods, but those laminate pieces are veneered in striking zebrawood. Snail are actually a line of instruments from parent brand Amahi Ukuleles.
It's a standard double bout tenor shaped instrument with a prominently curved base. That curve on the butt of the instrument is something I am seeing more and more and is a look I really do like. It's just subtly different enough to make the ukulele stand out a little I think. The zebrawood is naturally pretty and is veneered in two bookmatched pieces on both the top and the back. The sides of the instrument are also in two pieces and the back is slightly arched. The whole body is finished in a satin coat that allows some of the wood pores to show through avoiding the 'artificial' look of so many ukes at this price point.
A more detailed word about this laminate though, as I really am quite impressed. A glance at the edge of the soundhole will show you that this laminate is really thin. This is a very good thing! You see, most budget manufacturers tend to use laminate which is little more than plywood and is usually overly thick which just kills the tone and volume. I have said it many times before though - I would take good thin laminate over cheap thick solid wood every day of the week. I understand why cheaper brands have to make their solid woods thick - it's because solid wood is fragile and if you are building to a low budget it's frankly easier (read - lazier) to just make them thick to stop them splitting. With laminate though, it's much, much stronger than solid wood so there is really no excuse to not make them thin and resonant. Snail have certainly done this here, and rap on the top with your knuckles shows you how resonant this one is. Top marks.
In fact that top is so thin, looking at the sound hole edge you could be forgiven for thinking it was solid wood. The use of zebrawood veneer on the inside of the instrument too may confuse some people. It really IS laminate though - just good laminate!
Adding to that distinctive zebrawood grain pattern, we have cream edge binding where the top and back meet the sides, and this is complimented on the top with some black and white inlaid edging. We also have a black/white/black sound hole rosette, but I cannot tell if this is inlaid or a transfer under the satin coat. Either way, it looks neat and tidy.
Elsewhere on the top we have a standard shaped rosewood bridge plate in a tie bar style, holding an uncompensated bone saddle.
A look inside the instrument is pleasing too. We have the makers logo on a wooden plate glued to the back, notched kerfing and really delicate looking thin bracing adding to that light touch on the build and hopefully the resonance. There is no mess, no glue drips and no wood shavings. Good quality control in evidence.
Moving up to the neck, this is made from mahogany and in three pieces with a joint at the heel and one at the headstock. It is similarly finished in satin and I love the exaggerated shaping to the heel which is satisfying to touch.
Topping this is an evenly coloured rosewood fingerboard which is nice and dark but does have a couple of finish marks in the face at the body end. Fitted to this are 18 nickel silver frets with 14 to the body joint. They are generally well finished, but the upper frets down the dusty end of the neck could do with a little more tidying. They are not the sharpest fret ends i've ever seen on a ukulele, but worth mentioning. The fretboard edges are not bound, so you do see the fret ends, but they are partially hidden by some wood stain.
Fret markers are provided on the face of the fingerboard in pearloid inlays at the 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th and 15th spaces, with the 12th being a double spot. Sadly there are no side position markers. An easy fix for Snail to consider I think.
The other thing I would point out on the neck is that it is slightly wider at the nut than most Chinese ukuleles at this price point. It's about 36.5mm across, so whilst not the widest nut out there, it's certainly wider. A more standard Chinese nut width is about 35mm. Believe me - if you find your fingers get cramped on certain chords, you WILL notice this extra width and be thankful for it.
We have a bone nut before the attractively shaped Snail headstock. It's little things like the shaping of that headstock, the curved base and the shaping of the neck heel that I like and makes you think that this isn't just a generic cheap ukulele that came off the same production line as so many others. The headstock is faced in more zebrawood veneer and the Snail logo is engraved.
Flipping it over we have another smaller Snail logo engraved in the back, together with a serial number. The tuners are unbranded sealed gears, with all the hardware treated to a gold finish. They work ok, and they have a satisfying stiffness to them with no play. Sadly one of themseems to have a bit of corrosion or staining starting around the cover plate and on the front washers. No biggie though.
Finishing the package is a decent padded gig bag with front pocket, shoulder strap and an embroidered Snail logo. The strings provided are Aquila. And for that, the package will set you back between about £110 and £120 depending where you shop. That is a really attractive price.
Construction feels solid and well made all over the instrument with no issues that I can see. But that thin top and delicate bracing means that it feels anything but over built. This is lightweight, and perfectly balanced at the 12th fret when in the hands without a strap. A very nice ukulele to hold.
The setup on this review model was just as I would like it, particularly at the nut which is the more difficult one to fix. No complaints here.
The first two things that struck me about it on playing was the great volume / projection and the pretty decent sustain. This is definitely one of those instruments that gives you a nice vibration into your chest when you play it. This is of course all down to that choice to use thin woods in the construction and I wish more entry level brands would do it.
It's also very clear across the strings. At first you think it is all brightness and zing (and it certainly has does have a punch to it), but there is bass coming through too creating a satisfying mix of tones. It feels comfortable and suited to both strumming as to picking, although slightly more on the side of strumming for me. Whatever I throw at it, it always sounds crisp and never muddy. Trust me, this is a very satisfying ukulele sound.
Of course it isn't a first class tone that you would get from a professional level instrument, as it lacks that sort of character and shimmer, but this is leagues above most other instruments at this cheaper laminate end of the market. And for a shade over £100 that is pretty remarkable.
I think this Snail is one of those nice things from China that occasionally appear - an instrument maker that knows that laminate doesn't need to be thick and cheaply put together and can sound great with a bit of care an attention. I'd take this one over a host of solid wood ukuleles that are marketed at the same sort of price. In fact I'd take this over a host of solid wood ukes marketed at quite a bit more than this.
I think this makes an excellent first ukulele (and yes, this is the sort of price you should be considering for a first instrument that is serious), and certainly a step up for those of you getting frustrated with your cheap Mahalos and the like.
It's an attactive, well made, punchy, light instrument and deserves your attention. This one really pleased me and I'd buy one!
http://www.amahiukes.com/ukuleles-and-guitars/intermediate-ukuleles
UKULELE PROS
Striking looks
Overall build quality
Nice body shape, and headstock shape
Thin delicate build
Wide nut
Excellent resonance, volume and sustain
UKULELE CONS
No side fret markers
Check on fret dressing if you are buying
UKULELE SCORES
Looks - 9 out of 10
Fit and finish - 8.5 out of 10
Sound - 9 out of 10
Value for money - 9.5 out of 10
OVERALL UKULELE SCORE - 9.0 out of 10
UKULELE VIDEO REVIEW
© Barry Maz
WHY NOT DONATE TO HELP KEEP GOT A UKULELE GOING?
THANKS!
6 Apr 2015
6 Apr 2015T13:04
Snail brand ukuleles are fairly new to me. In fact I have been aware of them for a couple of years, but don't think they were being widely distributed in the UK. That now seems to have changed, and this is available from Omega Music where this one is on loan to me from.
The UKS-220 is a pretty standard shaped and sized soprano ukulele built from laminate wood with a rosewood outer veneer. It comes in at about £99 and includes a gig bag (more on that later).
First things first - this one has, in my opinion, looks to die for. Sure it's a laminate so not solid Rosewood, but the darkness of the outer veneer is not only something slightly unusual in the world of ukuleles, but it contrasts so perfectly with the lighter coloured edge binding that I think it just looks extremely classy.
The body is finished in a satin coating which allows some of the grain pores in the outer veneer to show through the finish. This is a good thing in my view as I am not a fan of laminates that are finished so thoroughly that they almost look fake. This looks like wood. And the finish is pretty flawless too. There isn't a mark or rough spot on it anywhere that I can see.
But let's look at that binding first of all. I must say, it comes as something of a surprise at this price point to see that it is not plastic. It's actually made of individual pieces of contrasting lighter woods set in place. It appears on both the top and back edges and I think looks really, really smart and reminiscent of something from a much higher end instrument.
Around the sound hole too, we have wooden inlay, and not a transfer. It's interesting to see a normal round sound hole here as on some other Snail instruments I have seen, the sound hole has been Snail shaped. I must say, I think this is better for the normal sound hole. I think the snail shaped ones were overly quirky and also looked a little fragile to me.
Otherwise on the top, we have a rosewood tie bar style bridge mount which is very neat and tidy and fitted with a plastic saddle piece. I'd expect plastic at this price, but to be honest I never think they make all that much difference.
The back is very slightly arched, and the sides are made from two pieces.
The quality of construction can also be seen when looking inside the instrument. The bracing and kerfing is neat and thin and a look at the edge of the soundboard shows that this is NOT an over built instrument. That should mean for a light body, better resonance and projection. I particularly liked the makers label inside which is not printed on a paper sticker, but rather is a piece of wood that has the details burned into it in pyrographics.
The neck is made from hardwood and I suppose a little bit of a let down on the looks department when compared to the body. It's made from three pieces, with a joint at the heel and the headstock, but thankfully it is topped with a very nice uniform piece of rosewood for the fingerboard. It's not a bound fingerboard, but fitted very neatly, as are the 14 nickel silver frets which have no rough edges at all.
We have pearloid finger position markers set into the 5th, 7th and 10th spaces, but sadly there are no side markers for the player. Why do they continue to miss those off?
The nut is neat and looks easily removable for adjustment. That's a bonus that I don't think you see enough of on ukuleles and I despise nuts that are layered with loads of gloss and finish as removing them is likely to mess up the finish on the headstock. Not here.
I adore the headstock for a couple of reasons. First, it's faced in that same dark rosewood, but also because it eschews the 'easy' choice of a Martin headstock copy and goes with a shape of it's own. I also like the logo as they didn't go for a transfer, but rather an engraved Snail logo. Flip the headstock over and you have another logo and the serial number, also engraved. Nice.
Tuners seem decent quality and smooth. They are silver sealed but unbranded tuners, but the buttons are small enough and finished in a black rubberised coating which feels nice on the fingers.
Finishing the deal are a set of Aquila New Nylgut strings and a padded gig bag with shoulder straps and a Snail logo. As gig bags go, this is a nice one and a far cry from some of the nylon things you see with cheaper instruments (and better than no bag at all).
So there we have a it. A great price, striking looks, really nice looking construction. How does it sound though?
Well first of all, that light construction makes for a nice balanced light weight instrument. This bodes well.
The first thing that strikes you is an impressive volume for a small laminate instrument. It really does have a good bite to it (a good thing with a soprano) and some reasonable sustain too.
In fact it has a voice that is what you would expect a typical soprano to sound like. Bright, punchy, jumpy and really rather impressive. The setup on this helps, as do the Aquila strings no doubt, but I do think the light construction and thin laminate is coming in to play here. It's resonant, responsive and a lot of fun to play.
Sure, it's not going to win in a contest against a high end solid Hawaiian soprano, but it's not trying to be that sort of instrument. It doesn't have the complex harmonics that those instruments will provide, but it's not a bad tone at all. In fact I've heard worse on more expensive solid wood sopranos which sounded dead. What it is, is a very well made, nice sounding and looking instrument at a great price.
I am finding it hard to fault for the price. Yes, for £100 -£125 ish you can just about get into solid wood ukuleles, but it won't look as nice as this and really, there is nothing wrong with the tone of this. Another fine example of what really can be done with laminates if a company puts the effort and quality control in.
In fact I'll be bolder. Whilst I know that money is tight for many people, I think the days of me recommending £30 ukes are really gone. I mean, £99 for an instrument that plays as well as this does, looks this nice, comes with a gig bag - well really - it's not a huge amount of money for a musical instrument is it?
Highly recommended. Good choice Omega!
Be sure to check out my other ukulele reviews here!
PROS
Looks
Volume
Sustain
Build quality
CONS
No side markers
SCORES
Looks - 9.5
Fit and Finish - 9
Sound - 8
Value For Money - 9
OVERALL - 8.9 Out of 10
VIDEO REVIEW
© Barry Maz
Read More »
Snail UKS-220 Rosewood Soprano Ukulele REVIEW
A new brand for me, and quite a looker. Brought to you by Snail Ukuleles, this is their UKS-220 Rosewood Laminate Soprano. What a nice looking musical instrument!
Snail brand ukuleles are fairly new to me. In fact I have been aware of them for a couple of years, but don't think they were being widely distributed in the UK. That now seems to have changed, and this is available from Omega Music where this one is on loan to me from.
The UKS-220 is a pretty standard shaped and sized soprano ukulele built from laminate wood with a rosewood outer veneer. It comes in at about £99 and includes a gig bag (more on that later).
First things first - this one has, in my opinion, looks to die for. Sure it's a laminate so not solid Rosewood, but the darkness of the outer veneer is not only something slightly unusual in the world of ukuleles, but it contrasts so perfectly with the lighter coloured edge binding that I think it just looks extremely classy.
The body is finished in a satin coating which allows some of the grain pores in the outer veneer to show through the finish. This is a good thing in my view as I am not a fan of laminates that are finished so thoroughly that they almost look fake. This looks like wood. And the finish is pretty flawless too. There isn't a mark or rough spot on it anywhere that I can see.
But let's look at that binding first of all. I must say, it comes as something of a surprise at this price point to see that it is not plastic. It's actually made of individual pieces of contrasting lighter woods set in place. It appears on both the top and back edges and I think looks really, really smart and reminiscent of something from a much higher end instrument.
Around the sound hole too, we have wooden inlay, and not a transfer. It's interesting to see a normal round sound hole here as on some other Snail instruments I have seen, the sound hole has been Snail shaped. I must say, I think this is better for the normal sound hole. I think the snail shaped ones were overly quirky and also looked a little fragile to me.
Otherwise on the top, we have a rosewood tie bar style bridge mount which is very neat and tidy and fitted with a plastic saddle piece. I'd expect plastic at this price, but to be honest I never think they make all that much difference.
The back is very slightly arched, and the sides are made from two pieces.
The quality of construction can also be seen when looking inside the instrument. The bracing and kerfing is neat and thin and a look at the edge of the soundboard shows that this is NOT an over built instrument. That should mean for a light body, better resonance and projection. I particularly liked the makers label inside which is not printed on a paper sticker, but rather is a piece of wood that has the details burned into it in pyrographics.
The neck is made from hardwood and I suppose a little bit of a let down on the looks department when compared to the body. It's made from three pieces, with a joint at the heel and the headstock, but thankfully it is topped with a very nice uniform piece of rosewood for the fingerboard. It's not a bound fingerboard, but fitted very neatly, as are the 14 nickel silver frets which have no rough edges at all.
We have pearloid finger position markers set into the 5th, 7th and 10th spaces, but sadly there are no side markers for the player. Why do they continue to miss those off?
The nut is neat and looks easily removable for adjustment. That's a bonus that I don't think you see enough of on ukuleles and I despise nuts that are layered with loads of gloss and finish as removing them is likely to mess up the finish on the headstock. Not here.
I adore the headstock for a couple of reasons. First, it's faced in that same dark rosewood, but also because it eschews the 'easy' choice of a Martin headstock copy and goes with a shape of it's own. I also like the logo as they didn't go for a transfer, but rather an engraved Snail logo. Flip the headstock over and you have another logo and the serial number, also engraved. Nice.
Tuners seem decent quality and smooth. They are silver sealed but unbranded tuners, but the buttons are small enough and finished in a black rubberised coating which feels nice on the fingers.
Finishing the deal are a set of Aquila New Nylgut strings and a padded gig bag with shoulder straps and a Snail logo. As gig bags go, this is a nice one and a far cry from some of the nylon things you see with cheaper instruments (and better than no bag at all).
So there we have a it. A great price, striking looks, really nice looking construction. How does it sound though?
Well first of all, that light construction makes for a nice balanced light weight instrument. This bodes well.
The first thing that strikes you is an impressive volume for a small laminate instrument. It really does have a good bite to it (a good thing with a soprano) and some reasonable sustain too.
In fact it has a voice that is what you would expect a typical soprano to sound like. Bright, punchy, jumpy and really rather impressive. The setup on this helps, as do the Aquila strings no doubt, but I do think the light construction and thin laminate is coming in to play here. It's resonant, responsive and a lot of fun to play.
Sure, it's not going to win in a contest against a high end solid Hawaiian soprano, but it's not trying to be that sort of instrument. It doesn't have the complex harmonics that those instruments will provide, but it's not a bad tone at all. In fact I've heard worse on more expensive solid wood sopranos which sounded dead. What it is, is a very well made, nice sounding and looking instrument at a great price.
I am finding it hard to fault for the price. Yes, for £100 -£125 ish you can just about get into solid wood ukuleles, but it won't look as nice as this and really, there is nothing wrong with the tone of this. Another fine example of what really can be done with laminates if a company puts the effort and quality control in.
In fact I'll be bolder. Whilst I know that money is tight for many people, I think the days of me recommending £30 ukes are really gone. I mean, £99 for an instrument that plays as well as this does, looks this nice, comes with a gig bag - well really - it's not a huge amount of money for a musical instrument is it?
Highly recommended. Good choice Omega!
Be sure to check out my other ukulele reviews here!
PROS
Looks
Volume
Sustain
Build quality
CONS
No side markers
SCORES
Looks - 9.5
Fit and Finish - 9
Sound - 8
Value For Money - 9
OVERALL - 8.9 Out of 10
To understand my review scoring and see this result in context - visit my review page at
VIDEO REVIEW
© Barry Maz
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